Have you ever considered the impact of a simple medical term on a person's experience? Midwife Jenny Cunningham and Catriona Forbes of a research collective join us to unravel the complex issue of weight stigma in pregnancy.  Jenny shares her path from hands-on midwifery to academic research, while Catriona offers a personal narrative on the stigma she faced as an expectant mother, lending depth to our understanding of these early, often negative categorizations.

Language has power, especially in healthcare, and this episode sheds light on the need for respectful terminology when discussing body weight during maternity care. We've replaced the word "obesity" with "higher weight" to foster a stigma-free environment. Catriona provides invaluable insights into the response from individuals with higher body weights, and together, we discuss the evolution of our research methodology to ensure it's inclusive, community-based, and sensitive to the needs of those it aims to serve. We also tackle the practicalities of prenatal care, such as folic acid dosages and the importance of creating a healthcare environment free from anticipatory anxiety.

Lastly, we navigate the emotionally charged waters of maternity scans and medical conversations about body size. From the choice between induction and cesarean delivery to the importance of transparent and patient-centered communication, we underscore the crucial need for honesty and personalized care in addressing weight-related health risks. As we invite more voices to join our ongoing research, particularly from communities that are often unheard, we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing support for all expectant mothers through respectful dialogue and care.

Want to know more?
https://shameandmedicine.org/maternity-care-for-women-of-a-higher-weight-how-is-shame-experienced/
Contact Jenny  by email k2030248@kingston.ac.uk or DM via twitter or Instagram. Twitter: @djennymidwife  Instagram: @phdjennymidwife   

Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. If you have enjoyed my podcast please do continue to subscribe, rate, review and recommend my podcast on your podcast provider.
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