Big Fat Pregnancy Blog
Your Size-Inclusive OB or Midwife Isn’t On-Call?
Pregnancy is a unique journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and, often, a lot of careful planning. For individuals who desire size-inclusive healthcare, finding an understanding and supportive OB or midwife can be a crucial aspect of their pregnancy journey.
Certified Doula vs. Uncertified Doula: Debunking the Myths
When it comes to pregnancy and childbirth, many expectant parents turn to doulas for support during this transformative journey. Doulas, with their unwavering dedication and physical and emotional support, can make a significant difference in a birthing experience.
Navigating the Grief and Healing of a Miscarriage
Life has a way of unfolding in unexpected and often heartbreaking ways. The journey of pregnancy can be filled with joy, anticipation, and dreams of a beautiful future with your little one. But sometimes, despite all the love and care in the world, nature takes a different course, leading to the unimaginable – a miscarriage.
Prepare for a Positive Cesarean Birth: Tips & Insights
Hey there, amazing parents-to-be and birth partners! Today, we're diving into a topic that's often surrounded by myths and misconceptions but holds immense power for birthing families: the Cesarean birth. Whether you're considering an elective C-section or have unexpectedly shifted from a pelvic birth plan to a C-section, we've got you covered with insights, tips, and the nurturing support you need.
Self-Care for Doulas: Prevent Burnout & Stay Energized
Welcome, fellow doulas and compassionate souls, to a topic that hits close to home – self-care for doulas. If you're reading this, chances are you understand the incredible privilege and responsibility that comes with being invited into the intimate and raw process of bringing a baby into this world. It's a journey filled with emotions, vulnerability, and profound connections.
Eating During Pregnancy: Nourishment Not Weight Loss
Hello, wonderful readers! Today, we're diving into a topic that so many of our clients bring up during consultations and prenatal appointments: eating during pregnancy and postpartum. This journey is nothing short of magical, but it's also a time when there's a lot of advice swirling around, especially when it comes to weight and body changes.
Labor Positions to Support Delivering in a Larger Body
Welcoming new life into the world is a magnificent dance of strength and vulnerability that unites the mind, body, and soul. For those with larger bodies, the path to childbirth is a unique experience that deserves compassion, understanding, and tailored support. Today, we're diving into labor positions and adaptations that can make a big difference for those birthing in larger bodies. We'll explore how to adapt common equipment, discover options for labor positions, and highlight the indispensable role of doulas in providing physical and emotional support during labor.
Fat and Fearless: Overcoming Weight Stigma During Pregnancy
Hello there, beautiful souls! Today, let's dive into a topic that's close to my heart and often left unaddressed: the incredible journey of pregnancy for fat folks! Yes, you heard that right! We're here to celebrate the beauty, strength, and resilience of every body, because guess what? Being fat and fearless during pregnancy is something to be embraced and cherished. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let's explore how we can address weight stigma while embarking on your journey to parenthood.
Hire a Size Inclusive Doula: 5 Interview Questions to Ask
Greetings, lovely souls! Today, I'm excited to explore a subject that is the foundation of the work we do here at Big Fat Pregnancy: Size inclusive doula work! We want the world to know the positive impact hiring a size inclusive doula who genuinely comprehends and uplifts your one-of-a-kind journey can be!
Navigating Body Shaming and Unsolicited Advice
Let's dive into a topic that many of us have encountered: body shaming and unsolicited advice, especially during pregnancy. It's unfortunate that in a time of such wonder and anticipation, some individuals feel the need to impose their opinions on others. But fear not, for we're here to explore how to navigate these waters while prioritizing your own well-being and self-esteem.
Health at Every Size (HAES®): Framework, Principles & Impact
Hey there, my marvelous readers! Today, we're diving into a topic that's not just about respecting size diversity, but also about challenging the systems that keep anti-fat bias alive and well – it's Health at Every Size®, or HAES® for short.
Nurture Pregnancy Journey: Self-Advocacy with a HAES® Lens
Hey there, curious souls and soon-to-be parents! Today, let's embark on a journey of empowerment and self-discovery – because guess what? Pregnancy isn't just about cravings and baby kicks. It's also a time to step into your own power and advocate for yourself, and we at Big Fat Pregnancy believe this can be done all while embracing the Health at Every Size® (HAES®) perspective. So, grab a cozy blanket and a cup of soothing tea, and let's dive into the art of self-advocacy during pregnancy!
Exploring Fat Liberation and Weight-Based Oppression
Let’s delve into the framework of fat liberation, celebrate key players in this movement, and shed light on the insidious nature of weight-based oppression that affects individuals during pregnancy. While one goal of fat liberation is to recognize the value and beauty of all body types, not only breaking free from society's unrealistic beauty standards, it is also about uncovering, challenging, and advocating for changes to the systems that deeply impact the lives of fat folks daily.
Postpartum Planning: Important Registry Must Haves
Congratulations on embarking on this beautiful journey of parenthood! The joy of welcoming a newborn into your life is beyond compare, but it also brings new challenges. As a doula, a mom, and a firm believer in the power of postpartum support, I am here to share some valuable insights into the most important thing you need to add to your postpartum plan and baby registry: postpartum support.
Postpartum Essentials with Size Friendly Options
Postpartum is a crucial period for gestational parents as they recover from the childbirth process and adjust to life with a newborn. It can be a challenging time, both physically and emotionally, and having the right postpartum essentials can make a big difference in easing the transition.
Should I Hire a Doula for a C-section?
While a doula may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning for a cesarean birth, they can provide a wealth of support and resources during this important time. Whether you are looking for emotional support, practical assistance, or someone to help you navigate the medical system, a doula is a valuable support during a cesarean birth!
The Fat Positive Difference: Working with Size Inclusive Doulas at Big Fat Pregnancy
What is a fat positive doula? What can I expect? Working with a size inclusive doula who accepts your body just the Big Fat Pregnancy focuses on supporting an identity often shamed and de-emphasized during pregnancy, fatness.
Four Tips to Help You Find a Size Inclusive Pregnancy Provider
Big Fat Pregnancy's top four tips for plus size pregnant people to making finding a size inclusive provider easier! Includes questions to ask, tips for pre-work, and ways to prepare before stepping foot in a providers office!
All Birth is Natural
You may have heard people say “I want/had a natural birth” or "I believe in natural birth". Let me pause there and say..... All Birth Is Natural.
Chestfeeding While Fat
It never ceases to amaze me that when I start to research for a post like this, how obscenely fatphobic the birth world is. For example, I did a google scholar search on “Fat” and “breastfeeding*” and most of what comes up relates to losing weight while nursing, how to avoid weight gain, or how ob*se people are unable to chestfeed. UGH.