Support for LGBT+ Parents
As a queer doula, I understand some of the challenges of navigating a healthcare system that is designed for a heteronormative experience. Whether you choose to give birth at home or in hospital, it is vital that you feel respected by medical professionals and are comfortable to be yourself.
Doulas can play a role in assisting parents with navigating the healthcare system and helping work through emotions that arise around identity and gender dysphoria.
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These are just a few of the things we can consider and work through together:
- How would you like you, your partner and baby to be addressed? How can we ensure that medical professionals and family/friends are aware of this?
- How do you refer to parts of your body? E.g. do you choose the term chestfeeding or body feeding over breastfeeding?
- Are there any past traumas around your sexuality or gender that you feel would be beneficial to unpack?
- What are some books, podcasts and local baby groups that feel inclusive to your identity?
- Are there any practical considerations that could make a hospital experience more gender-affirming to you, e.g. disposable underwear in a certain style and any pregnancy supplies with more gender-neutral packaging?
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Additional Areas of Support
- Doulas provide a fantastic support for parents and surrogates. They can give invaluable help with conversations about birthing logistics and postpartum support for a surrogate in recovery as well as the new parents.
- Doulas can provide practical and emotional support with induced lactation.
- Doulas can help to unpack emotions around fertility journeys.
Book in an initial call
I offer a free call, which is an opportunity for you to ask me questions about the way I work, tell me more about the kind of support you are looking for and get a feeling for whether we might be a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you!
Me and my resplendent rescue dog Laika