Statistics show that black women face higher risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. These disparities underscore the importance of self-advocacy in ensuring a healthy and positive pregnancy experience. Knowing this, I felt it was necessary to discuss why advocating for yourself within healthcare systems is instrumental in your pregnancy journey. I myself have been in positions where I have had to speak up when I felt like I wasn’t receiving the care I needed. Fortunately, these occasions have been few and on the whole, I received excellent maternal care during my pregnancies. However there are still so many women, black women in particular, that are made to feel unheard and marginalised in our healthcare services. This should never happen. Being your own advocate can help combat this by empowering you to assert your needs, ask questions and seek second opinions when necessary. It gives you the stage for your voice to be heard. Highlighting this topic will hopefully empower mamas and mamas to be with confidence, knowledge and strategies to advocate for yourself effectively and safeguard your maternal health.
1. Understanding the Importance of Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy means taking charge of your health and well-being by making informed decisions, communicating your needs and ensuring your voice is heard. During pregnancy, this becomes even more critical as your health directly impacts the health of your baby.
Here are some reasons why self-advocacy is essential in your maternal care:
It creates a pathway for personalised care: Black women are often generalised and categorised in maternal health. It’s important to acknowledge that every pregnancy is unique and your ethnicity is only part of your story. Advocating for yourself helps ensure that your care is tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Reduces bias and disparities: Healthcare bias occurs when healthcare providers assumptions and stereotypes influence the care they provide. This can lead to misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment and a lack of attention to your concerns. Bias can be conscious or unconscious, but its effects are real and significant. Recognising and addressing healthcare bias is vital for your well-being and that of your baby. Being proactive in your maternal care and speaking out can help mitigate the impact of systemic biases and disparities in healthcare.
Improve health outcomes: Self-advocacy transforms passive recipients of care into active participants. This engagement leads to better communication, personalised and timely care, reduced errors and misdiagnosis. Additionally, it can lead to healthcare services becoming more aware and sensitive to cultural differences. It raises an awareness to the disparities we, as black women face. This can help to inspire change in policy and practice which, in turn, can improve health outcomes.
2. Knowing When to Advocate
Recognising situations where you need to speak up is just as important as having the confidence to do so.
Here are some scenarios where self-advocacy is necessary:
Feeling unheard or dismissed: If you feel that your concerns are being dismissed or not taken seriously, then it’s time to advocate for yourself! Your feelings and symptoms are valid and deserve attention. This also applies for unexplained symptoms. If you’re experiencing symptoms that are worrying or unusual for you, don’t hesitate to seek clarity and insist on thorough examinations and explanations. It’s your right.
Discomfort with treatment: You have the right to refuse treatment if you are uncomfortable or unsure about the proposed intervention. Ask questions, explore alternative options; make sure you feel confident and well informed with any decision you make regarding your antenatal care. You should be offered detailed explanations and further educational resources regarding any aspect of your pregnancy or upcoming procedures.
3. Strategies for Effective Self-Advocacy
Educate yourself: Pregnancy is a unique experience and I know for me, I wanted to learn anything and everything about it. Educate yourself on symptoms, common complications, and your rights within the healthcare system. Knowledge is power! Use resources such as books, credible websites and support groups to support you in your journey.
Prepare questions: Have you ever walked away from a situation and thought, “I should have asked that“? It happens to the best of us. Before appointments, prepare a list of questions or concerns you may have. This ensures you cover all the topics you want to discuss and will give you peace of mind.
Have someone there to support you: Having a trusted person with you during your appointments can provide emotional support. They can also help you to communicate your needs and can be a source of comfort.
Communicate clearly: Be direct and assertive in expressing your concerns and wishes. Use “I” statements such as “I feel” or “I am concerned about” or “I wish to”. Expressing yourself clearly can help make sure your voice is heard.
Seek second opinions: There is nothing wrong with you getting a second opinion from another professional practitioner regarding any aspect of your care, this includes diagnosis or treatment plan. Some cases may be complex, where there are multiple medical conditions. A second opinion from a specialist or expert can provide specialised insights and recommendations. Your peace of mind and confidence is paramount.
Your pregnancy is a journey that deserves the utmost care and respect. By advocating for yourself, you are doing all that is in your power to ensure your voice is heard and that your care needs are met; paving the way for a healthier, more empowered pregnancy. Remember you are not alone and there is a community of support ready to uplift and stand by you. Embrace your power, trust your instincts and advocate for the quality of care care you deserve.
If you have any questions or need further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to local pregnancy support groups or trusted healthcare professionals. Your journey to motherhood is unique, beautiful and a time that is dear to the heart. You have the right to experience it with dignity, respect and the best care possible.
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