In a world that often categorizes people and events in a binary manner, those who fall beyond the binary often face unseen challenges. Family planning, reproductive care, and birth are no exceptions.
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with doula, childbirth educator and board-certified music therapist, Beth Hardy about supporting Queer, Trans, Non-Binary Folks in Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum. Beth discusses why some queer, trans, and non-binary folks may avoid seeking medical assistance during the process of getting pregnant, throughout their pregnancy, and birth. Beth also talks about the importance of finding the right birth team, including how to help hospital staff keep the birthing space feeling safe and supportive for a laboring person.
In this episode you will learn:
- About Beth, how she got started in birth work and why she focuses on LGBTQIA+ families.
- What LGBTQIA+ stands for.
- The difference between sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Family Planning: Barriers queer, trans, non-binary folks may face when seeking reproductive care.
- How to find a donor.
- Working with a fertility clinic.
- Moving through the process of getting pregnant.
- What is a fertility doula?
- The study Transgender Noninclusive Healthcare and Delaying Care Because of Fear: Connections to General Health and Mental Health Among Transgender Adults and why some queer, trans, non-binary folks end up not seeking medical support.
- The importance of finding the right birth team.
- Challenges queer, trans, non-binary folks may face when choosing a care provider and place to birth. and suggestions in finding the right fit.
- Suggestions Beth has for a birth team so that hospital staff is supportive of a queer, trans, non-binary birthing person.
- Suggestions for birth workers and care providers on how to be sensitive and supportive to non-traditional families.
- Transgender folks geting supportive lactation support.
- What a queer family may want to look for when choosing a birthing class.
- Resources for queer, trans, non-binary folks who are heading into pregnancy, birth, and parenthood.
- A tip/piece of advice Beth would like to offer new and expectant parents
- Where can people find your work ?
About Beth Hardy:
Beth Hardy is a doula, childbirth educator and board-certified music therapist. Beth identifies as queer and specializes in supporting LGBTQIA+ families through the family-building journey. She is the mom of two kids and lives in Salt Lake City, UT.
Additional Resources:
- HRC Glossary of Terms
- Obstetric Medicine: Transgender Men & Pregnancy
- Trans Fertility Co
- Transgender Parents & Breastfeeding- Kelly Mom
- Happy Milk LGBTQIA Resources
- What to Read When Your Queer and Expecting: 6 Books That Smash the Patriarchy
- Masculine Birth Ritual
- All Pregnant People: Trans Birth for Birth Workers
- MAIA: LGBTQ Health Care Professional Training
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Connect with Beth:
Instagram: @birthsmarter & @hearttonesbirth
Websites: www.BirthSmarter.com & www.HeartTonesBirth.com
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Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter
Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center
