My first birth experience taught me a hard lesson. Because I have PCOS, a history of pregnancy loss, and previous placental complications, I knew I needed a care team that understood the risks and took my concerns seriously.
Looking back, there were red flags I ignored. The red flags were relational. I was made to feel like my questions were an inconvenience and that I was overthinking everything. I didn’t always feel heard. And instead of feeling like a partner in my care, I often felt like I should stay quiet and go along with the plan. This led to a traumatic labor I’ve been processing for years!
Finding the Right Care Team
Before getting pregnant again, I built the right medical team. I worked with specialists who understood infertility, PCOS, pregnancy loss, and my history of placental complications. They helped me prepare for pregnancy with confidence by going through a process that checked all the boxes to support a healthy delivery and baby.
The right team looks at your whole history! Due to my previous placental complications during labor, my doctor immediately discussed ways to reduce risk in a future pregnancy. One recommendation was low-dose aspirin. That conversation alone showed me how differently this team approached my care. And during this pregnancy, I had no placental problems! I also experienced more hip pain this time around, so my doctor recommended pelvic floor therapy early, which relieved my pain within a few weeks. Everything I voiced was taken seriously! And that’s how I knew things would be different this time around.
The Care Team I Built
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility: Before conceiving, to prepare my body.
- OB team: Once pregnancy was confirmed, to begin monitoring early.
Integrative medicine: To ensure my metabolic health was in tiptop shape. - Pelvic floor therapy
- Acupuncture: First trimester, and prenatal massages starting in the second trimester.
- A doula: Starting in the second trimester onward.
- Periodontist: For quarterly cleanings because gums can become inflamed during pregnancy.
- A postpartum chef: Ensuring ease before delivery and during postpartum. Support isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessary part of the plan!
The right providers don’t just react to problems. They look ahead, identify risks, and help prevent complications before they happen. They care, period! Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, especially as you get to the finish line.
The Biggest Lesson?
Your relationship with your healthcare providers is a partnership.
- Ask questions.
- Advocate for yourself.
- Trust your instincts.
- You deserve care that makes you feel safe, seen, and supported!