Top 5 Tips for Moms to Ensure They are Heard During Doctor's/Maternal health Appointments
Hey there Mama!
Are you a Mama who often feels like you're not being heard at the doctor's office or anywhere you receive your maternal health care? Well, I've got some tips for you to make sure you get the care and attention you deserve.
So grab your coffee or tea and let's chat about the top 5 things you can do to make sure you feel heard during your next maternal health visit or doctor's appointment.
1. Speak up: Don't be afraid to voice your concerns and ask questions. After all, it's your body and your health that we're talking about here. If you have any doubts or uncertainties, don't hesitate to raise them with your doctor. Easier said than done right, but this may require a mindset change for some. This starts with not seeing your maternal health care provider as someone above you or as an authority figure, instead see them as a knowledgeable travel guide one that is human and can make mistakes, so that means your opinion, experience and story is just as valuable as their expertise.
2. Prepare in advance: Before your appointment, take some time to jot down any symptoms, questions, or concerns you have. This will help keep you focused and ensure that you cover everything you wanted to discuss. Don't waste you first initial appointments when getting to know your provider, ask the hard questions about their systems and processes for when something may go wrong such as a complication or if they can't be reached. Most moms wait till an adverse event actually happens to get this information.
3. Be specific: It's important to be as specific as possible when describing your symptoms. Don't be afraid to use descriptive words or provide examples. The more information you give, the better your doctor can understand and diagnose your condition. You can also be specific about how you are feeling about something occuring during your healthcare interaction. Feeling disrespected, unheard? Be specific and state this calmly and respectfully and if needed ask to speak to someone in a position of authority to hear your needs like a clinic manager, director, social worker or patient advocate.
4. Bring a friend or family member: Sometimes, having an extra set of ears can be helpful in making sure you haven't missed anything during the appointment. Plus, it's always nice to have some support and company during a potentially stressful situation. I especially recommend this for BIPOC women you can also just have someone on speaker on your mobile device, especially when not feeling comfortable or having to go to a new hospital urgently.
5. Take notes: It can be overwhelming to remember everything that was discussed during a doctor's appointment. So don't hesitate to take notes, whether it's on paper or your phone. This will help you remember important details and instructions later on. Then be sure to repeat back a summary of what you understand, and have the provider confirm for accuracy of your understanding.
By following these tips, you'll be sure to have a successful and productive doctor's or maternal health appointment where you feel heard and understood. Here's to taking charge of your health Mama!
