Connection and Possibility in Perinatal Care

In this conversation, Justine Leach, Ph.D. and Sarah Adelmann, L.M.H.C., explore the themes of connection, vulnerability, and trust within the context of perinatal healthcare, particularly in pregnancy and birth. Sarah begins with a quote by President Barack Obama from his book A Promised Land. They discuss the importance of deep listening from OBs and midwives, and the challenges of building trust in a hospital system that often feels disconnected. The conversation emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to recognize the weight of the questions they ask and the vulnerability being demanded of their clients and patients, advocating for a more compassionate and present approach to care. Keywords: connection, vulnerability, healthcare, trust, birth, trauma, listening, trauma-informed care, maternity care, prenatal care. Takeaways Connection is vital for emotional well-being. Trust is built through deep listening and presence. Vulnerability requires an invitation from the provider. Healthcare providers must recognize the weight of their questions. Patients often feel they have no choice but to comply. The presence of the provider can create a safe space for vulnerability. Healing can begins with believing in another’s ability to heal. Providers should honor the weight of stories behind patient’s answers to their questions. It's essential to meet clients where they are emotionally.   Sound Bites "There's a physical feeling, a current of emotion." "We are all connected and our voices matter." "I didn't know I could use my voice."   Chapters 00:00 The Power of Connection 05:40 Building Trust in Healthcare 11:12 Vulnerability and Invitation 16:11 The Weight of Disclosure 21:45 Recognizing Vulnerability in Questions 27:01 The Role of Presence in Care 30:31 Possibilities Through Connection   On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals. Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic. Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience. Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence. Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals