S2, Ep6: LGBTQ+ Healthcare: Transgender Pregnancy and Birth with Jacoby Ballard

On this episode of the podcast we speak with Jacoby Ballard on LGBTQ+ healthcare and transgender pregnancy and birth. What does it mean to be transgender or non-binary? And what would it be like to go through pregnancy, birth and recovery being transgender male or non-binary? We dive into the real-lived experience of pregnancy, birth, and recovery while trans or non-binary with the incredible Jacoby. He opens up about his own experiences and also shares about his work in the perinatal space as a prenatal yoga instructor.As birth professionals, it is our job to support our clients and patients through the transformative journey of pregnancy, birth and recovery. Jacoby talks about the vocabulary of inclusivity in the perinatal space, and discusses options to self-educate about working with queer expecting parents. We also discuss how to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks in the birth work and what to do when you mistakenly do or say something offensive to a queer client.Transgendered people face a higher rate of harassment which is increased in the perinatal space because of how gender is ingrained into the social norms of pregnancy, birth and parenthood. They are also more likely to delay seeking medical help when needed due to fear of discrimination.As this group, more often than not, feels unwelcomed, excluded or unsupported in the perinatal space, it is important that we open our hearts, listen, learn, grow and learn how to do better. This discussion brings important inclusion issues to light and we touch upon how we can show up, even if imperfectly, with the love and support that every human being deserves.Website: https://jacobyballard.net Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobyballard/Show notes: http://jacobyballard.net/book/