EBB 348 - Best Practices for Size-Inclusive Birth Care with Jen McLellan of Plus Size Birth

Jen McLellan, founder of Plus Size Birth and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast, is joining Dr. Dekker to explore how birth workers can provide compassionate, size-inclusive care for people in larger bodies. Jen shares her journey to founding Plus Size Birth, the impact of size bias in healthcare, and practical advice for both expectant parents and birth professionals. Together, they discuss how to challenge assumptions about plus-size pregnancies, the importance of self-advocacy, and how to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all bodies during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

 

(01:41) Jen’s Journey to Founding Plus Size Birth

(03:42) Misconceptions About Plus-Size Pregnancy

(07:35) The Effects of Weight Bias in Healthcare

(10:09) Navigating Healthcare as a Plus-Size Person

(14:36) Tips for Birth Workers to Provide Size-Inclusive Care

(17:46) The Power of Language in Size-Inclusive Care

(24:06) The Impact of Healthcare Bias on Other Areas

(28:50) The Challenge of Anesthesia for Plus-Size People

(33:09) Addressing Bias in Fertility and Pregnancy

(43:40) The Future of Ozempic and Weight Loss in Pregnancy

(46:17) Empowering People Through Size-Inclusive Support

(50:47) Body Image and Advocacy

 

Resources

• Get the Plus Size Pregnancy Guide and Audio Book here.
• Sign up for the Size-Friendly Birth Course for Birth Professionals here.
• Tune in to the Plus Mommy Podcast here.

For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.