The “Your Story” Series
This week we are sharing the story of Jen McLellan, known for her work in advocacy for plus size birth. We discuss this week how the stigmas that those in larger bodies receive in health care, and the lack of willingness from medical providers to see plus size bodies as beautiful, strong, worthy and equal to other bodies, leads to an increase in poor medical care. This can range from inappropriate touch, exaggerating statistics of high risk, making inappropriate recommendations of weight loss due to the doctor’s own bias or denial of natural childbirth.
Our theme in this season is understanding how our internal dialogue and core beliefs impact our body image and body story and we love how Jen spoke on this in her interview this week by sharing how she first had to own the mantra “I am worthy of good health care” in order to then advocate for herself to find and receive the health care that respected her body. This is such an important point to make because healing our relationship with our bodies always has two parts: one is personal and the other is societal.
While our podcast, Jen’s podcast, and so much of the #bodypositivity on social media is aimed towards healing society, we know that that is a huge mountain to climb. And so, the healing that comes from within is the ultimate first step. Do YOU believe you are worthy, that your body is worthy of care, and that you are worthy of being an amazing Mom, no matter what your body looks like? Phew, those are your journal prompts for this week and we hope that listening to Jen’s story will inspire you in your process!
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