Should we consider using inclusive and affirming language when discussing birth and parenting? A resounding yes, and let me tell you why. When I got into birthwork, I already knew that affirming and inclusive language would be the platform I worked from. Inclusive language at a baseline harms no one, we are holding space for each person's identity.

My number one advice to clients is not to overpack! The hospital has all the underwear, pads, baby diapers (yours too!), peri bottles, and even nursing pumps that you could ever need. I do advise that you make sure you know what your individual birthing place provides for the birthing person, baby, and family as each birthing place is different.

During prenatal visits with clients I always go over what tools I bring with me to support you while in labor. I ensure to both bring a balance of tools and also remind clients that a doula's presence is a huge part of what we do, it's not all the hands on tools. With our presence we bring support, education, and are expert space holders!

Supporting bodies of all shapes and sizes through all forms of reproductive health should not be a radical idea… but, here we are. So how can birth workers be the best advocates possible for humans of all body sizes and particularly fat birthers?