Licensed family & marriage therapist shares tips for self-advocacy during pregnancy & delivery

You play an integral role in advocating your needs, wishes, and goals during pregnancy and delivery. But with so much information – and, unfortunately, misinformation – available online, coupled with the stress that preparing for a baby can bring, it can be difficult to find your voice when the time comes.

We sat down with licensed family and marriage therapist Jessica Lea, owner of Okeechobee-based therapy office Waves of Change and dedicated community partner at Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition, who shared advice on how to #SpeakUpMom:

Why is advocating for yourself and your family so important during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum experience? Lea: “Advocating for yourself means making sure your voice, needs, and concerns are heard during a time when so much can feel new and overwhelming. You know yourself and your family best, and speaking up helps ensure you can make informed decisions, ask questions, and feel confident in the care you receive.”

How can we best convey our feelings, needs, and goals as we advocate for ourselves? Lea: “Start by being clear about what matters most to you, ask questions when you don't understand something, and don't be afraid to say, ‘Can you help me better understand my options?’ If emotions run high, pause, take a breath, and remind yourself that you can slow the conversation down—you don't have to make every decision in a moment of fear or pressure.”

Where, or to whom, can we turn for support finding our voice and speaking up for our needs? Lea: “You don't have to find your voice alone. Your healthcare providers, doulas, Healthy Start staff, home-visiting professionals, trusted family members, and other people who support you can help you understand your options, prepare questions, and practice speaking up for what you need.”

Interested in learning more? Lea hosts the Coalition’s monthly Motherhood Unfiltered support group, which takes place the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at Waves of Change. All expecting and current moms are welcome, and childcare is provided at no cost during the sessions. 

Lea will also host the Coalition’s upcoming Dinner With a Doula event, where expecting parents can gain practical tips on self-advocacy throughout pregnancy as well as meet with trained labor and postpartum doulas. Dinner With a Doula is free and open to the community and will take place on September 11.

Register online: https://forms.gle/fUHQL2HDQs4iWTSE6