Supporting Women and Families with Disabilities: A Journey of Compassion, Curiosity, and Inclusivity

I remember the first time I supported a pregnant mother with a disability online. As a former nurse, I felt my insecurities rising to the surface, telling me I should know everything about her condition and how to manage it. If I had listened to that internal voice, I would have missed the opportunity to truly connect with her. Instead, I came to the conversation with a beginner's mind. I listened. I asked questions. I met her as a soul, a woman, and a mother—not as a diagnosis. What unfolded was a beautiful experience, one that still moves me to tears when I think about it.

That moment transformed me as a doula, a friend, and a woman. It reminded me that I didn’t need to know everything. What mattered most was being present, offering compassion, and listening with an open heart. It taught me that true support is about meeting people where they are and honoring their journey. This experience shaped my approach to working with women and families with disabilities, and it’s something I carry with me every day.

In Episode 102 of our podcast, Supporting Mothers with Disabilities Through Pregnancy and Beyond, we explore how birth workers can create a more inclusive, compassionate space for mothers with disabilities. In this inspiring conversation with Kelsey Cooper, the host of the Disabled Birth Stories podcast, we dive into the importance of listening, learning, and approaching care with respect and curiosity.

1. Creating Inclusive Spaces in Birth Work

Creating more inclusive spaces in the birthing world is essential. Too often, women with disabilities are overlooked or misunderstood within healthcare systems that aren't designed to meet their unique needs. Kelsey’s work with Disabled Birth Story is changing that by providing a platform for disabled mothers to share their stories and experiences, helping birth workers and healthcare providers learn what true inclusive care looks like.

Inclusive care goes beyond physical accommodations—it’s about seeing each mother as a whole person, not just their disability. It’s about creating an environment where every woman feels loved, respected, and supported during her pregnancy and beyond.

2. Listening with Compassion and Curiosity

One of the key takeaways from my experience and Kelsey’s insights is the importance of listening. We don’t need to have all the answers, but we do need to be open to asking questions and learning from the mothers and families we work with. Each journey is unique, and by approaching each mother with curiosity and compassion, birth workers can create a space where these women feel empowered.

Listening with compassion means meeting mothers where they are, respecting their experiences, and letting them guide the care they receive. When we listen deeply, we create opportunities for trust and understanding, which leads to more meaningful support.

3. Disability Does Not Define a Person

A crucial message from Kelsey Cooper’s work is that disability does not define a person. Each mother is more than her diagnosis, and her journey deserves to be supported with the same love and respect as any other mother’s. When birth workers recognize the person beyond the disability, they empower mothers and families to embrace their unique paths to parenthood.

4. Embracing a Learning Mindset

As birth workers, it’s vital to embrace a learning mindset. Kelsey encourages us to remember that it’s okay not to know everything. We must approach our work with humility and a willingness to grow. This mindset allows us to build stronger relationships with the families we support and create an environment where everyone feels safe to share their experiences.

In this spirit of openness, we can ask questions, seek truth, and uncover the blind spots that may exist in our understanding of disability and parenthood. This journey of exploration ultimately enriches our work and helps us provide better care to all families.

Conclusion: The Power of Compassionate Support

In conclusion, supporting women and families with disabilities during pregnancy and beyond requires compassion, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. As Kelsey Cooper beautifully shares in her work, every story matters, and every mother deserves to feel seen, heard, and empowered.

With this conversation, we've also created a resource featuring some trusted connections to further support families navigating this journey.

Support.pdf

Download PDF • 90KB

By listening to these stories and learning from our experiences, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment in the birthing world. Let’s come together as birth workers, families, and communities to uplift and empower mothers with disabilities.

Thank you for joining us on this important journey. For more insights, stories, and resources, listen to our podcast, and feel free to reach out with questions or to share your story at kelseycooper@disabledbirthstories.com.

Love,

Danielle