Top 4 things to consider when looking for a provider / guide on your journey
A few weeks ago we discussed pathogenic vs salutogenic for healthcare. Keep this in mind when looking for guides and providers on your health and wellness journey.
You see when it comes to healthcare in the medical model of pathogenic medicine. Your doctor likely is not wrong in how they diagnose you, they are working within the resources that they are given. Pathogenic healthcare, medicine, surgery, definitely has its time and place. I truly believe it has its time and place and would be grateful to need it as a last resort, but if there is a true health and wellness aspect that can make all the difference I want to try that first over some pill or potion that is supposed to be the next big thing to help me.
When I was living abroad I got really really sick for about 2 weeks. I could not get out of bed. I was vomiting and nauseous all day. My diet was saltine crackers, power-ade, and frozen ice pops.. Not the best case scenario to support my body, but it was all I knew and all I could tolerate. I went to one of the best gastroenterologist doctors in all of Singapore, my gut was telling me something was going on with my liver. He did some blood work and ultrasounds with no real answers. His only response was food poisoning from the fried rice I ate as my last meal (and no I have not eaten fried rice since lol)... I knew something was wrong, but he continues to look at me like a nut. I told him my reasoning for feeling like it was more than just food poisoning and that my urine was the most dark yellow I have ever seen despite all the water I was still drinking. I felt so unheard.
Have you ever felt that way from a provider? Someone you want to trust? Someone you are supposed to trust?
When looking for or interviewing a provider/guide. I would suggest looking at these things:
As women we have a super power that we do not use often enough… Our power to trust our gut and instincts. If something smells wrong, if something feels off, if our head, heart, are saying no, listen! Trust your instincts on this one. You need to feel safe and guided on this journey.
Think of this first visit as a job interview where you are the boss. Do you want to work with them? Do they seem to have the qualifications you are looking for? Don't be afraid to make a list of things you are looking for in the provider/guide before you meet with them. To treat it like an interview is great because if you do not like them, you are not married to them, ditch them lol. It is perfectly acceptable. As a health care provider and now preconception guide I know first hand that not everyone is meant to work with me. Should they do this work? Likely, but I know I can’t be everyone's cup of team. Do not suffer through terrible health, pregnancy or birth when you have a bad gut feeling about them. This is about you and your journey and it is acceptable to not choose the first, second, or third person you chat with.
Are you looking for them to have good bedside manner? Are you looking for compassion from them? Should they be kind and friendly? Do they need to be good listeners? Does bedside manner outweigh knowledge or is knowledge more important. I have known some terrific doctors and providers who were super brilliant but their bedside manner made it more challenging to work with them.
When you interviewed them, did they answer your questions or leave you with more questions? Did they dodge your questions? Did they give you honest answers?
If they can not provide you with the answers you are looking for. If they dodge the questions. Run! You want someone who can be open and honest with you. Granted there can still be really really really good bullshitters that get through the questions. But remember step number 1, trust your gut ;)
Take your hubby/partner with you to the appointments. Men have good instincts in a different way.
I always feel in relationships there is one person that is the master negotiator and bullshit picker upper… if that isn't you make sure he comes…and if it is neither of you… bring your bullshit detecting bestie for the ride.
Remember you are in charge! This is your journey! This is your health! Trust yourself in this process! You can never go wrong on this journey! You got this!
This week: 3/26 at 7 pm Virtual Infertility Workshop with focus on both men and women's health
This week: 3/28 Dr. Brittany shares her motherhood journey on Vibrant Beginnings Podcast
Next week: 4/1 Launch of Mindset Metamorphosis
For more details on any of these please feel free to message me. Have a beautiful week ahead. And if you celebrate Easter… Happy Easter <3
