Mum's Devastating Pregnancy Experience Highlights Weight-Shaming in Healthcare

Weight-shaming during pregnancy: A Queensland mother's story highlights the need for more compassionate care. A first-time mother, Emily Chamberlain, from regional Queensland, recently shared her experience of feeling devastated by constant comments about her weight from doctors and nurses during her pregnancy. "Falling pregnant took us a little while so when we did, it already felt like such a miracle," she said. However, this miracle was overshadowed by the negative comments that impacted her mental health. Professor Leonie Callaway, an obstetric physician, stated, "We do not improve any health outcomes by making people feel bad about themselves." Dr Briony Hill, a health psychology researcher, added that this type of weight-shaming can have long-lasting consequences, including depression and anxiety for the mother, and negative outcomes for the baby. This story underscores the need for a more empathetic and supportive approach to maternity care, focusing on the overall health and well-being of pregnant women, rather than solely on weight.