How to Advocate for Yourself in Postpartum Care—Even When It’s Hard
You shouldn’t have to fight to be heard—especially after giving birth.
But far too many Black and Brown parents know what it’s like to speak up… and be ignored.
Whether it's asking for help with pain, bringing up mood changes, or simply saying “something doesn’t feel right,” our concerns are often brushed off or questioned. And that silence—that dismissal—can be just as painful as the symptoms themselves.
Advocating for yourself in the postpartum period shouldn't be a battle—but when it is, you deserve tools and support.
Why Speaking Up Can Feel So Hard
If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself in a doctor’s office or felt too tired to push back, it’s not just in your head. Here’s what many of us are up against:
Medical bias that dismisses our pain or assumes we’re exaggerating
Fear of judgment or retaliation—especially when being honest about emotional struggles
Cultural pressure to “be strong” and not complain
Generational trauma from experiences of mistreatment in medical spaces
A broken system that doesn’t center our healing
When you've learned that advocating might come with consequences, of course it feels risky. But your voice still matters—and your body and mind are worth protecting.
What Advocacy Looks Like in Postpartum Care
Advocating doesn’t always mean being loud or confrontational. Sometimes it looks like:
Saying, “No, that doesn’t feel right to me.”
Asking for another opinion or requesting a different provider
Bringing a partner, friend, or doula with you to appointments
Writing down your symptoms or concerns so you don’t minimize them in the moment
Speaking up even when your voice shakes
It’s okay to take up space. It’s okay to ask for better. You are not “difficult.” You are advocating for your life.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
The truth is, advocating is exhausting when you’re doing it by yourself—especially in the midst of postpartum recovery.
That’s where support comes in. Therapy can be a place where you rehearse the words, process the fear, and reconnect to your power. And when needed, your provider can help write letters, coordinate care, or stand beside you while you speak up.
You shouldn’t have to carry the emotional labor of healing and self-protection alone.
A Few Phrases You Can Use
💬 “I know my body, and something feels off.”
💬 “Can you explain that in more detail before I decide?”
💬 “I’m not comfortable with that approach. What are my other options?”
💬 “I’d like to bring in someone I trust to help me process this.”
💬 “I need a moment before moving forward.”
These are not confrontational—they’re clear, grounded, and assertive. And they’re yours to use.
You Deserve to Be Heard—and Helped
At Resilient Roots Counseling & Consulting, we believe your voice is powerful, your story is valid, and your care should reflect that.
If you’re navigating a postpartum journey that feels heavy, confusing, or unsupported, we’re here to walk with you. Together, we can explore what it means to advocate with care, courage, and community.
Let’s make space for your voice.
Ready to be heard? Click here to schedule a consultation.
You don’t have to fight for your healing alone.
