The topic of abortion and abortion care remains complicated for many people. Even those of us who support abortion always have space for learning more and challenging our boundaries. Great care has gone into curating these resources to demonstrate a wide spectrum of options and support for people having abortions, and those that love and support them.
Looking for quality information about herbal abortion can be challenging, especially when it’s difficult to know what to trust on the internet. This curated list has accurate and helpful information about using plant medicine for abortion (from sources other than myself). I don’t necessarily agree with all the writing below, but most of it is solid information and advice that won’t hurt you.
Miscarriage is one of the most common reproductive experiences we have, with as many as 1 in 2 - 1 in 4 pregnancies ending in miscarriage. Despite its commonality, it is not the most widely spoken about in social circles and support people may find themselves in need of additional resources to help them understand the nuances of the miscarriage experience.
Looking at our fertility is one of the most vital and important things we can do with our bodies. Our fertility is our creative force. We are fortunate to live in a time with ample resources to learn about our fertility from lots of perspectives:
Pregnancy can be a beautiful and challenging time in one’s life, full of change and growth and decision making. We make decisions about whether and how to proceed with pregnancy, how to care for pregnancy, and how to plan for birth, postpartum, feeding, parenting, and beyond. Here are some resources I reference often when working with pregnant people and their growing families.
Being pregnant again after loss(es) is a complicated experience with a mix of emotions. It can feel lonely, anxious, and difficult, as well as joyful and triggering at different point. Here are a few resources to understand the experience better or feel solidarity if you’re going through this yourself.
Infertility can be a lonely and challenging place without much space for discussion with those around you. It is often a space of mystery and challenged hope, with no visible pregnancies, or losses, to give people a space to talk about their relationship with their fertility and their body. Hopefully these resources can help part the curtain on what goes on in the mind of those who are “infertile”.
Supporting friends, family members, and clients through Molar Pregnancies can be very challenging. The majority will require clinical intervention and extended followup, and may have implications in people’s bodies and for their future fertility. People need holistic support no matter what kind of pregnancy loss they’re experiencing, even and especially if treatment ends up being very medicalized. Offering resources, knowledge, and fearless support can make the difference in how someone experiences this challenging time of their life.
Supporting friends, family members, and clients through Ectopic Pregnancies can be very challenging. In some cases, they’re detected early and people are given a choice as to how they want to manage it. However, the majority of ectopic pregnancies are discovered while they’re rupturing and posing a threat to the person’s life who was carrying the pregnancy. Decisions usually have to be made quickly. Whether you’re reading this while stepping up to support someone right now, or doing your best to prepare in advance, here are some resources I go to frequently:
Supporting friends, family members, and clients through Stillbirth can be very challenging. Whether you’re reading this while stepping up to support someone right now, or doing your best to prepare in advance, here are some resources I go to frequently:
The placenta is an incredible human development, supporting growth in pregnancy, growing alongside baby, and then expelling and leaving no trace behind. It is our only temporary organ, and acts as a key filter between parent and baby. After its essential function and glory for whatever length of pregnancy, it can be important to honour and respect the placenta for its hard work. This can come in the form of ritual and ceremony, certain placenta traditions, or simply humbling yourself before this organ for all it provides us.
When supporting other people through losses (personally and professionally), it can be helpful to have a touch point of resources and references to return to to enhance you own learning and hear from other professionals in how they handle situations. May these resources be a help to you!
While each variation of Pregnancy Loss has its own needs (and own Resources blog post!), there are overarching themes and intersections which can lend to a great understanding of full spectrum care. The resources below should help enrich your education and overall understanding of pregnancy loss.
Pelvic exams are common gynecological procedures with a complex history. They have been used to inflict extensive harm on communities & individuals, and the painful practices associated persist to this day. There is also a history of incredible pelvic care, including gentle practitioners and subversive practices.