Episode Summary:
In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Dr. Rebecca Thompson, a family medicine physician and author of Held Together. They discuss the inspiration behind her book, which weaves together stories of pregnancy loss, medical care, and the complexities of family life. Dr. Thompson shares how her experiences as a physician and patient influenced her writing and how healthcare professionals can improve care by embracing humility, curiosity, and compassion.
Exploring the Themes of Held Together
The Journey to Writing Held Together
Dr. Thompson shares how her personal experiences with complicated pregnancy losses and her background in family medicine led her to write Held Together. She discusses:
- The lack of support she felt despite her medical expertise
- How her own misdiagnoses and dismissals fueled her passion for improving patient care
- The desire to give back to the compassionate professionals who supported her through difficult times
The Power of Storytelling in Medicine
Margaret and Dr. Thompson discuss the role of storytelling in healthcare and why narratives are essential for understanding patient experiences. The book includes:
- 21 personal stories from families navigating pregnancy, parenting, and loss
- First-person perspectives from both patients and medical professionals
- A lens into how personal experiences shape medical practice
How Pregnancy Loss is Perceived in Healthcare
Dr. Thompson highlights the complexities of discussing pregnancy loss in clinical settings, addressing:
- The tension between the medical normalization of miscarriage and its emotional toll
- How every family’s experience is unique, with responses ranging from grief to relief
- The need for healthcare providers to acknowledge and validate diverse emotional responses
Supporting Families Through Loss and Transition
The Missing Conversations in Family Care
Margaret and Dr. Thompson discuss the need for more emphasis on the postpartum and family transition period in healthcare education. Topics include:
- How birth and loss experiences shape long-term family dynamics
- The impact of provider communication on emotional healing
- Why lactation professionals should be aware of perinatal mental health
Bringing Compassion Back to Medicine
Dr. Thompson reflects on how medical professionals can create a more compassionate and patient-centered approach:
- Staying curious and open to each patient’s story
- Understanding that clinical guidelines don’t replace individualized care
- Encouraging patients to share their experiences to improve future care
How Held Together is Changing the Conversation
What Readers Can Expect
Margaret describes Held Together as "sophisticated and elegant," reading like a novel while addressing deeply personal and medical realities. Dr. Thompson explains:
- Why she structured the book around individual narratives
- How she collaborated with families to ensure authenticity
- Her goal of bridging the gap between medical professionals and patients
Who Should Read This Book?
Dr. Thompson shares that Held Together is for:
- Parents and families navigating pregnancy, loss, and medical challenges
- Healthcare providers looking to improve patient-centered care
- Anyone interested in powerful stories of resilience
Where to Find Held Together
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