Womens Care: Leveling up through being your own advocate
Hey ladies! Ever heard the term “advocate”? Did you know that you can advocate for yourself? If you haven’t, I’m glad you’re here. You deserve a safe space to ask questions and find clarity about decisions that come with a pregnancy. We care about empowering you to make your own health choices. So let’s dig in.
I’m a women’s advocate here at ThriVe. Nice to meet you! We’re about helping women feel informed and empowered when it comes to their health, especially if they’re facing an unplanned pregnancy. Are you finding yourself in a similar situation? If you are, please take a moment to breathe. You will come through this. Pregnancy is a big deal, especially when it wasn’t part of your plans. But you have choices, and we’re here to help. How can you advocate for yourself, and get the best womens care and medically-accurate info for your decision?
Advocacy is just a fancy word for sticking up for yourself. It may mean getting the info you need, finding a listening ear, or finding a medical provider that listens to you without judgment. It can mean a lot of things. One biggie about self-advocacy is knowing that you’re able to make decisions that feel right to you. And if you’re pregnant, you have a big decision ahead of you. We believe that you’re the best person to make that choice. So let’s dive in and talk about how you can advocate for yourself, support others, and how we can help along the way.
How do you advocate for yourself during hard times?
When you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, things can feel super overwhelming. That’s normal. Self-advocacy is all about taking a deep breath and taking control. During times of uncertainty, feeling in control is huge. You deserve that. So when you’re looking for great womens care, how do you start with being your own advocate?
– Get Reliable Information: The first step is making sure the info you’re getting is legit. It’s crucial to get accurate, medically-accurate real talk about what’s going on with your body and what choices you have. Our blog is a treasure trove of info about abortion, pregnancy, STDs, relationships, and more. Whether you get your info from ThriVe or from another womens care source, make sure you get a firm understanding of all of your options. Because you always have choices when it comes to your health and future.
– Think Through Your Options: Every person’s situation is different. Only you know your life, your values, and your goals. Take time to consider what works for you — not what someone else thinks you should do. When you’re thinking through your choice: abortion, adoption, parenting, you have the power to decide what’s best for you. Do a brain dump or write out pros and cons for each option. Check that you understand the processes, side effects, and what each option would mean long-term for you. And remember, you have time to gather information without feeling rushed. If you’re considering an abortion, we offer no-cost pre-abortion screenings to get you info to protect your health by offering necessary medical services. We’re a womens care center that’s got your back.
– Check In With Your Own Beliefs and Goals: Remember, this is your choice. Take a beat to really consider what aligns with your values. Don’t let anyone pressure or rush you into a decision you’re not ready to make. You’ll be the person who’s impacted the most by your decision, whatever that is. Prioritizing your beliefs and goals isn’t being selfish. It’s being realistic and authentic. And authenticity will help you feel confident in your decision, whatever you choose.
– Avoid Feeling Pressured: Being your own advocate means knowing you deserve the time and space to figure things out. You do. You’re in the driver’s seat here — take time (as much as you need) to think through each option. Make a choice that’s authentically yours. You get the final say, not your partner, family, social circle, or womens care provider. You’re the only one who can make this decision.
Got a close friend facing an unplanned pregnancy?
Maybe you’re in a spot where a friend is going through this, and you want to be there for her. Good on you. We all need a friend like you! But maybe you’re worried about saying the wrong thing, or being pushy. I totally feel that. Here’s how you can advocate for someone else without taking over her decision:
– Listen and Show Up: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just listen. Without judgment. You don’t have to have all the answers — just being there can mean the world. Even if you haven’t been through something like this yourself, just being there for her will mean a lot.
– Ask Helpful Questions: Gently ask questions like, “What feels most important to you right now?” or “What are you thinking about doing next?” to help her think it through. This is a great way to show up, make her feel heard, and assist her in making her own choice. If she asks you any questions, check out the next point:
– Point Her to Reliable Info: Encourage her to get the facts from a solid womens care source, like ThriVe. She can get medically-accurate info and caring support. Encouraging her to read this info on her own can help her take ownership of her knowledge. Plus, it’s a safe way to share helpful information without pushing your own beliefs or opinions.
– Give Her Space to Decide: It’s normal to want to help. But remember, this is her call to make. Give her the space to process and decide on her terms. Let her know that she’s not alone, and encourage her to reach out when she wants your support. If she wants you to come with her to a ThriVe appointment, you’ll be welcome.
A simple answer to advocacy support
We’re passionate about helping women with the info they need to navigate through the tough stuff. That’s womens care at the core. With compassion and support, we can help you understand your options. Here’s what we do:
– Break Down Medical Terms: Health talk can be intimidating, so we make it easy to understand. Our advocates and nurses explain everything in plain English, no complicated jargon. You’re the VIP here, so we aren’t in a rush, and you are more than just a number.
– Explain Procedures and Options: We walk you through each step, like ultrasounds or STI testing, so you know exactly what’s happening and what to expect.
– Discuss Risks and Benefits: To make an informed choice, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each option. We’re here to have those open conversations with you.
Whether it’s answering questions, providing no-cost screenings, or just being someone to talk to, we’re here to make sure you feel supported. And we don’t profit from your decision in any way.
Womens Care: How to Be a Real Ally for a Friend Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy
Let’s get into a few questions people often have about supporting a friend in this situation:
– How can I help without pushing my views?
Just listen and let her guide the conversation. Ask her what she needs and support her in that, without trying to lead her in any direction.
– What if she’s not sure what to do?
Encourage her to take her time and remind her to gather all the info she needs without any pressure. It’s important for her to make a choice that aligns with her own beliefs and values. If she would like some steps to think through this process, check out this blog.
– How can I empower her?
Remind her that this decision is hers. She deserves to take her time to think clearly without feeling panicked or rushed. She’s capable of making the choice that’s right for her.
– What if she wants my opinion?
Be honest, but respectful. You could say something like, “I’m here for you no matter what you choose. What feels right for you?”
You are your best advocate
Advocacy is about giving yourself the power to make a decision that truly reflects who you are. At ThriVe, we’re here to help you make the choice that’s best for you, with no-cost services like pregnancy tests, STI screenings, and ultrasounds. Whether it’s standing up for yourself or helping someone else find their voice, self-advocacy bridges the gap between feeling lost and being empowered.
So, take the step—become your own best advocate, be there for others, and know that ThriVe is always here to support you with accurate info and compassionate care.
