Building a Stigma-Free, Supportive Birth Team for HIV-Positive Parents

Every pregnancy deserves the power of a birth team that honors, supports, and respects the unique journey of each parent. This is especially true for HIV-positive parents, who benefit deeply from a compassionate, knowledgeable team that understands their specific needs and uplifts their choices. As a doula, I walk beside you, focusing on creating a safe, stigma-free space where your voice is heard, and your journey is honored. Let’s talk about how to build that kind of team.

Doulas, Midwives, and Doctors Working Together for HIV-Positive Parents

Doulas: Your Steady Companion

As a doula, my role is to provide continuous emotional support and advocacy that help make your birth experience feel empowering and inclusive. For HIV-positive parents, this means holding space for open conversations, answering questions as I can, and creating a judgment-free environment to process feelings or fears. I aim to build a supportive team around you—one that can adapt to your needs, offer consistent support, and help ease any anxiety. Your doula is there for every moment, giving you a hand to hold and the reassurance of steady support.

Midwives: Compassionate, Holistic Care

Midwives often approach birth holistically, emphasizing the natural aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. For HIV-positive parents, finding a midwife with experience in HIV-positive pregnancies can be invaluable. Some midwives offer both the medical care and the compassionate touch that makes a birth experience feel personal and dignified. Ask potential midwives about their experience with HIV-positive pregnancies to ensure a good fit for your needs and values.

Doctors: Expert Oversight for You and Your Baby

A supportive doctor, such as an OB-GYN or maternal-fetal specialist, plays an essential role in monitoring your health and guiding you and your baby safely through pregnancy. Having a doctor who listens to your preferences, answers your questions openly, and supports you without stigma is so valuable. They’ll work with you on managing any necessary precautions for you and your baby, ensuring you both feel safe and informed every step of the way.

Creating a Compassionate Birth Team

Look for Respectful, Affirming Providers

It starts with finding providers who respect and affirm your experience. You deserve a team that speaks about HIV with openness and understanding. If a provider makes you feel uncomfortable or disregarded, keep searching until you find someone who sees you and your journey without judgment.

Bring Your Doula to Key Appointments

Your doula can bridge the emotional and clinical sides of your care by attending important appointments if you’re comfortable. This allows you to feel grounded and supported, especially when complex discussions arise, and can also help you process information and ask follow-up questions.

Focus on Inclusivity in Your Birth Plan

Think of your birth plan as your voice in action, setting the stage for a compassionate, stigma-free birth experience. Include any preferences related to communication, confidentiality, or care protocols you feel are important. Sharing this plan with your team early on can help ensure that your birth experience is inclusive and tailored to your values.

Seek Supportive Local Resources

In the Denver Metro area, programs like CHIP and Colorado Health Network offer compassionate support and can connect you with HIV-informed healthcare providers and doulas. These organizations offer recommendations and provide resources for emotional and mental well-being, which can be just as vital on this journey.

Navigating Hospital Protocols for HIV-Positive Parents

Ask About ART Policies and Routines

Every hospital has its protocols for ART, so it’s helpful to ask how ART will be managed once you arrive. Some parents prefer to bring their supplies to avoid any timing delays, which can offer additional peace of mind.

Request Confidentiality if Needed

Privacy is a right, and you can request confidentiality protocols to ensure your status is only shared with those directly involved in your care. A respectful healthcare team will honor your privacy preferences, allowing you to feel safe and in control of your information.

Clarify Skin-to-Skin and Breastfeeding Policies

Some hospitals may still have outdated policies regarding skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding, but recent research supports safe skin-to-skin contact for HIV-positive parents. Discuss these options with your care team in advance so you’re clear on the hospital's policies and can make choices that align with your birth vision.

Empowering Your Birth Journey

Choosing your birth team as an HIV-positive parent is about finding people who honor and empower you. A compassionate, stigma-free team respects your experiences and ensures you feel safe, informed, and supported. The right team will hold space for your questions, support your choices, and stand by you in every powerful moment of this journey.

As someone who works with HIV-positive parents through programs like CHIP, I understand the importance of finding a birth team that truly supports and respects your journey. If you need help connecting with HIV-positive-friendly providers in the Denver area, I’d be honored to help guide you. You deserve a team that celebrates your strength and your journey into parenthood.