#77 Challenging Weight Bias in Perinatal Care: A Conversation with Heather Bradford

In this episode, Sarah welcomes Heather Bradford, a certified nurse-midwife, assistant professor, and researcher, to discuss the critical issue of weight bias in healthcare. Heather shares her journey from clinical practice to academia, where her experiences and observations inspired her groundbreaking research into how weight bias impacts patient care and outcomes, particularly in obstetrics.

Together, they unpack the subtle and explicit ways weight bias manifests in healthcare settings, explore its far-reaching consequences on patient health and trust, and challenge providers to reflect on their own biases. Heather also highlights the need for systemic changes and shares insights from her research, including practical steps providers and nurses can take to provide more equitable, compassionate, and effective care.

This thought-provoking conversation invites all healthcare professionals to reexamine their approach, up-level their practice, and contribute to better outcomes for patients in larger bodies. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that’s as empowering as it is essential.

Helpful Links:

- Take our Physiologic Birth Class! 
- Bill Mahr Attack on James Cordon’s Fat Shaming
- Haes Framework
- Implicit Association Test - Used to Measure Implicit Bias
- Rebecca Puhl - Leading International and National Expert on Weight Bias
- The UCONN RUDD Center for Food Policy and Health