Held Together – A Conversation with Dr. Rebecca Thompson

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 TogetherThe Journey to Writing Held TogetherDr. 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 expertiseHow her own misdiagnoses and dismissals fueled her passion for improving patient careThe desire to give back to the compassionate professionals who supported her through difficult timesThe Power of Storytelling in MedicineMargaret 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 lossFirst-person perspectives from both patients and medical professionalsA lens into how personal experiences shape medical practiceHow Pregnancy Loss is Perceived in HealthcareDr. Thompson highlights the complexities of discussing pregnancy loss in clinical settings, addressing:The tension between the medical normalization of miscarriage and its emotional tollHow every family’s experience is unique, with responses ranging from grief to reliefThe need for healthcare providers to acknowledge and validate diverse emotional responsesSupporting Families Through Loss and TransitionThe Missing Conversations in Family CareMargaret 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 dynamicsThe impact of provider communication on emotional healingWhy lactation professionals should be aware of perinatal mental healthBringing Compassion Back to MedicineDr. Thompson reflects on how medical professionals can create a more compassionate and patient-centered approach:Staying curious and open to each patient’s storyUnderstanding that clinical guidelines don’t replace individualized careEncouraging patients to share their experiences to improve future careHow Held Together is Changing the ConversationWhat Readers Can ExpectMargaret 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 narrativesHow she collaborated with families to ensure authenticityHer goal of bridging the gap between medical professionals and patientsWho Should Read This Book?Dr. Thompson shares that Held Together is for:Parents and families navigating pregnancy, loss, and medical challengesHealthcare providers looking to improve patient-centered careAnyone interested in powerful stories of resilienceWhere to Find Held Together🔗...

There are no comments yet.

Please log in to write the first comment.