Perinatal Care For Trans And Non-Binary People Birthing In Heteronormative ‘Maternity’ Services: Experiences And Educational Needs Of Professionals

Childbearing trans and non-binary people are confronted with the heteronormative and cisgenderist frameworks which underpin ‘maternity’ services. We explored the trans and non-binary related experiences and educational needs of 108 perinatal staff in the United Kingdom. Participants were most confident in formulating care plans and least confident about the provision of colleagues’ perinatal care in this context. Whilst the majority of participants were positive toward the trans and non-binary communities, they remain marginalised in perinatal services. Transphobic, anti-trans and non-binary attitudes are highlighted. Experiences of providing care related to ‘Recognising individuality’, ‘Witnessing transphobia among colleagues’, and ‘Apprehension about providing care to childbearing trans and non-binary people’. Challenges in providing care related to ‘A Cisheteronormative model of care’, ‘Lack of awareness of trans and non-binary issues’ and ‘Anti-trans and non-binary attitudes’. Educational needs related to the ‘Practicalities of childbearing as a trans or non-binary person’, ‘Inclusive language’ and ‘Policies and processes for supporting childbearing trans and non-binary people’. Educational preferences focused on ‘Hearing from trans and non-binary people’, ‘Sharing best practice’ and ‘Open discussions about how to be inclusive’. Focus is required on professional education, and an expansion of system capabilities to collect individualised data, in identity affirming services.