South Asian Heritage Month: Lawyer reflects on this year's theme
As South Asian Heritage Month draws to a close, I've been reflecting on this year's theme #FreeToBeMe.
It took many years for me to "feel free" and to talk about the injuries I sustained during the birth of my first child Maya. I had a plan for how I thought my life would look aligning with my values and South Asian heritage, including career progression, which was shattered 16 years ago. To suddenly have obstetric injuries that left me with permanent bowel incontinence, so severe I was often unable to even leave the house, was completely devastating. My symptoms were also shrouded with stigma and taboo in my community - no one talked about faecal and urinary incontinence. I felt a deep sense of shame that my life was so greatly impacted.
Sharing my story through the MASIC Foundation
Years later I was asked to share my story and experience at the launch of the MASIC Foundation, the first charity to support women with OASI (obstetric anal sphincter injuries). I agonised over how much to share - could I make myself that vulnerable; to talk about the real impact bowel incontinence and pudendal nerve pain had on my career, my relationships and my life. I decided the only way I could possibly help other women was to be totally honest. And I am so glad I did.
South Asian Maternal Conference
Since 2015 I have spoken to hundreds of women who have suffered similar injuries and in June I put on the groundbreaking and inaugural South Asian Maternal Health Conference to look at solutions to the disparities in outcomes for South Asian women in maternity care. South Asian women are twice as likely to die to childbirth and at up to 6 times greater risk of sustaining severe perineal injuries then their white counterparts. It was a powerful and positive collaboration of experts and lived experience focussing on tangible action to achieve equitable care for all women.
Supporting others
Re-joining my Firm, Irwin Mitchell where I started my career, and receiving the unwavering support of my amazing colleagues to be #FreeToBeMe has been the last piece of the puzzle in this 16-year journey. By continuing to use my own experiences and working with healthcare professionals, policy makers and charities I hope I can help other women, including those from the South Asian community avoid the trauma that I went through.
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families affected by birth injury at our dedicated birth injuries section.
