Who are
PartnerPepTalks for?
Answer: Couples or individuals before or between pregnancies, specialists who support them, and parents and mentors of the next generation.
No two PartnerPepTalks are the same.
Many conversations involve partnering with someone who helps you start from a place of strength. To make this manageable, break your PartnerPepTalk into smaller parts. Start with one below.
Yourself
Yourself
What's your reproductive life plan now and in the future? Has the conversation in your head changed during adolescence, young adulthood, or adulthood? Are you hoping to start a family in the near or distant future, expand the family you have, or are you still undecided? Let your healthcare providers in on your family planning dreams or intentions from puberty onward, regardless of your sexual or gender identity. Preconception health + a supportive environment will improve the outcomes of natural conception as well as success with assisted reproductive technologies for both patients and donors.
Intimate Partner
Intimate Partner
Committed relationship or casual? Knowing the pep talk you’ve already had with yourself will make partnered conversations about sexual intimacy more clear-minded. If you're in a relationship where pregnancy could occur, talk about what each of you will do to avoid an unprepared pregnancy/impregnation before you're caught up in the heat of the moment, Revisit these chats with each other and schedule preconception healthcare check-ups for at least 3-6 months before you want to “start trying” to conceive.
Pharmacist & Client
Pharmacist & Client
If there’s any chance you could get pregnant or get your partner pregnant in the next 6-12 months, make sure your doctors and pharmacist know you want a pre-conception consultation so you can prepare for a healthy, planned pregnancy. Teamwork is really important when it comes to medication management and family planning. Abrupt changes without medical supervision can do more harm than good, so if your healthcare provider or pharmacist routinely asks about your reproductive intentions or contraception, take no offense. Proactive care shows professionalism.
Dentist / Hygienist & Patient
Dentist / Hygienist & Patient
As strange as it may sound, mild (or silent!) infections such as gingivitis and periodontal disease transferred from one partner to another -- by kissing or sharing utensils -- can affect the safety of a pregnancy. Therefore, a healthy mouth for both intimate partners is a big deal prior to and during pregnancy. Dental patients, if there’s any chance you could get pregnant or get your partner pregnant in the next 6-12 months, make sure you're seen by a dental professional first. If your dentist &/or dental hygienist routinely asks about your reproductive intentions, take no offense. Proactive care shows professionalism.
Mental Health & Emotional Well-being
Mental Health & Emotional Well-being
One of the best ways to create a legacy of resiliency for oneself and one's offspring is to boldly prioritize mental health of both parents before conception. Very few would doubt the importance of this for the person who will carry the baby, but trauma-informed mental health care for future fathers is just as essential. We are working with partners to explore resources and screening tools for Mental Health Specialists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Care Coordinators or Crisis Interventionists to use before conception, and to be aware of during pregnancy and postpartum.
Physical Health / Home & Work Environment
Physical Health / Home & Work Environment
Primary Care Providers or General Practitioners, Midwives (when appropriate), Chronic Condition Specialists, Family Planning, Fertility Specialists, and other relevant healthcare specialists. All will (or should) appreciate your preparation and completion to the best of your ability of your "Preconception Medical Checklist" ("Got Eggs?" and "Got Sperm?" versions), which are Coming Soon! No matter how much or little health history information you have access to, it'll feel good to have some command over your body facts, environment, and it'll lessen the chances of forgetting something you meant to address.
Nutrition
Nutrition
Coming Soon!
Smoking & Substance Use Concerns
Smoking & Substance Use Concerns
One of the best ways to create a legacy of resiliency for yourself, your kids, and your community is for both future parents to practice reasonably wholesome habits before considering family-building. Acknowledge that social structures, friends, family and intimate partners have tremendous influence on each other, so recognize situations that are working in your best interest and those that aren't. Advocating for yourself is important, and seeking guidance from a professional can provide extra security and guidance. We are working with collaborators to explore resources and screening tools for Substance Use Counselors, Mental Health Specialists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Care Coordinators and Crisis Interventionists
Sleep Quality
Sleep Quality
Coming Soon!
Physical Activity & Recreation
Physical Activity & Recreation
Coming Soon!
Pain Management Specialists; Physical Therapy, etc
Pain Management Specialists; Physical Therapy, etc
Coming Soon!
Infectious Disease Testing & Treatment
Infectious Disease Testing & Treatment Providers
If you've had one or more prior sexual relationships, be open to testing and treatment for common sexually transmitted infections (STI). Even if a sexually transmitted oral or genital infection has no symptoms, it can affect fertility, future pregnancy safety, and more. It's critical to complete treatment as instructed and prevent reinfection by having both partners equally responsible for follow-up.