Content Policy

Mothership is a community of birthworkers, wellness practitioners, and families sharing knowledge and supporting each other. We believe in the power of traditional wisdom, personal experience, and professional expertise.

This policy helps you share your knowledge responsibly while protecting both you and the families you serve.

Why This Matters

Health and wellness content carries responsibility. When we share advice about pregnancy, postpartum recovery, infant care, or general wellness, our words can influence real decisions that affect families.

Following these guidelines:

• Protects you legally from liability if someone misinterprets general information as medical advice
• Builds trust with your audience by being transparent about the nature of your content
• Respects boundaries between different types of practitioners and their scopes of practice
• Honors traditional knowledge while acknowledging the role of medical professionals

If You're a Licensed Healthcare Provider

Licensed healthcare providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, registered dietitians, licensed mental health professionals, etc.) may share professional guidance within their scope of practice.

You may:

• Share evidence-based recommendations within your licensed scope
• Discuss clinical research and medical literature
• Provide educational content about conditions you're qualified to treat
• Reference your professional training and credentials

Remember:

• Content shared publicly is not a substitute for individual patient care
• Include appropriate disclaimers that readers should consult their own providers
• Stay within your actual scope of practice (a dermatologist shouldn't give obstetric advice)

If You're a Doula, Educator, or Wellness Practitioner

Doulas, childbirth educators, lactation counselors (non-IBCLC), postpartum support specialists, herbalists, bodyworkers, and other wellness practitioners provide invaluable support. Your work is different from—and complementary to—medical care.

You may:

• Share your personal and professional experience
• Discuss traditional practices and cultural wisdom
• Provide emotional support and practical guidance
• Share what has worked for you or your clients (with permission)
• Educate about options and help people advocate for themselves

Be careful with:

• Diagnosing conditions or symptoms
• Recommending specific treatments for medical conditions
• Making claims that could be interpreted as medical advice
• Advising against medical treatment or professional consultation

Safe Language Examples

The way you frame information matters. Here are examples of how to share knowledge responsibly:

What to Avoid

To protect yourself and your audience, please avoid:

• Diagnosing: "You have postpartum depression" vs. "These feelings sound really hard—have you talked to someone about how you're feeling?"
• Prescribing: "Take 2000mg of vitamin D" vs. "Some people find vitamin D helpful—ask your provider what dose is right for you"
• Guaranteeing outcomes: "This will definitely work" vs. "This has helped many people"
• Discouraging medical care: "Don't go to the hospital" vs. "Here are questions you might ask your provider"
• Making unverified claims: Especially about treating, curing, or preventing diseases

Community Standards

Beyond health content, all Mothership content should:

• Respect others: No harassment, bullying, or personal attacks
• Protect privacy: Don't share others' personal information without consent
• Be honest: Don't misrepresent your credentials or experience
• Honor intellectual property: Give credit where it's due
• Welcome all families: Be inclusive of different family structures, backgrounds, and choices

Questions?

If you're unsure whether something is appropriate to share, err on the side of caution or reach out to us at hello@eatmothership.com. We're here to help you share your wisdom safely.