Women’s Health

Health & Wellness

  • Healthcare Resources for Women with SCI (HeRe for Women): In collaboration with Texas Model Spinal Cord Injury System we released a website containing a national directory of links to consumer-based information, education, and resources on healthcare topics for women after SCI. This site also provides a growing list of practitioners who serve women with SCI throughout the nation and a network of professionals and consumers who are interested in the health and wellness of women with SCI.
  • Bladder and Sexual Health for Women with Paralysis: This guide from MedStar Health provides information on bladder and sexual health for women with paralysis focusing on bladder management and its impact on intimacy. It offers practical tips on maintaining bladder health, addressing common concerns, and exploring adaptive strategies for a fulfilling sexual life.
  • Center for Research on Women with Disabilities: CROWD promotes, develops, and disseminates information to improve the health and expand the life choices of women with disabilities. The site provides information on sexuality, reproductive health, self-esteem, stress management, and more.
  • Disability and Health Information for Women with Disabilities: Centers for disease control and Prevention website that has tools and health information for women with disabilities.
  • Initiative for Women with Disabilities: NYU Langone’s Initiative for Women with Disabilities provides primary gynecological care provide workshops, classes, and wellness services that promote overall physical and mental wellbeing.
  • Women and Spinal Cord Injury A Panel Discussion: In this panel discussion, five women with spinal cord injuries share their experiences and offer useful information about staying healthy as a female living with a spinal cord injury.
  • Women’s Health Resources: ​The Women’s Health Resources page on MyShepherdConnection offers videos, tips, and educational materials tailored for women with spinal cord injuries, covering topics like preparing for medical appointments and addressing specific health concerns.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Parenting Resources

  • Antenatal care for women with spinal cord injury (SCI): This guide, from BC Women’s Hospital, provides comprehensive information on prenatal care for women with spinal cord injuries, focusing on managing medical needs, promoting health, and addressing potential complications during pregnancy.
  • Breastfeeding After Spinal Cord Injury: YouTube playlist offers educational videos that focus on the challenges and strategies for breastfeeding following a spinal cord injury. The videos feature expert advice and personal experiences, providing valuable information and support for individuals navigating motherhood with SCI.
  • Breastfeeding Following Spinal Cord Injury: Consumer Guide for Mothers: This guide provides information and practical tips for mothers with spinal cord injury (SCI) on breastfeeding, including positioning, milk supply, potential challenges, and available support resources. Guide available in downloadable pdf HERE.
  • Navigating IVF as a Woman with a Spinal Cord Injury: Natalia, founder of Women on Wheels (WOW), sits down with Lily, a longtime WOW member, to talk about her IVF journey as a woman with a spinal cord injury. Lily kindly shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering invaluable insights for other women with disabilities considering the IVF process.
  • Intrapartum care for women with spinal cord injury (SCI): This guide, from BC Women’s Hospital, provides comprehensive information on postnatal care for women with spinal cord injury, focusing on managing health, recovery, and well-being after childbirth.
  • Preconception Care for Women with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): This guide, from BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre, provides detailed information on prenatal care, including nutrition, lifestyle recommendations, and health tips for expecting mothers.
  • Pregnancy and Paralysis: This page from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation offers information and resources on pregnancy and paralysis, including fertility, prenatal care, childbirth, and parenting for individuals with spinal cord injuries or related conditions.
  • Pregnancy After Spinal Cord Injury: This guide from the Spinal Cord Injury Research Evidence (SCIRE) Project provides comprehensive information on pregnancy for individuals with spinal cord injuries, covering fertility, prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, and adaptive parenting strategies.
  • Pregnancy and Spinal Cord Injury: This booklet provides women with spinal cord injury the information they need to make informed decisions when planning a pregnancy. It outlines key things to consider during the perinatal period (preconception, conception, pregnancy, labor and delivery and postpartum) and where to go to get additional information, help and services.
  • Pregnancy and Women with Spinal Cord Injury: This factsheet from MSKTC provides information on pregnancy for women with spinal cord injury (SCI), covering fertility, prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum considerations to support a healthy pregnancy experience.
  • Reproductive Health for Women with Spinal Cord Injury: Video lectures from University of Alabama on reproductive health for women, such as breast examination, mammograms and pap smears, managing issues of pregnancy and labor and delivery such as medications.
  • SCI Parenting: A website based in Sweden discussing all aspects of the perinatal journey for women with SCI.
  • Through Looking Glass: A resource on childbirth and parenting, adaptive equipment for childcare, networking and support.
  • For more resources visit Parenting Useful Resources page.

Sexual Health

  • Sexual Health for Women: This page from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation provides information on sexual health for women living with paralysis, covering topics such as intimacy, reproductive health, and adaptive strategies for a fulfilling sex life.
  • Women & SCI/D: Sex and Disability: Backbones live webinar on sex and disability aimed for women with SCI/D – including consent, communication, pleasure, sexual aides and more.
  • For more resources visit our Sexuality Useful Resource page.

Empowerment and Support

  • Women on Wheels (W.O.W.): is a supportive community for women with spinal cord injuries and paralysis, aiming to empower and educate its members. Based in New York City, W.O.W. offers weekly virtual meetings where participants discuss topics such as dating, self-image, relationships, and independence. The group provides a platform for women to share personal experiences and concerns, fostering a unique sisterhood dedicated to living life to the fullest.
  • The Divas With Disabilities Project: A global movement dedicated to increasing the participation and authentic representation of Black and Brown women and girls with disabilities, particularly in mass media, television, film, publications, advertising, and civic engagement.
  • Disability EmpowHer Network: nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering disabled girls and women through mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy programs. Their initiatives include summer programs, mentorship opportunities, and resources aimed at fostering confidence, independence, and professional growth for women with disabilities.
  • Ms. Wheelchair USA: Celebrates the achievements of women with mobility impairments, offering them a platform to showcase self-confidence and glamour through pageants. The competition involves state, regional, and national events, culminating in the crowning of the national titleholder, who represents the community through public appearances and advocacy for women with disabilities.
  • Northwest Women Wheeler’s Network: Northwest Women Wheelers Network is a social and support group for women who use wheelchairs. Primarily an email group, but have two in-person events per year: a summer picnic and a winter holiday party.
  • The Raw Beauty Project: is an empowering visual arts initiative that highlights the strength, resilience, and beauty of women with disabilities. Through photography and storytelling, the project challenges societal perceptions of disability and promotes inclusion, self-acceptance, and confidence. By showcasing the experiences of women with disabilities, it aims to inspire change and foster a more diverse and accepting world.

Mental Health

  • Women’s Mental Health After Paralysis: Booklet, published by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, addresses the unique psychological challenges faced by women living with paralysis. It covers topics such as adjustment to spinal cord injury, stress management, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, body image, and self-esteem. The guide offers insights and resources to help women navigate their mental health journey and improve overall well-being.

Supplies and Products

  • Freshette: A female urinary device that enables women to urinate while standing or sitting, offering convenience in situations where restrooms are inaccessible or unsanitary. Ideal for outdoor activities, travel, and medical recovery, the Freshette features a durable, leakproof funnel with a flexible tube for easy use with minimal undressing.
  • For more supplies resources visit our Adaptive Devices and Supplies Useful Resources Page.

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Disclaimer:
Linking to publications, materials or websites of other organizations or entities does not constitute endorsement by Mount Sinai of such publications, materials or websites. Mount Sinai provides these references and links because they may be of value to persons interested in SCI.