The postpartum period, often referred to as the "fourth trimester," is a time of transformation and healing that is crucial for the well-being of both mother and baby. Despite its importance, this period tends to often be overlooked in our fast-paced society.
This post aims to honor the deep care and nourishment needed during the postpartum period, sharing different traditions, and offering tips for birthing parents, birth partners, and the wider community on how to prepare for this powerful and tender time in life. We want to highlight the importance of holistic postpartum care and educate, inspire and make a difference.
It is important to us to point out that the postpartum period applies to all women after any kind of birth – whether that is a full-term delivery, termination, or miscarriage. Especially for the latter this can be a challenging time when there is no baby to hold, as the absence of newborn bonding hormones can exacerbate emotional and physical recovery.
In addition, while the birth partner is often the primary support person, we find it important to mention that they also require support as they undergo major adjustments (and are likely sleep-deprived).
The Importance of Deep Care
The health and well-being of both mother and baby hinge on the care received during the postpartum period. Deep care and support not only foster a positive recovery for the mother, a greater bonding period with the baby and a soft allowing into this world, and through this also contribute to a healthier society overall.
Holistic postpartum care encompasses:
- Physical, emotional, and spiritual support: recognizing the profound emotional and spiritual transformation that new mothers undergo.
- Nourishing foods, rest, and community support: Vital elements for healing and recovery.
- Emotional support from family, friends, and professionals: Creating a nurturing environment for new mothers.
Every birth is unique, and it may not always be possible to follow all recommendations. However, it is incredibly beneficial to slow down and nurture oneself as much as possible.
My own postpartum journey
In January 2024 I gave birth to my daughter Jaya, in Byron Bay, Australia. Her birth was a profoundly transformative experience, especially because of the incredible support network that surrounded us. The community's care made my postpartum journey deeply healing.
Friends and neighbors brought over nourishing meals, soups, and broths, ensuring I had the sustenance I needed. Regular home visits from an acupuncturist aided my physical and emotional recovery.
This collective support created a nurturing environment for Jaya's early days, underscoring the importance of a strong support system for all new mothers.
This period made clear to me how crucial it is for every new mother to receive comprehensive care and community support during the postpartum period.
We embarked on a postpartum period of 40 days.
The 40-day postpartum period is a tradition observed in many cultures around the world, often referred to as the "lying-in" or "confinement" period. This time is dedicated to the mother’s recovery and the baby’s adjustment to life outside the womb. The practice is rooted in ancient wisdom and is supported by modern science, recognizing the profound physical, emotional, and spiritual changes that occur after birth. In many cultures, it is believed that 40 days represent a complete cycle of healing and transformation. For the new mother, this period allows her body to heal from the rigors of childbirth, and for her hormones to begin to regulate. It is also a time for the mother to bond with her newborn, establish breastfeeding, and rest.
I listened to the Chinese advice that every day of these 40 days counts as a year later on. The Chinese concept of "zuo yuezi" (坐月子) suggests the quality of care during these 40 days has a cumulative effect, potentially extending a woman’s longevity and enhancing her quality of life. Each day of careful nurturing is seen as an investment in her future health, with the benefits being reaped for many years to come.
The better we take care of ourselves during the postpartum window, the more vitality we’ll have later on.
Tips to Prevent Postpartum Imbalances
- Warmth: Keep the body warm with blankets and warm beverages to support healing.
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Skin-to-skin contact: Foster bonding and hormonal balance with plenty of skin-to-skin time with the baby, if possible.
- Breastfeeding: If possible, breastfeeding can help regulate hormones and provide nutritional benefits to the baby.
- Minimize movement: Allow the body to rest and heal by minimizing physical activity.
- Nourishing foods: Focus on warm, easily digestible foods to support recovery.
- Supportive visits: Arrange for visits from friends and family that are uplifting and recharging.
- Physical treatments: Consider treatments like postpartum massages to aid in physical healing.
- Limit device use: Reduce exposure to electronic devices to promote mental peace and rest.
What I wish was the norm & my recommendations for mothers and their communities
Creating a supportive environment for new mothers is a communal effort. Here are some tips for community members, caretakers, and birth partners to provide both emotional and physical support:
For the Community and Caretakers:
- Bring nourishing food: Ensure meals align with dietary preferences.
- Be helpful when you come over for a visit: Offer to do household chores such as washing dishes, doing laundry, or grocery shopping, don’t stay too long and give space
- Support with other children: If the family has other children, offer to help with their care.
- Consider the birth partner: Include them in meal portions and check in on their well-being.
- Respect boundaries: If visits are not welcomed initially, leave food or gifts outside the door.
- Emotional support: Listen without judgment and allow the mother to express her feelings.
- Avoid unsolicited advice: Offer information in a supportive, non-pressuring manner.
- Assist with feeding: Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, offer practical support.
- Encourage rest: Suggest that the mother rests when the baby sleeps, and offer to watch the baby during these times.
- Hormonal support: On day three, when hormones might crash, consider bringing flowers or small gestures of kindness during that time.
- Beautify the environment: Place flowers or calming items in spaces where the mother will spend a lot of time.
For the Birth Partner:
- Stay involved: Participate in baby care and household tasks to share the workload.
- Seek support: Remember that it’s okay for the birth partner to seek help and rest.
- Communicate: Keep open lines of communication with the mother to understand her needs and feelings.
- Self-care: Ensure the birth partner takes time for their own physical and emotional well-being.
Why would a jewelry brand want to educate about postpartum practices?
The postpartum period is a time of significant change and adjustment. By embracing holistic postpartum care, we can create a more supportive and nurturing environment for new mothers and their families.
Photo credits: Xochi Balfour by @doula_sarah
At our jewelry brand, we believe that the well-being of women, especially during such critical times as the postpartum period, is crucial. Our commitment to celebrating and supporting women extends beyond our products. My own life has been transformed by the care I received during my postpartum period, and this has fuelled my excitement to return to work with renewed energy.
In a world where the pressure to "bounce back" and the norm of minimal maternity leave many mothers depleted and struggling with postpartum depression, it’s vital to advocate for more supportive practices. The effects of neglecting postpartum care are devastating, leading to exhausted mothers and rising rates of postpartum depletion.
By sharing this message on our website, we hope to inspire a conversation about the importance of postpartum care. Just as our jewelry is designed to empower and adorn, we believe that supporting mothers in their postpartum journey can help them shine in all aspects of their lives. Let us create a society where such care and support are the norm, ensuring the well-being of all new mothers and their babies.
Book recommendations for continued reading:
Natural Health after Birth: The Complete Guide to Postpartum Wellness
Author: Aviva Jill Romm
The First 40 Days
Author: Heng Ou
Nourishing Those Who Nurture: More Than A Food Bible For New Mothers
Authors: Tahlia Mynott and Caitlin Priday
The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your
Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality
Author: Kimberley Anne Johnson
The Postnatal Depletion Cure: A Complete Guide to Rebuilding Your Health and Reclaiming Your Energy for Mothers
Author: Dr. Oscar Serrallach
After the Baby's Birth: A Complete Guide for Postpartum Women
Author: Robin Lim
Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding
Author: Ina May Gaskin
Yoni Shakti (especially chapters on Pregnancy & Postpartum)
Author: Uma Dinsmore-Tuli
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: A Doctor's Guide to Natural Childbirth and Gentle Early Parenting Choices"
Author: Dr. Sarah J. Buckley
