5 UNIVERSAL POSTPARTUM NEEDS
Do you want a postpartum that supports healing and bonding?
The first step is to know your needs. Even though every mum will have her own unique postpartum experience there are some common themes in every mum’s journey.
Extended period of rest
Different cultures have different names for the rest period after birth that usually lasts between 4 to 6 weeks: confinement, golden month or weeksbed for example.
Yes, this is about lying down but also about slowing down in general, prioritising your physical healing, breastfeeding and getting to know your baby.
Nourishing warm foods
Food feeds us and depending on the kind of food nourishes and heals us.
A new mum's nutritional levels are depleted, her digestive system is vulnerable and lacks digestive enzymes. That is why many cultures have a special postpartum diet made up of cooked, warm, easy-to-digest foods such as broths, soups or stews.
Read more about postpartum food and nutrients: The nutrients you need when postpartum or breastfeeding and postnatal depletion.
Bodywork
A woman's body undergoes enormous changes during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. In many cultures bodywork such as belly binding or massage with special oils is part of the daily postpartum care to support the physical recovery of the new mum, improve her metabolism, warm her body, encourage rest, increase her oxytocin and make her feel good and cared for.
Read more about bodywork: The benefits of postpartum massage.
Warmth
Making sure that the new mum stays warm is very important in many cultures. That's why massages with warming oils, cooked food or teas with warming spices are part of postpartum. It supports the body in not wasting energy but putting it toward healing.
It also is about emotional warmth. Breastfeeding and maternal behaviour need a loving, encouraging and supportive environment to work well.
Read more about how warmth can optimise your healing post-birth here.
Support
New mums in cultures that practice postpartum care are expected to rest and care for their baby. To do so other women gather around her to support her practically (cooking, doing laundry and dishes...), emotionally (listening, encouraging...) and with their wisdom and experience in breastfeeding, newborn care and recovery.
These women are either family or postpartum professionals such as doulas.
Read more about How to build your 21st-century village.
