While reading the book “The First Forty Days” this quote jumped out to me. “How you are cared for and nourished in those very vulnerable first few weeks postpartum can make or break your next 40 years. I look back to my postpartum weeks after my babies and I had zero knowledge about this precious time of healing. I was almost the complete opposite. Trying to prove to the world that having a baby would not slow me down, I would be more effective and more efficient with a baby or two or three in tow. That mentality definitely crept into the rest of my life. I love this different perspective of slowing down, resting, hibernating for a season (its one of the only times in your life that you can use the excuse of just having a baby lol) but use it! Take the time you need to heal and really learn what self care looks like to you. I tell my doula clients “you must fill up your cup first, we can not serve with an empty cup”. Mothers are the lifeline, the energy source of the family is depleted. Part of of postpartum care is doing the self care for the mama while she cares for her baby. And in doing this I am showing her how to care for herself even after I leave. So they can get into the habit of nourishing themselves for the next 40 years.
A Birth I’ll Never Forget
I’ve been a doula for 12 years. I’ve attended and supported many births, and these days, there aren’t many "firsts" for me. But recently, I had the honor of experiencing something truly unforgettable — a powerful moment that reminded me why I do this work. After...
