POSTPARTUM SERVICES
The Fourth Trimester
In the three months following childbirth, also known as the Fourth Trimester, new mothers must recover from the emotional and physical experience of birth, adapt to fluctuating hormones, and learn how to feed and care for a new infant, all while being sleep deprived. In addition, the postpartum check up is typically scheduled four to six weeks after birth, leaving moms to heal and cope on their own, for more than a month, with little information, resources or support.
In her book, Mothering the Mother, Sally Placksin lists the needs of new mothers, based on extensive interviews with real parents who vulnerably shared about the struggles and learning curves associated with early parenting and postpartum recovery. These include:
- Rest so your body can heal
- Unbiased education and encouragement in parenting skills
- Healthy food and drinks for your body
- Delegation of household tasks to allow you bonding and self-reflection time
- Wisdom about what is going on with your body and spirit
- Authentic representations and timelines regarding the scope of emotions other women have experienced after childbirth
- Opportunities to debrief about your birthing experience and how you feel about it
- Emotional and physical care for your body and mind
My Postpartum Services
My postpartum support is aimed at "mothering the mother" so that you can focus on your health and on the new baby. My services can be tailored to your family's needs and can include, but not be limited to:
· Checking in on the healing process
· Helping to develop a postpartum plan
· Breast/feeding/pumping support
· Cooking/freezing nourishing meals for the family
· Light housekeeping and organizing
· Errands and food shopping
· Lessons in baby wearing
· Caring for baby while mom rests/showers/takes a breather
· Referrals and resources
A Postpartum Services package can make a great gift for a new or expanding family!
Fees
My Postpartum Services are on an hourly basis with a 20 hour total minimum.