Far too many women are going through pregnancy and postpartum feeling emotionally alone, even when physically surrounded by family and friends.
It is time to abandon the notion that childbirth is a “normal” everyday occurrence and embrace the incredible, beautiful, and – yes – physically and mentally daunting process it truly is. The journey of birthing a child is nothing short of extraordinary. And it deserves respect and support.
So, no – I’m not about to endorse the latest quick fix that attests to work on all women. We are inherently very different.
Choosing Your Care Team
Instead I want to talk about your care team – ‘your people’, ‘your village’. Whatever you want to call it, I challenge every hopeful and expecting parent reading this to stop and think about those who will surround you.
To get to the point of birthing a child is a nearly 10-month process and demands incredible strength and resilience from a person’s body. It is not merely a routine event; it is an extraordinary feat. Our bodies go through huge physiologic changes, and it is vital that we acknowledge that.
It’s time to push back on the idea that a body should “bounce back” to its pre-pregnancy state. The postpartum phase covers many months of time for most and involves multiple stages of healing, both physically and emotionally. Instead of cursing our bodies and minds and pushing them to conform to societal expectations, we’ve got to be better about prioritizing self-care, nourishment, and gentle recovery. We’ve got to strive for a more harmonious partnership between mind, heart, and body for mothers.
And – because mothers are naturally inclined to focus on the needs of the child – that needs to be reinforced by the people around them.
With the right care team, new parents can heal more efficiently and effectively.
Your team might not look the same as the next person’s, but you generally want it to consist of professionals and personal connections who make you feel supported, heard, and respected – people who understand and appreciate the physical and emotional complexities of the prenatal and postpartum periods. Recognizing that well-being extends beyond physical health, try to address emotional, mental, and social aspects, promoting a balanced and fulfilling postpartum experience.
Who your care team might include
Pros:
These are your healthcare providers including obstetricians, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, pelvic physical therapists, and maternal mental health experts. This may also include any nutritional, fitness or wellness coaches you may work with.
Loved ones:
This might include your partner, parents, siblings, friends, extended family.
If you’re in the process of deciding who should or should not be considered part of your team – and particularly when choosing your care providers – please have character top of mind. Compassion and empathy are essential. Pros or not, you want people around you who genuinely care about the well-being of all women (of course, you, in particular) and will put thought and energy into fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for you.
Now, I can’t help but wonder – what would it look like for all new parents to be surrounded only by those who acknowledge and honor the physical and emotional toll of childbirth?
It may be idealist- but by working together and spreading awareness we can create the village of support that is lacking, necessary, and in dire need for new parents and those birthing. Let’s do that. Share this article.
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