Healing from Postpartum, part 1

Jessica Woelkers
Mar 2
2 min read

a m ar a t h on , not a sprint

A welcome home sign from my best friend in the entire world❣️

Tips for family/friends/community:

Just show up
Carrie Bradshaw said it best:

"There's the kind of support you ask for and a kind of support you don't ask for. And then there's the kind that just shows up"

Asking the proverbial:

"what do you need"

is nice and thoughtful, of course, but the real diamond in the bag is just showing up. I want to be crystal clear that showing up doesnt mean actually going in.

It means porch dropping what is manageable for you.

*Additionally, giving the new mom the option of a visit. If they arent ready for a visit yet, then make a calender note to follow-up in a few weeks.

Typically, similar to when there's a loss of life, support is heavy in the beginning, in the early weeks.

My husband and I found ourselves in most need of support at the one month mark, 1.5 mark etc. When Ruby Leigh was 1.5 months, it was a small blessing and an exhale when a family friend dropped off an absolutely DIVINE chicken pot pie made by 2 astounding mamas https://www.avetaholisticbirth.com/postpartum-meal-delivery

*These incredible women and mothers specifically create recipes dedicated to rebuilding a new mama’s biochemical system after pregnancy, labor and delivery, plus lactation! 🥰

Diaper detail: Milk Mommy, Diaper Daddy

Switching off duties with your partner helps tremendously in those first few early weeks. In our house, daddy always does all diaper changes in the early weeks when mom is healing from birth, needs a moment to take care of herself for birth recovery, and to nourish before feeding. This is specific to breastfeeding, but can also translate to bottle feeding.

Women by virtue of nature bear the most taxing physiological load of parenthood.

However, having a partner that can take some of load helps immensely. When I would try to tidy up or help with dishes, my hubby would always say:

"I can do dishes, I can't take a shower for you."