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Midwife GPS for the Postpartum Year
The first year of recovery and growth following the birth of a child is a profound time physically and emotionally, but did you know that deep shifts have occurred on the spiritual level as well? Without extended families nearby, we have less support for our learning on how to be parents, getting a nap once in awhile, figuring out how to fit into this new role of caring for a creature totally dependent on us for their survival, can feel like a tall mountain to climb, on our own.
More and more, modern culture expects women to “get back to work”as quickly as possible, despite the fact they may be sleeping in 2 hour stretches between feedings and haven’t showered in days. This expectation, incidentally, is a reflection of a masculine system designed for optimal functioning and isn’t really serving us particularly well. We have different operating systems that can’t be expected to respond efficiently to a one-size-fits-all approach and men are feeling it too. After birth, your body needs time to transform from growing a baby for the past 9 months, to producing food and insuring survival of that baby. Caring for a child is definitely something that takes time to master; integrating your own self-care and thriving is equally, if not more, important.
Your brain during pregnancy and in the first postpartum year is chemically impacted by your hormones. There are socially/situationally driven changes, as well! . Your neurological pathways are shifting to navigate a new spiritual dimension of becoming a mother in an interwoven, complex and evolutionary way. While the changes can be fundamental, with the right orientation, they are also fascinating. So perhaps it’s not surprising that many of us don’t feel ready to leave our infant and return to the workplace at 6 to 12 weeks after delivery. We are still learning how to land the plane we barely learned to fly a month ago!
I can help by midwifing you to the new normal – your whole life has changed in the past year – where’s the GPS for this? Right here! You need support, reflection and guidance and a new framework for living.
Understanding the physiology, and how it impacts your whole being, identifying holistic and realistic strategies for this powerful transformation so that you can experience the deepest empowerment of your new stage in life. I will help you to release old judgments and self-criticism that aren’t yours in the first place, and in your way of becoming the wise, loving parent you want to be…. All in a safe, nurturing space.
I am an intuitive wisewoman and experienced, certified nurse midwife who has supported hundreds of families through the weeks and months of this transition which you began almost a year ago. Sometimes maybe you just need to grieve. Sometimes you may need a relaxing massage. Maybe you need to speak with a wisewoman about herbal or homeopathic therapies to support your mood and/or healing process. Maybe you just need a hug and an ‘atta girl’ session. My time is just for you!