In this episode, I’m joined by Julianna Werner of postpartum.se (Stockholm, Sweden). During this inspiring chat, Julianna shares her two contrasting postpartum experiences—her first with little planning and a lot of instability, and her second, intentionally designed around rest, nourishment, and support. We talk about what truly helps in the tender weeks after birth, and why practical help (meals, tidy spaces, partner support) is just as vital as emotional care. Some of the topics we cover include
Two contrasting postpartums: a beautiful home birth followed by shock, homesickness, a UTI, and housing upheaval—then a second, planned experience anchored in rest, food, and aligned support.
Planning differently the second time: an unassisted birth with on-call midwives for immediate postpartum checks, plus a clear plan for the first hours and days.
Food as medicine: a custom postpartum meal plan (bone broths, congee, soft veg, porridges, electrolytes) to prevent constipation, protect the pelvic floor, and stabilise energy and mood.
Support that actually supports: how visitors can celebrate the mother and baby while taking on chores—without overlooking the simple connection.
Nutritional testing & recovery: why checking labs in pregnancy, ~6 weeks, and ~1 year postpartum can guide replenishment and long-term healing.
Top tips for parents & birth workers: stock freezer meals; prioritise oxytocin-boosting rest and warmth; secure practical help for the home and the partner.
“Food should be everyone’s focus during postpartum—having nourishing meals ready makes you feel safe, regulates your nervous system, and supports true recovery.” - Julianna Werner
Mentioned in this episode
Julianna Werner — postpartum.se (Stockholm): in-home care focused on nourishing foods, belly binding, sitz baths/steams, and deep listening. She also runs a one-year postpartum doula training (in Swedish).
Jojo’s free guides
In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I’m joined by Jaimie Zaki, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), mother of five, and host of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast. Jaimie has been supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum since 2016, and her holistic approach helps mothers not only with practical breastfeeding challenges like latching and milk supply but also with the confidence to trust both information and intuition.
Together, we talk about:
Why preparing for breastfeeding before your baby arrives is so important
How birth interventions (like C-sections and IV fluids) can impact feeding in the early days
The “golden hours” after birth and why protecting undisturbed skin-to-skin time matters
The essential role of community and support in breastfeeding success
Why nervous system regulation, sleep, and nourishment are the foundation for both mother and baby’s well-being
Jaimie also shares her top three tips for expectant parents to create a positive and successful breastfeeding journey—whether it’s your first baby or your fifth.
If you’ve ever thought, “Why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?”, this episode will leave you with the tools, wisdom, and encouragement you need to approach breastfeeding with confidence.
👉 Find Jaimie’s resources at littlebearlactation.com/library and listen to her podcast Breastfeeding With Confidence.
In this episode, I’m joined by Erin from Ohio, USA, who shares her beautiful, wild, and deeply intentional slow postpartum story with her fourth baby, Serenity.
After three very different postpartum experiences with her older children – including two C-sections and a home birth – Erin entered her fourth pregnancy with a clear vision: to honour the emotional, spiritual, and physical depth of postpartum. She prepared meals and herbs, built her village, and embraced the art of asking for help.
We talk about:
How her earlier postpartum journeys shaped her desire for something different this time.
The powerful influence of her doula during her third birth – and how that changed everything.
What it really means to “hold space” for a new mother.
Balancing preparation with the humility of receiving help from friends, family, and her children.
The importance of slowing down, listening to your intuition, and showing yourself the same patience and kindness you offer your children.
Erin’s story is a moving reminder that postpartum is not just about physical recovery – it’s an emotional and spiritual journey that shapes the rest of our lives.
If you’re expecting or supporting a new mother, this episode is full of wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement to create a postpartum period that is peaceful, supported, and deeply nourishing.
If you are pregnant or a new mother and wanting to create an intentional, supported and slow postpartum with your new baby you can get my free eguide here
If you are a doula or postpartum professional wanting to learn more you can find out 'Five Ways to Holistically Support New Families' here.
In this solo episode, I’m giving you a peek behind the curtain at what I actually do as a postpartum doula. It's one of the most common questions I’m asked — and not always easy to answer, because this work is so much more than baby cuddles and casseroles (though there’s plenty of both).
Come with me through a typical (but never quite the same) day in my life as a postpartum doula here in the Devon countryside, where I live with my dog Tui. From my slow morning cup of coffee in the garden to holding space for new mothers to rest, cry, share their birth stories, and feel nourished — emotionally, physically, and spiritually — this episode offers a genuine window into the beauty and depth of postpartum care.
I also share the magic that makes my support truly effective: the detailed postpartum plan I create before baby arrives. It's a complete game-changer for both the families I support and my ability to offer truly aligned care — and I’d love to share that with you too.
Why this work is so varied — and so satisfying
How I start my day slowly with my dog Tui in the Devon countryside
Why I always check in with my client before I visit
What I prioritise as soon as I arrive (hint: it involves hot tea and second breakfasts)
The power of holding space for a mother to tell her birth story
Why postpartum care is about listening, resting, food, massage, and tiny rituals of beauty
How creating a personalised postpartum plan before birth changes everything
Why this kind of slow, responsive care is at the heart of what I do — and why I want to share it with you
Freebie for Birth Professionals
Download my Postpartum Planning Template — the exact one I use with my clients:
Get the free template (insert link)
Free Guide for New and Expectant Parents
Planning your own peaceful postpartum? I’ve created a gentle guide to help you get started:
Download the guide (insert link)
Train or Mentor with Me
Whether you're a doula, birth worker, or someone who feels called to this sacred work, I’d love to walk alongside you.
Explore my trainings and mentorship (insert link)
A gentle request:
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with someone who might benefit or leaving a short review. It helps others discover the podcast and supports the Slow Postpartum movement.
Until next time, I hope your day unfolds with calm, care, and connection.
In this solo episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I invite you to slow right down with me.
It’s midsummer here in Devon (and midwinter in the southern hemisphere), a natural midpoint in the year that calls us to pause, reflect, and soften our pace.
This week, I’m sharing a gentle guided meditation you can listen to anytime you need to come back to yourself. It includes calming breathwork, a full body scan, soothing visualisations, and affirmations to remind you that it is not only okay to slow down—it’s essential.
Whether you're a new parent, a birth professional, or simply someone longing for a moment of quiet in a busy world, this meditation is here to support you.
So find a comfortable spot, press play, and permit yourself to rest.
A welcoming introduction to the idea of seasonal slowing down
Gentle breathwork to calm your nervous system
A guided full-body scan for deep relaxation
Visualisations to create a safe, restful inner space
Affirmations that honour the power of slowness
An invitation to choose rest and ease in your everyday life
Thank you for being here. If you enjoy this episode, please follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss future episodes.
You can also share this meditation with anyone you know who needs a gentle reminder that it’s okay to slow down.
Learn more about Slow Postpartum and my offerings: slowpostpartum.com
Listen to other episodes: slowpostpartum.com/podcast
Follow me on Instagram: @slowpostpartum
Thank you for choosing slowness with me today.
Be gentle with yourself.
In this episode of The Slow Postpartum Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant duo behind 360 Mama, Hannah and Emma—two postpartum experts who are transforming the way we support C-section recovery.
We dive deep into what every mother deserves to know about healing after a surgical birth. From rest and scar massage to pelvic floor recovery and emotional wellbeing, this episode is full of essential, practical guidance—whether you’re preparing for a planned C-section or recovering from an unexpected one.
💛 We talk about:
Why rest really matters after a caesarean (even if you feel “fine”)
How to create a nourishing postpartum sanctuary
Why C-section recovery should be included in every birth plan
Gentle movement and diaphragmatic breathing in early recovery
Scar massage: when to start, how to do it, and why it’s so healing
The surprising connection between C-sections, pelvic floor health, and emotional trauma
Recommended products to support healing (scar oils, compression wear, silicone strips, and more)
Their new book: C-Section Recovery: Everything You Need to Know—a resource every new mother deserves
✨ Hannah & Emma write:
“The 360 Mama are a team of postpartum experts who are passionate about improving the lives of mothers after pregnancy and birth… We so frequently heard the phrase ‘I wish somebody had told me this before’ about how to heal properly from pregnancy and birth.”
Their book is like having a postpartum support team in your hands—with clear answers to every question, comforting encouragement, and practical tips that make recovery truly achievable. This is a must-read for new parents, doulas, and birth professionals alike.
I offer in-person and virtual postpartum support packages specifically tailored for C-section mothers. Whether you need scar massage, emotional care, gentle movement, nourishing meals, or simply someone to hold space for your healing—I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Are you a doula or birth professional looking to deepen your skills in Slow Postpartum care? I also offer 1:1 mentoring and coaching to help you bring more rest, nourishment, and sacred support into your client work.
📩 Reach out via slowpostpartum.com or DM me @slowpostpartum on instagram.
C-Section Recovery: Everything You Need to Know
By Hannah Poulton & Emma Brockwell
➡️ Available now on Amazon
If this episode speaks to you, I’d love it if you shared it with a friend or left a review.
Your body is amazing. Your healing matters. You deserve rest, care, and support.
In this episode, I sit down with mother of two Ashley—one of my beautiful postpartum clients to talk about the big difference a Slow Postpartum can make. Ashley shares her honest reflections on the raw reality of her first postpartum experience with her first daughter Esme, and how she made a conscious decision to do things differently the second time around with baby Iris.
💛 From sleep deprivation and feeding challenges to postpartum loneliness and unexpected physical recovery hurdles, Ashley opens up about the hard parts of her first time as a new mother. But what shines through is her deep commitment to change—for herself, for her family, and for her new baby.
With gentle planning, clear boundaries, and an openness to ask for support, Ashley created a nourishing, calm, and supported postpartum the second time around. From freezer meals and dog-walking rotas, to postpartum massage and cozy bedsharing, this episode is a beautiful reminder that healing and rest can be prioritised. In this episode we discuss ...
✨ The stark contrast between Ashley’s first and second postpartum journeys
✨ How planning ahead helped her feel supported and nourished
✨ The power of asking for help—and giving loved ones specific jobs
✨ Why investing in postpartum care is one of the best decisions Ashley made
✨ How rest, nutrition, and babywearing shaped her recovery
✨ The emotional importance of others holding the mother, not just holding the baby
Ashley’s words will touch your heart and remind you why postpartum care matters—not just for the baby, but for the whole family.
💬 If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear your story. You can DM me @slowpostpartum. And if you would love to experience your own slow, soulful and supported postpartum you can find out more about my work here. 💗
In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Hilary Claire — clinical psychologist, author, yoga teacher, and mother of two. Hilary brings a wealth of experience in psychology, nutrition, and environmental medicine, and she’s on a mission to help mothers move from survival to thriving through radical self-care and community support.
We dive deep into the topic of postnatal depletion — a term that resonated so deeply for both of us. Hilary shares her own vulnerable story of struggling after the birth of her first baby, despite being a psychologist and thinking she was “prepared.” It’s an all-too-common tale of isolation, exhaustion, and the absence of a village.
We talk about:
Why modern motherhood is setting women up to fail
What postnatal depletion is (and why it’s not the same as postpartum depression)
The ripple effects of unsupported mothers on families and future generations
Practical ways to plan for a peaceful postpartum, including community-building, mindset shifts, nourishment, and rest
The essential (and often forgotten) art of asking for help and getting clear on your own needs
Hilary and I share a mutual passion for slow, intentional living and the powerful transformation of matrescence. This conversation is full of wisdom for both new and experienced mothers, as well as birth professionals who support them.
Resources & Links:
Find Dr. Hilary Claire online: www.drhilaryclaire.com
Follow her on Instagram: @drhilaryclaire
Her books: The Motherhood Reset & Nourished Mama
Her course: The Motherhood Reset Program
If you’re planning for postpartum or still healing months (or even years) after birth, I know this episode will leave you feeling seen, understood, and inspired to honour your own needs.
✨ And if you’re preparing for the arrival of your baby in 2025, you might like to explore my new Virtual Postpartum Support Package — a gentle container of care that begins in pregnancy and continues into those tender early weeks. You can find the link in the show notes below.
Take a breath, take a moment… and take it slow.,
In this beautiful and honest episode, I’m joined by my friend and postpartum physiotherapist, Victoria Caulfield, to talk about her second postpartum journey—this time, the slow way.
Victoria shares how her experience recovering from a difficult first birth shaped her decision to do things differently with baby number two. From resting more intentionally to embracing traditional postpartum nourishment, Victoria offers a deeply personal account of what it meant to honour her body, her baby, and her healing.
“The work was in the rest. I’m not naturally restful—but this time I really gave myself permission to slow down, nourish myself properly, and plan ahead. The difference in my recovery was incredible.” – Victoria Caulfield
We chat about:
✨ Why rest was the “work” Victoria needed most
✨ How warming foods and Traditional Chinese Medicine principles supported her recovery
✨ What she learned from her first postpartum and why she planned her second so carefully
✨ How it felt to say no to visitors and yes to stillness
✨ Her three top tips for anyone preparing for postpartum—especially second-time mums
Victoria also shares some of her favourite resources, including The First Forty Days, The Golden Month, and the joys of working with a postpartum food doula (yes, it was that good!).
Whether you're preparing for your own postpartum or supporting someone else through theirs, this conversation is full of practical wisdom, gentle encouragement, and real-life insight.
🧡 Mentioned in the episode:
🌿 Looking for postpartum support of your own?
If you’re inspired by Victoria’s story and want to create your own version of a restful, nourishing postpartum—no matter where you live—I’d love to support you.
My Virtual Slow Postpartum Support Package is now available, and includes a prenatal planning session, a full online course, healing recipes, meditations, and personal coaching after baby arrives.
✨ Click here to learn more about the Virtual Support Package
Because you deserve to feel held, nourished, and supported during this sacred season.
🔗 Subscribe & Share
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend or fellow birthworker. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes of The Slow Postpartum Podcast.
In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I explore the vital role of partners during the sacred weeks following the birth of a baby.
Postpartum is a time of deep physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation for new mothers, and when partners understand how to support this journey with presence, protection, and practical care, it can make all the difference.
We’ll talk about what a "slow postpartum" really means, and how partners can help create a calm and nurturing sanctuary for rest, bonding, and healing. I’ll share practical ways partners can step into this role with love and confidence, including supporting emotional wellbeing, managing visitors, advocating for the mother’s needs, and also tending to their own transition into parenthood.
I’ll also acknowledge that not every new parent has a partner’s support, and how building a village of care becomes even more essential in those cases.
Suppose you're preparing for your own postpartum, supporting a loved one, or working with families as a birth professional. In that case, this episode will offer ideas, encouragement, and gentle guidance to help make the early weeks after birth as peaceful and healing as possible.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
If you’d like my support to plan for your own slow, soulful, and truly supported postpartum, I'd love to be there for you. Find out more at slowpostpartum.com or connect with me @slowpostpartum. I work with parents all over the world to help them thrive, not just survive, in the early weeks after birth. As well as training and mentoring doulas and birth professionals in my slow postpartum methods.
Thank you for listening — and until next time, go gently, and go slowly.
With love
Jojo
Journaling can be a powerful tool for emotional well-being in the postpartum period, helping new mothers and parents process emotions, reflect on their experiences, and find peace amidst the transition to motherhood. In this episode, I explore how journaling can support postpartum healing and provide a list of thoughtful prompts to guide your writing practice.
Journaling Prompts for Postpartum Reflection:
What has surprised me most about this season of my life?
What is one small moment today that brought me joy?
What was the most challenging thing that happened? How did it make me feel?
How does my body feel today, and what does it need from me?
What do I wish I could say out loud but haven’t?
Who or what is making me feel supported right now?
What support do I truly need, and how can I find it?
If I could write a letter to my future self, what would I want her to remember about this time?
If you’ve been journaling or decide to start after this episode, I’d love to hear about your experience! Reach out to me on Instagram or visit my website.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from these reflections. And as always, take it slow and gently, and give yourself grace to ease into your slow postpartum.
With love
Jojo
PS: If you'd love my help to plan a slow, supported, soulful postpartum with your new baby, check out my online training - The Art of Slow Postpartum here.
Why are we telling new mothers half-truths about postpartum recovery? We often hear phrases like “It’s okay that you’re not okay”—but is that the message new mothers need to hear? In this episode, I welcome back the incredible Maranda Bower, to explore the half-truths that have shaped how we talk about postpartum healing.
Maranda Bower is the CEO and Founder of Postpartum University®, dedicated to empowering mothers and professionals to redefine maternal well-being. With her extensive expertise in biology, nutrition, and perinatal mental health, she stands as a pioneering figure in the field.
Maranda possesses a profound understanding of the intricate physiological processes that underpin postpartum well-being. As a prolific researcher and accomplished author, including the bestselling book "Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness," her impactful work extends globally. She’s also the founder of the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Program, the only functional nutrition certification dedicated to the unique period that is postpartum.m period.
In this episode, Maranda challenges the narratives that normalize suffering, discusses the dangers of misinformation (even from well-meaning professionals), and explains why true postpartum care must go beyond just validation—it requires action. From the impact of postpartum depletion on long-term health to the rise of the postpartum supplement industry, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about supporting new mothers.
Why common postpartum advice often contains half-truths
How phrases like “It’s okay that you’re not okay” can be misleading
The real impact of postpartum depletion on long-term health
Why the term “postpartum” has become synonymous with struggle—and how to change that
The growing postpartum supplement industry: helpful or just another quick fix?
The importance of nourishment, real food, and slowing down for postpartum recovery
How care providers can balance truth-telling with compassion
Maranda’s upcoming free masterclass on postpartum depletion and recovery
Join Maranda’s Free Masterclass:The Four Stages of Postpartum Depletion which is happening on March 6th 2025.
This masterclass is designed for postpartum care providers, doulas, midwives, and anyone supporting or advocating for new mothers. Attendees will receive The Postpartum Recovery Assessment Tool to help clients navigate their healing journey.
Save Your Spot Here:https://members.postpartumu.com/masterclass?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fmembers.postpartumu.com%2Fa%2F2147926674%2FoBziz6i2
Welcome to Season 2 of theSlow Postpartum Podcast! In this episode, I reflect on the beauty of seasonal living and how slowing down postpartum mirrors nature’s rhythms. I also preview the exciting topics and conversations coming up this season.
In this episode:
The connection between postpartum recovery and seasonal cycles
The importance of rest and renewal in winter for greater vitality in spring
A preview of topics like postpartum nutrition, slow living, and expert interviews
Share your thoughts, topics, or guest ideas with me, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, or review the podcast to support this growing community!
Follow Us:
For more expert insights on slow postpartum care, nervous system regulation, and maternal wellness, follow me on Instagram @slowpostpartum andvisit my websitefor free resources, training programs, and more
As the year draws to a close, this special episode of The Slow Postpartum Podcast offers you a moment to pause amidst the holiday hustle. Join me for a calming guided meditation to help you let go of stress, reconnect with your inner self, and honour the rhythms of the season—whether you’re embracing winter’s quiet or summer’s vibrant energy.
In this 10-minute meditation, I’ll guide you through techniques to release tension, ground yourself in the present, and set heartfelt intentions for the weeks ahead. Take this opportunity to prioritise rest, balance, and connection during this busy time of year.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
A step-by-step relaxation meditation to soothe your body and mind.
Insights on the solstice’s significance, whether you're in the midst of winter or summer.
Affirmations to carry you through the holidays with peace and ease.
A visualization exercise to focus on what truly matters this season.
Carve out just a few minutes for yourself to breathe, reflect, and find calm. Together, let’s close the year with intention, balance and, of course, a touch of slow.
With love
Jojo
How can thoughtful preparation transform the postpartum period from a time of survival to one of joy, healing, and connection for new families?
In today’s episode, I delve into the power of creating a slow postpartum plan. This isn’t just about avoiding chaos—it’s about laying the foundation for a peaceful and restorative postpartum experience. Perfect for doulas, birth professionals, and anyone supporting new families, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-life insights to ensure the postpartum journey is one of healing and connection.
What we’ll cover:
Why preparing for postpartum during pregnancy is a must.
Real-life stories of families thriving with a postpartum plan.
How modern culture’s focus on the baby can leave new parents unsupported.
The five essential elements of a slow postpartum plan:
Creating a postpartum sanctuary.
Building a circle of support.
Prioritizing optimal nutrition for healing and energy.
Fostering emotional and physical rest.
Strengthening the parent-baby bond through slow living.
The ripple effect: How supported parents create healthier families and communities.
Free ResourceJoin me for my upcoming free webinar:“How to Support New Families to Plan a Peaceful and Positive Postpartum”Date: Monday, November 25thTime: 8:00 PM GMTRegister here
This webinar will provide step-by-step guidance to help you support families in creating their own slow postpartum plan. Whether you’re a doula, birth professional, or passionate about supporting new parents, this is for you.
Slow Postpartum Stories - Clare & Iona’s Postpartum Healing Journey.
What if just a few mindful choices could transform your postpartum experience?
In this episode, we dive into the complex and tender journey of postpartum recovery with Clare, a mother of two, who reflects on her transformative experience through the fourth trimester with her second child. While her first postpartum experience was marked by a whirlwind of challenges, including moving house, COVID restrictions, and a lack of support, Clare shares the invaluable lessons she learned along the way including how she approached her postpartum period with thoughtful preparation, strong support systems, and self-care practices. This preparation supported her healing and well-being and strengthened her family. Her story reveals how intentional choices can empower parents, helping them navigate the demands of early motherhood with resilience and ease.
In this episode:
Clare's contrasting postpartum experiences with her first and second babies
The overwhelming challenges of postpartum during COVID, including isolation and lack of support
How planning ahead helped Clare create a calm, supportive environment for herself and her family the second time around.
The importance of asking for and accepting help during postpartum
The practical steps Clare took, like organising meals, creating a supportive home space and hiring a postpartum doula
Tips for new parents to prioritise their well-being during the early days of parenting
The concept of “alloparenting” and why building a support network is vital
If you’re a doula or birth professional interested in learning how to support families through a slow, soulful, and sustainable postpartum, check out my upcoming webinar 'How to Support New Families to Plan a Peaceful & Positive Postpartum'
Let’s make the journey into parenthood a truly supported experience for new families worldwide.
In this episode of The Slow Postpartum Podcast, I’m joined by Rocio Zunini, a neuroscientist and expert in early childhood development and parenting, to explore the incredible transformations that take place in the brain when we become parents. We dive deep into the neuroscience of parenting, discussing how pregnancy, birth and postpartum rewire our minds, fostering deeper empathy and connection, and enhancing our ability to nurture and respond to our children.
Rocio shares her own personal experience growing up in an alloparenting environment in South America, comparing it to her time as a mother in the Western world. We explore how our cultural approaches to parenting shape the way we bond with our babies and regulate our nervous systems. Together, we uncover the importance of building a support village to help parents not just survive, but thrive during the postpartum period.
You’ll also learn about alloparenting, how attachment theory has evolved, and the importance of having multiple caregivers for both parents and babies to create a calm, connected postpartum experience.
Key Topics Discussed:
Parenting and Brain Changes: The neuroscience behind how parenting rewires the brain and strengthens emotional bonds.
Alloparenting: What it is and how it benefits both parents and babies by reducing the burden of caregiving.
Attachment Theory: How early attachment relationships influence infant development and why multiple caregivers can be beneficial.
Postpartum Support: Practical tips on how to build a postpartum village and outsource help during the early weeks with a newborn.
Cultural Differences in Parenting: Rocio’s insights from growing up in South America and the value of community caregiving.
Resources Mentioned:
Rocio Zunini’s upcoming course: The Parental Brain Program for Professionals starting on October 31st
Nurture Revolution Certification Waitlist (April 2025) by Rocio Zunini & Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum
Follow Us:
For more expert insights on slow postpartum care, nervous system regulation, and maternal wellness, follow me on Instagram @slowpostpartum and visit my website for free resources, training programs, and more
How can massage and bodywork transform the physical and emotional journey of pregnancy and postpartum? Is it a luxurious indulgence—or should it be seen as an essential part of caring for mothers & parents?
In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I explore the vital role of massage and body therapies during the perinatal period. Drawing from my 30 years of experience as a massage therapist and founder of a pregnancy and postpartum wellness centre, I share insights into how these therapies are more than pampering—they are crucial for supporting both mothers and their babies.
We’ll explore how ancient cultures prioritised nurturing mothers during and after pregnancy and how modern science backs up these time-honoured traditions. I explain how massage, reflexology, acupuncture, and other bodywork therapies not only help relieve physical discomfort but also reduce stress, promoting overall well-being for mothers and their families.
Listen to learn why postpartum care is essential for long-term health, how maternal stress impacts both parents and babies and why we should view postpartum recovery as more than just a brief period—because the first 40 days can impact the next 40 years.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of massage and body therapies during pregnancy and postpartum.
How massage helps relieve physical discomfort and reduce stress during pregnancy.
The impact of maternal stress on both mother and baby.
How ancient postpartum care traditions still hold relevance today.
The benefits of postpartum massage & belly binding for healing and recovery.
Additional bodywork therapies like reflexology, acupuncture, and pelvic physiotherapy.
Why proper postpartum care is critical for long-term health—40 days for 40 years.
Resources Mentioned:
Doulas & Birth Professionals - Work with me.
Expectant and New Parents - Be supported by me.
Have you ever heard of the acronym W.E.I.R.D.? It stands for Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich, and Democratic—terms that describe much of the society we live in today. But could this culture, with its emphasis on productivity and individualism, be harming the wellbeing of new mothers, parents, and babies?
In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I explore the historical and cultural shifts that have transformed postpartum care. From the communal caregiving of early human societies, known as alloparenting, to the isolating effects of our modern "W.E.I.R.D." culture, we look at how the transition from shared responsibilities to nuclear families—particularly since the Industrial Revolution—has left many mothers and families overwhelmed and unsupported. I also discuss why the philosophy of a slow postpartum, which encourages new mothers to rest, heal, and bond with their babies at a natural pace, free from societal pressures, is something we need to reclaim and practice today.
In this episode, we explore:
The concept of "W.E.I.R.D" culture (Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich, Democratic) and its impact on postpartum care.
Historical and indigenous practices of alloparenting and communal infant care.
How the Industrial Revolution shifted postpartum care to isolated nuclear families.
The harmful myths surrounding motherhood and the pressure to "bounce back" after birth.
The physiological and emotional benefits of embracing a slow postpartum for stress reduction and nervous system regulation.
How a calm and supported postpartum can positively impact newborns through co-regulation.
Practical tips for creating a restorative postpartum experience.
Key takeaways:
Rest is essential after giving birth. Create a rest-centered postpartum plan that prioritizes recovery.
Ask for help and build a support network during pregnancy to ensure you have the assistance you need postpartum.
Nourish your body and soul with warming, nutritious meals and mindfulness practices to support physical healing and emotional well-being.
I also discuss how birth professionals, such as doulas, can foster a slow postpartum for their clients and contribute to this much-needed cultural shift.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
[Slow Postpartum Kitchen Cookbook] – Grab a copy of Jojo's nourishing recipes for postpartum healing.
Free eBooks: One for expectant/new parents and one for doulas/birth professionals.
How can optimal nutrition help new mothers recover and heal from birth and feel deeply supported over the postpartum weeks?
In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I delve deeper into the importance of postpartum nutrition, building on last week's conversation with nutrition expert Maranda Bower. I share my experience and insights, as well as my favourite recipes that I use to support new families during this critical time. Whether you're a new parent, expecting a baby, or a birth professional working with new families, this episode is filled with practical advice and inspiration for nourishing the body and soul in the postpartum period.
In this episode:
The critical role of nutrition in postpartum recovery.
Cultural traditions around postpartum foods from around the world.
Why the postpartum period is not the time to focus on losing "baby weight."
My top five favourite postpartum recipes.
The emotional impact of being lovingly fed in the postpartum period.
Practical tips for new parents to ensure they are optimally nourished.
Information on Maranda Bower’s free masterclass on postpartum nutrition.
Maranda Bower’s FREE Masterclass on Postpartum Nutrition
https://members.postpartumu.com/a/2147926674/oBziz6i2
The Slow Postpartum Kitchen - Recipes & Meal Plans to Nurture & Nourish a New Mama in the Weeks Following Birth
https://slow-postpartum.newzenler.com/courses/slow-postpartum-kitchen-ebook
