The postnatal time with the right conditions, when planned for, with good support from multiple people, can be a blissful time for a mother, baby & family. Enjoying being skin to skin, falling in love. Baby is experiencing all of the sounds, smells, sights & sensations of life outside the womb, held, fed & supported in this transition to life by their mother & she is held in turn by her partner, doula or family. However, even a well-supported postpartum can be a time of immense change & turbulence for a family, bringing strong emotions, possibly even grief for what is ending & changing with this new beginning.
The significant support that is necessary to curate a blissful, restful postpartum is not readily available for most mothers in our western culture, who are expected to “bounce back”, to “get back to normal”. The permission to rest & let go of external productivity isn’t present in the undercurrent of western society. Without support with household tasks & older children during the postnatal period, mothers are at risk of physical & emotional issues. Breastfeeding is a goal for many, but it is a new learned skill & often knowledgeable help is needed.
Every postpartum contains its own intricate weave of experiences. No matter what sort of postpartum a mother is having, whether she is rejoicing in the birth or recovering from a difficult birthing journey or even major surgery, she has the task of caring for a baby 24/7. Mothers are powerful & resilient. This is an ode to mothers. We see you, we honour you. You are respected.