How can we ensure a slow, nurtured postpartum experience, and what happens when unexpected challenges arise?
In this episode, I talk to Nikki Wilson, a perinatal peer supporter, yoga teacher, and mum of two, who shares her journey of planning a slow postpartum period with her second child, Indi. Nikki opens up about the stark differences between her first postpartum experience, which felt rushed and overwhelming compared to her second, more intentional and supported approach.
We discuss the importance of postpartum planning, setting boundaries, and enlisting help and support from your ‘village’. Nikki also shares how she navigated unexpected challenges, including a hospital stay, while maintaining her commitment to a restful and nourishing postpartum period.
In this episode:
Nikki’s First Postpartum Experience: feeling pressured to quickly return to normal life, facing physical and emotional challenges without adequate support.
Societal Expectations: Experiencing societal and familial pressure to host visitors soon after giving birth.
Gaslighting of New Mothers: Nikki links societal expectations to gaslighting, making new mothers ignore their own needs.
Determination for Change: Anger and frustration from her first postpartum experience fueled her desire for a different approach with her second child.
Hiring a Postpartum Doula: Nikki hired a postpartum doula to ensure she received nurturing and restorative care.
Financial Prioritization: She and her husband prioritized spending on postpartum support instead of other baby-related expenses.
Championing Mother's Needs: How postpartum doula support played a crucial role in advocating for Nikki's needs and boundaries.
Creating a Support Network: Assigning specific roles to friends and family to provide practical support.
Meal Train Organisation: How Nikki ensured a steady supply of nutritious food delivered to her door!
Hospital Stay Challenges: How an unexpected hospital stay disrupted their postpartum plans.
If you would love to plan for a slow, supported and soulful postpartum with your new baby, I would love to help. You can check out my online training here where I talk you through each of my nine steps to creating and experiencing the postpartum of your dreams.
You can find out more about the Slow Postpartum philosophy and how I support both parents and birth professionals around the world on my website.
Follow me on Instagram @slowpostpartum
