Dr Sophie Messager, an experienced perinatal educator, discusses the importance of postnatal care for new mothers. She explores traditional practices like Closing the Bones, highlights the need for support and bodywork, and emphasizes the challenges of new motherhood. The podcast also covers cultural differences in postpartum care, the significance of baby carrying slings, and the healing power of reclaiming women's rites of passage.
Postnatal care is vital for new mothers' well-being and should prioritize their health and identity.
Doulas play a significant role in supporting expecting and new mothers emotionally and practically.
Cultural rituals like 'Closing the Bones' offer holistic healing and emotional support in postpartum recovery.
Deep dives
Overview of the Podcast Episode
In this engaging podcast episode, Sophie, an ex-scientist, and perinatal educator, delves into the importance of postnatal recovery and honoring women during life transitions, like motherhood. She emphasizes the transformative process of reinventing oneself through various life stages, drawing parallels between motherhood and other life transitions. Sophie discusses the disparity between postpartum care in diverse cultures, highlighting how some societies prioritize nurturing new mothers for weeks or months, contrasting with the struggles faced in Western society.
The Role of Doulas in Postpartum Care
Sophie sheds light on the crucial role of doulas in providing emotional, practical, and informational support to expecting and new mothers. Doulas act as non-clinical birth partners, aiding in birth journey support and postpartum care. They advocate for birthing women, educate them on options, and navigate the birthing process, ensuring mothers feel supported and empowered in making informed decisions.
Cultural Rituals in Postpartum Care
The podcast unveils the significance of cultural rituals, such as 'Closing the Bones,' in aiding postpartum recovery. Sophie explores how these rituals, involving massage and body manipulation, are practiced worldwide to restore the body and support healing after childbirth. These traditions offer holistic healing, emotional support, and address trauma, transcending beyond just physical recovery.
Challenges and Misconceptions in Western Postpartum Practices
Sophie challenges common misconceptions in Western postpartum practices, highlighting the lack of awareness and support for new mothers. She critiques the rigid routines and unrealistic expectations enforced on mothers, advocating for personalized, nurturing care that aligns with a mother's instincts and needs. Sophie emphasizes the importance of community support, rest, nutrition, and bodywork in promoting overall postpartum well-being.
Empowering Mothers Through Meaningful Rituals
The episode concludes with a call to empower mothers through meaningful rituals and honoring their experiences. Sophie encourages the celebration of women's rites of passage, advocating for rituals that honor and support women during pivotal life transitions. By reclaiming and embracing these rituals, women can experience healing, empowerment, and a renewed sense of self-worth.
Stay Connected with Sophie
To explore more about Sophie's teachings, rituals, and courses, visit her website at Sophie-messenger.com. Connect with her on Instagram and YouTube under the handle 'Sophie_monsage' and explore her insightful podcasts and resources. For those seeking meaningful life transitions and postpartum support, Sophie's expertise offers a holistic approach to nurturing and empowering individuals.
Taking care of new mothers by restoring their health through rest, bodywork, and nourishing foods can be found in every society, most in the not so distant past. Why then does it become all about the new baby that has arrived? Why don't we think of offering care and support to the parents? New mothers are born into a new role and ceremonies like Closing the Bones help her transition into a new identity while also restoring her body. Join us as we talk with Dr Sophie Messager - experienced perinatal educator, healer, retired doula and former research scientist about the four common (and global) elements of postnatal recovery. Sophie's commitment and passion to educate birth professionals and families on the importance of the postnatal care of mothers has transformed the life of many women, laying the ground for healthy women and healthy families. Author of the book "Why Postnatal Recovery Matters." you can find Sophie at sophiemessager.com, and on Instagram @sophie_messager.
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