As a new mother, you are the alchemist of your own postpartum experience. An alchemist is simply a person who practices the seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination. For example finding the person who's right for you requires a very subtle alchemy. Motherhood is a wildly potent alchemy. You literally just conceived, gestated, and birthed a human being that relies on your body for survival. Postpartum is a time that requires us to transform. It is a simple time, but that does not mean it is not expansive, creative, and important.
“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”
―
I often hear things like "I didn't do anything my first trimester" and think to myself "except grow an entire baby's beginnings, build the placenta, generate more blood, and prepare your body for a new soul to enter". We think we're not doing anything if we can't see the immediate results or if the results don't add up to something society deems an achievement. I'm here to remind all of us that are on the path of motherhood, that you are doing SO MUCH - seen, unseen, complex, and simple. It all matters.
The postpartum season is a lot like the first trimester but instead of the beginning it is the closing. Our body requires deep rest to truly do what needs to be done to recover. There's of course a lot of nuance in motherhood, but I strongly believe that the first 6 weeks after birth is a major opportunity to heal and that the effects of what you do during this time can last the rest of your adult life.
How to alchemize the 4th trimester.
- REST: I've heard of the 5-5-5 method. 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days around the bed. That's a great start, but I say go further. See how much IN BED you can really do. I'm not talking sleep through the night. I'm talking about intentional time spent doing nothing but laying in bed without distraction, snuggling baby, and closing the eyes when possible. This requires some set up, some planning, and true intentionality.
- NOURISH: Postpartum foods are simple but impactful. The meals, Sips, & Snacktation you nourish yourself with during this time is just as important as the rest you are striving for.
- SUPPORT: You cannot reach for these nourishment and rest goals without support. Who is on your team? In your village? Feeding you? Making sure you get to take a shower? Taking care of the other responsibilities?
- BOUNDARIES: People pleasers, listen up! This isn't about anyone but you, your baby, and your growing family. You don't have to host your mother in law, entertain, show up, or have guests over. You call the shots. The better you are at this, the more people will respect you for it and if they don't they aren't the right people for you.
- BODY CARE: Whether you are self-administering massage or receiving from a partner or practitioner, don't sleep on this. Your body just went through the biggest transformation it could possibly go through. Bodywork is an essential piece of the puzzle.
The good new is, I'm releasing a course this fall for Postpartum Planning. If your baby is on the way coming this fall/winter or you are planning for a baby in the coming year(s), this is the best place to begin in planning your unique postpartum experience. In this course we find a nuanced approach to preparing for the postpartum season. Ten experts in the postpartum field bring you a refined course with tangible insights and action steps to feel supported during this tender time. My intention is for this experience to bring more ease and flow into your postpartum journey. The more prepared we can be with the right tools, options, and knowledge, the smoother those first weeks and months can be. Each course participant will receive our postpartum recipe zine!
Love,
Sydney
