Holistic Postpartum: the journey back to connection
The postpartum journey can be an often raw and tender time of healing and adjustment. Our culture in the US does not support and tend to the mother during this transformative time. More and more families are turning to postpartum doulas, consultants, and parenting groups to support them as they navigate the terrain of the childbearing continuum. Without the tight-knit communities of the past, when support was built into the social structure, many women find themselves adrift and alone, longing for their “village”. With postpartum depression and anxiety rates soaring in the US, it is worthwhile to consider the support one may need as they enter their pregnancy.
In my practice, I prefer to look at the whole childbearing continuum as an evolution of growth and change. The word “holistic” refers to all the elements that factor into the experience of the individual and family and what their particular support needs might look like. My ideas around how to support families has shifted in the last few years. Although I see practical support as an integral aspect of the postpartum experience, my approach to the postpartum journey is a bit different than many of my doula peers. My holistic approach draws in the elements of emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of the individual. This will be unique from one client to the next. In order to understand more fully the unique experience and needs for support, it is critical to begin a relationship of trust during pregnancy. Through prenatal education, sharing of resources & community building, we lay the groundwork for the postpartum journey.
So, what does this shift in approach look like? When I think of how to continue care beyond childbirth, I believe families need a strong foundation to be built ahead of time so that when they arrive in the postpartum, they are equipped with the resources and resilience to assess how to get the support that is best for them and their family. I also strongly believe that women need the support of other women. Connection is key, and the foundation of my practice. Together, we build the foundation and scaffolding that will “house” your postpartum journey.
The postpartum support begins with a prenatal meeting where we create a plan, after thoroughly evaluating your needs and concerns. During this meeting, we build a framework of things to consider and resources to have available for you. Once the baby arrives, I join you in your home to process your birth and assess any changes in your needs, based on the impact of your birth and your physical and emotional healing. Resources and referrals are given at this time. I will support your healing and recovery with the traditional practice of belly binding, herbal support, and Reiki, offered in the comfort of your own home. I will make you tea and sit with you and deeply listen to you and your experience. Together we will find the path forward with the proper resources and professionals within our community. This holistic path forges new relationships of support within your community and helps you build confidence in your choices and abilities as a parent.
Just as with the birth experience, there is no “one size fits all” approach. Each experience is unique and I want to offer an opportunity for you to have access to resources and education in a way that you find your own path through parenthood. A path in which you learn to trust your intuition, as well as how to filter information. If your needs for support go beyond my foundational package (Holistic Postpartum), together we will decide a use for additional hours of support, based on your needs.
Interested in learning more? I take on a limited amount of clients in order to provide the highest quality of support, so I encourage folks to reach out early about working together. Outside my travel range for in person support? I offer virtual support for those seeking this holistic framework…Let’s connect!
Gabe Lazarus (she/her)
Reiki Practitioner
Gardener/Educator
Bengkung Belly Binding
Certified Holistic Birth Doula
Holistic Postpartum Consultant
Serving the Triangle of NC since 2014