The Slow Postpartum Podcast

Slow Postpartum Stories - Clare & Iona’s Postpartum Healing Journey. What if just a few mindful choices could transform your postpartum experience?  In this episode, we dive into the complex and tender journey of postpartum recovery with Clare, a mother of two, who reflects on her transformative experience through the fourth trimester with her second child. While her first postpartum experience was marked by a whirlwind of challenges, including moving house, COVID restrictions, and a lack of support, Clare shares the invaluable lessons she learned along the way including how she approached her postpartum period with thoughtful preparation, strong support systems, and self-care practices. This preparation supported her healing and well-being and strengthened her family. Her story reveals how intentional choices can empower parents, helping them navigate the demands of early motherhood with resilience and ease. In this episode: Clare's contrasting postpartum experiences with her first and second babies The overwhelming challenges of postpartum during COVID, including isolation and lack of   support How planning ahead helped Clare create a calm, supportive environment for herself and her family the second time around. The importance of asking for and accepting help during postpartum The practical steps Clare took, like organising meals, creating a supportive home space and hiring a postpartum doula Tips for new parents to prioritise their well-being during the early days of parenting The concept of “alloparenting” and why building a support network is vital If you’re a doula or birth professional interested in learning how to support families through a slow, soulful, and sustainable postpartum, check out my upcoming webinar 'How to Support New Families to Plan a Peaceful & Positive Postpartum' Let’s make the journey into parenthood a truly supported experience for new families worldwide.

In this episode of The Slow Postpartum Podcast, I’m joined by Rocio Zunini, a neuroscientist and expert in early childhood development and parenting, to explore the incredible transformations that take place in the brain when we become parents. We dive deep into the neuroscience of parenting, discussing how pregnancy, birth and postpartum rewire our minds, fostering deeper empathy and connection, and enhancing our ability to nurture and respond to our children. Rocio shares her own personal experience growing up in an alloparenting environment in South America, comparing it to her time as a mother in the Western world. We explore how our cultural approaches to parenting shape the way we bond with our babies and regulate our nervous systems. Together, we uncover the importance of building a support village to help parents not just survive, but thrive during the postpartum period. You’ll also learn about alloparenting, how attachment theory has evolved, and the importance of having multiple caregivers for both parents and babies to create a calm, connected postpartum experience. Key Topics Discussed: Parenting and Brain Changes: The neuroscience behind how parenting rewires the brain and strengthens emotional bonds. Alloparenting: What it is and how it benefits both parents and babies by reducing the burden of caregiving. Attachment Theory: How early attachment relationships influence infant development and why multiple caregivers can be beneficial. Postpartum Support: Practical tips on how to build a postpartum village and outsource help during the early weeks with a newborn. Cultural Differences in Parenting: Rocio’s insights from growing up in South America and the value of community caregiving. Resources Mentioned: Rocio Zunini on Instagram Rocio Zunini’s upcoming course: The Parental Brain Program for Professionals starting on October 31st Nurture Revolution Certification Waitlist (April 2025) by Rocio Zunini & Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum Follow Us: For more expert insights on slow postpartum care, nervous system regulation, and maternal wellness, follow me on Instagram @slowpostpartum and visit my website for free resources, training programs, and more  Download my free e-book for Doulas & Birth Professionals ‘Five Ways to Holistically Support Postpartum Families.’

How can massage and bodywork transform the physical and emotional journey of pregnancy and postpartum? Is it a luxurious indulgence—or should it be seen as an essential part of caring for mothers & parents? In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I explore the vital role of massage and body therapies during the perinatal period. Drawing from my 30 years of experience as a massage therapist and founder of a pregnancy and postpartum wellness centre, I share insights into how these therapies are more than pampering—they are crucial for supporting both mothers and their babies. We’ll explore how ancient cultures prioritised nurturing mothers during and after pregnancy and how modern science backs up these time-honoured traditions. I explain how massage, reflexology, acupuncture, and other bodywork therapies not only help relieve physical discomfort but also reduce stress, promoting overall well-being for mothers and their families. Listen to learn why postpartum care is essential for long-term health, how maternal stress impacts both parents and babies and why we should view postpartum recovery as more than just a brief period—because the first 40 days can impact the next 40 years. Key Takeaways: The importance of massage and body therapies during pregnancy and postpartum. How massage helps relieve physical discomfort and reduce stress during pregnancy. The impact of maternal stress on both mother and baby. How ancient postpartum care traditions still hold relevance today. The benefits of postpartum massage & belly binding for healing and recovery. Additional bodywork therapies like reflexology, acupuncture, and pelvic physiotherapy. Why proper postpartum care is critical for long-term health—40 days for 40 years. Resources Mentioned: Doulas & Birth Professionals - Work with me. Expectant and New Parents - Be supported by me.

Have you ever heard of the acronym W.E.I.R.D.? It stands for Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich, and Democratic—terms that describe much of the society we live in today. But could this culture, with its emphasis on productivity and individualism, be harming the wellbeing of new mothers, parents, and babies? In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I explore the historical and cultural shifts that have transformed postpartum care. From the communal caregiving of early human societies, known as alloparenting, to the isolating effects of our modern "W.E.I.R.D." culture, we look at how the transition from shared responsibilities to nuclear families—particularly since the Industrial Revolution—has left many mothers and families overwhelmed and unsupported. I also discuss why the philosophy of a slow postpartum, which encourages new mothers to rest, heal, and bond with their babies at a natural pace, free from societal pressures, is something we need to reclaim and practice today. In this episode, we explore: The concept of "W.E.I.R.D" culture (Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich, Democratic) and its impact on postpartum care. Historical and indigenous practices of alloparenting and communal infant care. How the Industrial Revolution shifted postpartum care to isolated nuclear families. The harmful myths surrounding motherhood and the pressure to "bounce back" after birth. The physiological and emotional benefits of embracing a slow postpartum for stress reduction and nervous system regulation. How a calm and supported postpartum can positively impact newborns through co-regulation. Practical tips for creating a restorative postpartum experience. Key takeaways: Rest is essential after giving birth. Create a rest-centered postpartum plan that prioritizes recovery. Ask for help and build a support network during pregnancy to ensure you have the assistance you need postpartum. Nourish your body and soul with warming, nutritious meals and mindfulness practices to support physical healing and emotional well-being. I also discuss how birth professionals, such as doulas, can foster a slow postpartum for their clients and contribute to this much-needed cultural shift. Resources mentioned in this episode: [Slow Postpartum Kitchen Cookbook] – Grab a copy of Jojo's nourishing recipes for postpartum healing. Free eBooks: One for expectant/new parents and one for doulas/birth professionals.