The Slow Postpartum Podcast

In this final episode of The Slow Postpartum Podcast for 2025, I’m sharing a gentle end-of-year reflection and an update from me.It’s been a longer pause between episodes than I’d planned, and in this conversation, I speak honestly about why. The last few months have been deeply full — caring for mothers and babies back to back — and alongside that, it’s been a year that’s asked a lot emotionally and mentally too.As we move into the heart of winter here in the UK, I’ve felt a strong need to slow down and to truly live the values I so often speak about — rest, seasonal living, nervous system care, and honouring the body’s need to pause. This episode is an invitation to do the same, wherever you are in the world and whatever season you’re moving through.I also offer a short, simple solstice pause — something you can return to as the year closes — and share a little about my plans to take a break over January and February, before returning with Season Three of the podcast in the spring.Mostly, this episode is a thank you. To the listeners, to the families I’ve had the privilege of caring for, and to this community that continues to value slowness in a world that so often rushes.Wherever you are, and whatever season you’re in, I hope this episode meets you gently.In this episode:An honest update after a quieter period on the podcastReflections on busyness, burnout, and listening to the bodyHonouring winter in the Northern Hemisphere — and summer in the SouthernA short solstice pause you can take with youA gentle closing of the year and what’s ahead for the podcastPS: If, as this year closes, you find yourself thinking about the support you might need in 2026 — whether for your body, your postpartum journey, or your work with families — you’re very welcome to reach out.You can find me on my website here:👉 https://slowpostpartum.comOr connect with me on social media:👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slowpostpartum

In this week’s episode I’m joined by Christine Eck, founder and director of the Center for Sacred Window Studies, to explore the Ayurvedic understanding of the postpartum period — known as 'the sacred window'.Christine shares how she came to this work through her own experiences of motherhood and study, and how the teachings of her mentor Ysha Oakes inspired her to carry forward this lineage. Together, we talk about what it means to honour the first weeks after birth as a powerful time for healing, renewal, and connection.We also talk about:Why the postpartum window is considered one of the most potent healing periods of a woman’s lifeHow Ayurveda helps balance the body and mind after birth through warmth, nourishment, and routineHow simple practices such as warm oil massage, easy-to-digest meals, and gentle breathwork can be transformational in this timeThe importance of community and why no one was ever meant to do postpartum aloneThe wisdom behind the saying “40 days for 40 years”It’s a deeply grounding and practical conversation for anyone supporting new families or preparing for their own postpartum season.You can learn more about Christine’s work and her Conscious Postpartum Caregiver Training at sacredwindowstudies.com.If you’re a doula or perinatal professional wanting to bring more nourishment and calm into your work, start with my free guide — “Five Ways to Holistically Support Postpartum Families.”Download it hereFor those who’d like more personal guidance, I also offer one-on-one mentoring and coaching to help you grow your business in a soulful, sustainable way — while staying true to the heart of your care. You can find out more hereIf you enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you might subscribe, share it with a friend or fellow birthworker, and leave a review — it really helps more people find the podcast and join the Slow Postpartum movement.

In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Lampp, a father of three and birth partner coach whose work helps dads and partners step into their role with confidence and care — not only in the birth room but throughout the postpartum journey.Nick shares how his first experience of birth during lockdown completely transformed his understanding of what it means to be a truly present birth partner. He speaks about how preparation, calm presence, and teamwork can shape both the mother’s and the baby’s experience, and how important it is to view postpartum as a shared journey rather than something a mother navigates alone.We discuss:How couples can build their birth plan together so partners feel prepared and empoweredThe importance of planning for the postpartum period, not just the birthLetting go of “bounce-back” culture and creating space for deep rest and recoveryHow dads and partners can support bonding, feeding, and emotional well-beingThe emotional challenges that new fathers and partners often face, and why their care matters tooNick’s reflections are full of wisdom, honesty, and heart. His work reminds us that presence and planning can make an enormous difference — not only to mothers and babies, but to the strength and connection of the whole family.You can find Nick on Instagram at @nick.lampp and read his writing on Substack, where he shares thoughtful resources for dads, partners, and birth professionals.Mentioned in this episode:Birth Without Violence by Frederick LeBoyerThe importance of baby massage for bonding and connectionConversations that help couples prepare emotionally for the fourth trimesterTo find out 'Five Ways to Holistically Support Postpartum Families' download my free guide here.

In this seasonal episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I’m guiding you through a short meditation to honour the equinox.The equinox is the moment in the year when day and night are equal, inviting us to pause, notice the balance between light and dark, and gently transition into the next season.In this meditation, you’ll be guided through:✨ A full-body relaxation to help you soften and release tension✨ Gentle breathwork to slow the nervous system and bring calm✨ A seasonal reflection—whether you’re moving into autumn in the northern hemisphere or spring in the southern hemisphere✨ Grounding practices to help you feel steady and connected to the earthThis practice helps you slow down, reconnect with your natural rhythms, and honour the seasonal shift in a nourishing way.🌿 Free resources mentioned in this episode:For doulas & birth workers: How to Support New Families to Plan a Peaceful & Positive Postpartum For mothers & parents-to-be: Six Secrets to a Slow Postpartum Take this time for yourself—you deserve it. 💛

In this episode, I’m joined by Julianna Werner of postpartum.se (Stockholm, Sweden). During this inspiring chat, Julianna shares her two contrasting postpartum experiences—her first with little planning and a lot of instability, and her second, intentionally designed around rest, nourishment, and support. We talk about what truly helps in the tender weeks after birth, and why practical help (meals, tidy spaces, partner support) is just as vital as emotional care. Some of the topics we cover include Two contrasting postpartums: a beautiful home birth followed by shock, homesickness, a UTI, and housing upheaval—then a second, planned experience anchored in rest, food, and aligned support.Planning differently the second time: an unassisted birth with on-call midwives for immediate postpartum checks, plus a clear plan for the first hours and days.Food as medicine: a custom postpartum meal plan (bone broths, congee, soft veg, porridges, electrolytes) to prevent constipation, protect the pelvic floor, and stabilise energy and mood.Support that actually supports: how visitors can celebrate the mother and baby while taking on chores—without overlooking the simple connection.Nutritional testing & recovery: why checking labs in pregnancy, ~6 weeks, and ~1 year postpartum can guide replenishment and long-term healing.Top tips for parents & birth workers: stock freezer meals; prioritise oxytocin-boosting rest and warmth; secure practical help for the home and the partner.“Food should be everyone’s focus during postpartum—having nourishing meals ready makes you feel safe, regulates your nervous system, and supports true recovery.” - Julianna WernerMentioned in this episodeJulianna Werner — postpartum.se (Stockholm): in-home care focused on nourishing foods, belly binding, sitz baths/steams, and deep listening. She also runs a one-year postpartum doula training (in Swedish).Jojo’s free guidesSix Secrets to a Slow Postpartum (for expectant/new parents)Five Ways to Holistically Support Postpartum Families for Doulas & Perinatal Professionals.