Whether you just gave birth at home, in a hospital, or squatted in a jungle, there will be the moment when you will hold your baby close for the very first time and it may feel like the world around you stops. Nothing else matters. Your world is in your arms, skin on skin, looking for regulation.

Let’s face it though—after birth, our culture pays the bulk of homage to Baby.

But what are we doing to support the one who just gave birth?

What are we doing to support the death of the person that once was, and the birth of someone new? 

As a society, our support for mothers is lacking. And we can do better.

In numerous cultures around the globe, the birthing person and their baby aren’t separated and don’t leave the home for upwards of 40 days, with the exception of emergencies or some sort of extenuating circumstance. 

Their community gathers around them to provide whatever is necessary. People come over to give womb massages, there are meals prepared by the community to facilitate milk production and red blood cell replenishment and will consist of specific foods with intentional ingredients that are tasked with the feat of assisting in the massive healing process after bringing a new life out into the world.

This moment of pause, restoration, and connection is so important around the globe, but why not here?

Healing after birth isn’t just physically critical. Healing is also imperative on a mental, emotional, chemical, and spiritual level.

In the earliest moments of parenting, nearly everything can seem overwhelming. This is when the birthing person’s nervous system shifts into a state of alert, defense, and protective mode. And this is a great place to be…momentarily. But the deep, rhythmic bond between parent and child happens when both parties feel at peace. When they are regulated and regulating.

You might be thinking: What does it even mean to regulate?

To read more from Dr. Gabby on this important topic, click here. Look no further if you’re interested in establishing care with a holistic, loving, kind, transformative provider. Reach out to the inside space today and get on their schedule.