The 4th Trimester
In many cultures, the postpartum period is a time considered sacred: during the first 40 days of life, the infant & birth partner are to be cradled by their community.
In China, they call it zuo yue zi, or “sitting the month.”
In Latin America, La Cuarentena — “the quarantine” (that hits a little too real to a 2020 audience, doesn’t it!!)
The mother heals, the baby feels the weight of gravity for the first time.
It is a universally challenging process and all parties (mom, baby & partner) need to be nourished and cared for. Becoming a parent is a momentous change in pace & perspective.
In fact, sociologically it is considered a time ripe with opportunity to create habits-- so much so that the birth of a child is even recognized as marketers as a pivotal time to advertise and many companies target new moms heavily knowing they can build brand loyalists for life. Stuff doesn’t make a good parent, but a solid routine & confidence in your ability to raise your child can get you pretty far.
Doulas are non judge-mental sources of support-- we enter a family’s home when they are most vulnerable to offer wisdom, care, and respite from the demands of a newborn. The support of a doula can mean the difference between surviving and thriving during the 4th Trimester.