We focus so much on the birth of the new baby that we often forget the birth of the new parent.
Taking care of a newborn is exhausting, feeding is hard, and physical recovery takes time.
A well supported parent with a healthy mindset can tackle all of this, but being unsupported is a recipe for postpartum challenges. Support comes in many forms and we want to normalize postpartum care options.
Postpartum care around the world
Although postpartum doulas and providers are viewed as a luxury in the U.S., postpartum support is common in other countries. Parents in the U.S. deserve more support options!
New Zealand
After birth and once home, moms can receive regular visits during the first 6 weeks from a midwife or lead maternity carer (LMC). Some birth centers even offer a few days of round-the-clock postnatal support.
Korea
80% of South Korean mothers stay in specialized postpartum care centers called Sanhujoriwon for 2+ weeks after childbirth. Hotel-like services, meals, and infant care covered by government subsidies.
China
The ancient Chinese practice of zuo yue zi, or “sitting the month,” involves restricting activities and following a special diet to heal the body after birth. If not under the care of family, there is a booming business in luxury confinement hotels.
Germany
Wochenbett means “weeks in bed,” and the midwife who visits expects it to be taken quite literally. The mom’s job is to stay in bed and recover. Insurance generally covers pre- and postnatal visits.
Israel
Postpartum hotels are known as Milonit. New parents can make the most of a two- or three-day stay. The baby can stay in-room or in the nursery with lactation support and newborn care available.
The Netherlands
A trained professional called a kraamverzorgster can visit new parents in their home every day for 8 to 10 days following the birth. The kraamverzorgster leaves parents feeling more prepared and empowered.
Here’s why we need to normalize postpartum care
The United States has the highest maternal and infant mortality rates compared to other high-income countries.
Many factors contribute to this including lack of comprehensive postpartum support and too few maternity care providers. 4 out of 5 of these deaths are preventable and typically occur seven days to one year after pregnancy – meaning some of these deaths likely wouldn’t happen with better postpartum care. Published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Commonwealth Fund.
According to the World Health Organization, the postpartum period is regarded as a critical time for women and babies to set the stage for long-term health and is often neglected.
WHO urges quality care for parents and newborns in critical first weeks after childbirth. New recommendations stress the urgency of both physical and mental health support during postpartum.
1 in every 7 women suffers from postpartum depression.
Women physically and emotionally recovering from birth will sacrifice their own needs to tend to the baby. This has a massive impact on proper healing and preventing postpartum depression. 1 in 5 experience mental health challenges after birth, and 1 in 10 birth partners.
At Post Pamper, a licensed therapist can be made available if support is desired. Should continued care be needed upon checkout, the therapist can continue working with the family and formulate a care plan.
Retain parents in the workplace.
There’s a gap in postpartum healthcare options to retain parents in the workplace and corporations risk losing them due to lack of support. In the U.S., we are 1 of 2 countries in the developed world that doesn’t require paid family leave. Currently, 1 out of every 4 moms goes back to work within 2 weeks of giving birth, which is outrageous.
In this study by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), nearly half of survey respondents described returning to work as “very challenging” and another 15% said it was “challenging.” With more support infrastructure, there’s a greater chance of employment retention for parents.
The benefits of a postpartum retreat have already been proven around the world and subsidized by some governments.
Although it’s a journey to making healthcare more accessible in the United States, some of our services can be reimbursed by insurance companies. Our goal is to get even more covered and to partner with businesses to offer Post Pamper as a corporate benefit.
Make your health a priority
A restful, nourished, non-judgmental postpartum experience promotes good health during this critical time. Prioritizing care will have lasting positive effects.
Improve outcomes
Research shows that getting help during the early postpartum period is associated with improved outcomes.
Find community during an isolating time
Having professional postnatal support and being in community with others in the same postpartum stage can reduce stress and help prevent postpartum depression.