EP37. Honoring Postpartum as A Sacred Rite of Passage with Rebecca Cohen

In this episode Rebecca Cohen, an MD that left the hospital to become a birthkeeper & postpartum support specialist, shares her extensive experiences, both personal and professional, surrounding postpartum care. Covering her journey through the births of five children, the lack of postpartum education even as a medical professional (OBGYN), and the ways societal expectations impact postpartum recovery, Rebecca emphasizes the importance of proper rest and support. 

The discussion includes traditional practices like closing of the bones, yoni steaming, and simple bodywork that anyone can perform, as well as the need for shifting societal perspectives to better honor postpartum mothers. We also touch on postpartum after a miscarriage or loss as it seems like society forgets that we're still postpartum if this is the journey we have walked. This episode is a profound dive into the essential aspects of postpartum healing and the cultural and personal shifts needed to support mothers.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:28 Rebecca's Personal Postpartum Journey

01:16 The Impact of Medical Training on Postpartum Care

03:04 The Struggles of Early Postpartum

04:37 Physical and Emotional Challenges

06:13 Learning About Pelvic Floor Health

16:25 The Turning Point: Holistic Pelvic Care

17:56 The Shift to Holistic Practices

22:13 The Importance of Postpartum Rest

23:10 The Role of Societal Expectations

39:20 Practical Advice for Postpartum Recovery

50:41 The Influence of Birth Experience on Postpartum

55:11 Understanding Patriarchy and Its Impact on Women

58:58 The Importance of Postpartum Care

59:09 Challenges of Medical Birth and Postpartum Anxiety

01:01:59 Traditional Postpartum Practices: Closing of the Bones

01:07:18 Yoni Steaming: Benefits and Misconceptions

01:26:56 Navigating Miscarriage and Postpartum Grief

01:45:42 Practical Postpartum Tips and Support

02:00:21 Herbal Remedies for Postpartum Recovery

02:05:44 Final Thoughts on Supporting Postpartum Women

EPISODE LINKS REBECCA.

• Website
• Instagram

CONNECT WITH SARAH.

• Website
• Instagram
• Resources
• Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
• Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book

CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.

• Website
• Instagram
• Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
• Birth Story Debrief: Book
• Breastfeeding Debrief: Book
• Work Together: Prenatal Connection Sessions
• Work Together: Homebirth Doula Support
• Work Together: Sacred Postpartum Support
• Work Together: Birth / Golden Hour Photography

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DISCLAIMER.

The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.