My Why: A Journey to Becoming a Naturopathic Postpartum Doula
After unexpectedly becoming pregnant at the age of 44, I became enchanted with the miracle of life and witnessing women fully engaged in the wisdom of their bodies.
A beautiful day of nesting resulted in an intimate evening of natural childbirth. I was on the high of my life! The birth of my daughter was the most empowering experience I had ever known. It was as if I was being flooded by a warm, invigorating light. Little did I know that this bliss would be short-lived. Within days the darkness would set in. Nothing had prepared me for the debilitating grief and despair I would feel. No one had died - only my life as I had always known it.
Months went by as I sat stunned and blinded by the wonders of motherhood. I felt confused and bewildered by the tremendous responsibility. The shift in lifestyle seemed overwhelming and everything felt so heavy. I began to isolate myself. I rejected offerings of support thinking I could do it all on my own.
I knew I needed help yet every attempt to reach out was met by the suggestion that I should consider taking antidepressants. Despite studies saying these drugs would have no effect on the baby through my breast milk, I knew differently. This realization would change the trajectory of my life.
I started taking yoga classes to get more in alignment with my mind, body and spirit. I remember moments of lying on my mat sobbing uncontrollably, releasing months of confusion and unprocessed emotions. This was the point at which my postpartum symptoms began to fall away. Yoga therapy, coupled with dietary changes, supplementation, and meditation, was the perfect blend to support my healing. In hindsight, I can now see the beauty of my body speaking to me so clearly. By trusting my intuition and embracing an integrative approach, I slowly and joyfully stepped into my role as a mother.
Today, fifteen years later, I am deeply grateful for my postpartum journey. My passion for supporting and educating women through birth was born from that very delicate time of my life.
I would love to hear where you are in your own pregnancy journey and how I can help you navigate the postpartum period.
