The 'Golden month' comes from China, where mothers are honoured, cared for and celebrated after birthing a new baby into the family.
The purpose of the golden month (postpartum) is for mothers to be cared for by their family, friends, community and professionals, so they can rest and recover after birth, feel rejuvenated and have good physical, emotional and mental health again, ready to care for themselves and their family and everyday life.
The first 40 days after birth are a sacred window of time in a woman's life. It's a time for her to rest, recover and learn to mother her baby, while her village mothers her and nourishes her with special food. The transition to motherhood is a rite of passage for women, from maiden to mother. The care of mothers after childbirth is important for her, her baby and the whole community. When mothers receive care and support postpartum, it's believed that this time has health benefits for her now and in the future and may even resolve past health issues.
Resting after childbirth is no longer seen as important in our society as it was 50 or 100 years ago but postpartum is a time to slow down, listen to your needs and asking for help from others, while you learn to breastfeed, tucked up in bed with your baby. Becoming a mother is a major life event, so like other major life events, you need help and support and you deserve to be nourished, nurtured, honoured and celebrated too.
I support new mothers in Castlemaine and surrounds. Email me to find out how I can support you after after birth. I would love to hear from you.
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