Though some go right back to work, many rest first. image source.
It’s a rare thing in our country to come by a paid maternity leave. And for those who do get it, how many of those women really get to rest and enjoy their baby?
I definitely want to check out this book called, The Immigrant Advantage. It’s all about how to care for a new mother. When I was pregnant for the first time, I never realized the care that I would be needing after my babe was born. We focus so much on the labor, we forget about what comes next. There’s definitely a learning curve, and having nurturing women around is important.
After you give birth (which is totally natural, and though support and encouragement are appreciated could be done left completely alone…your body KNOWS how to get the baby out and will), you’re exhausted! Learning to breastfeed doesn’t always happen naturally; caring for your baby doesn’t always come naturally either. Not to mention doing that all while feeding yourself, bathing yourself, and getting rest. (If I hadn’t had my mother around to take care of me after Thunder was born, Thunder would’ve definitely missed out on some loving).
Let’s bring back this mothering of the mother!
p.s. Extended interview with the author of The Immigrant Advantage.
p.p. s. Have you ever heard of postpartum confinement centers?
corazonnn de melon 