Beyond 6 Weeks: The Real Postpartum Journey, with Maranda Bower | #32
Are we truly supporting mothers postpartum, or are we perpetuating a cycle of misunderstanding and neglect? Maranda Bower, a biological researcher, bestselling author, and the visionary behind Postpartum University, embarked on her journey into postpartum health driven by her own profound and unprepared experience as a new mother. Sixteen years ago, with her first child, she found herself amidst extreme postpartum depression and anxiety, experiencing panic attacks and fearing for her son, all while the topic of postpartum mental health was largely taboo and unsupported by research or public conversation. This personal crisis fueled her determination to understand why this was happening, pushing her beyond conventional science into anthropological studies of ancient cultures. She discovered universal "postpartum truths" from cultures worldwide, traditions that had specific, often unscientific-sounding yet physiologically accurate, methods for caring for new mothers. These ancient practices, which focused on needs like digestion and overall body care, revealed a stark contrast to modern North American norms. Maranda transformed her personal quest into a professional mission, becoming a postpartum doula and childbirth educator. She developed the "postpartum restorative method," a framework for healing that blends traditional wisdom with modern scientific understanding. Through Postpartum University, she now educates and certifies providers, empowering them with the crucial knowledge often missing from their formal training, ultimately changing the world by healing mothers. Key Takeaways ● Postpartum care extends far beyond the traditional six-week mark, with physiological and psychological changes lasting up to six years. ● Many common postpartum practices in modern society, like drinking smoothies, can actually hinder a mother's recovery, especially regarding digestion. ● Societal pressures often lead to the medication of natural female life stages (menstruation, birth, postpartum, menopause), preventing natural transformations. ● "Postpartum depression" is often a misdiagnosis, masking deep mourning for a previous life or a biological warning from isolation. ● Comprehensive postpartum support encompasses physiological restoration, proper nutrition and absorption, neurological regulation, rhythmic recovery, and identity integration. Resources ● Manranda’s Podcast: Postpartum University podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/postpartum-university-podcast/id1562727360 ● Guest's Website: https://postpartumu.com/ ● Guest Bio: Maranda Bower is a biological researcher, and the CEO and Founder of Postpartum University®, supporting both mothers and professionals in health and whole body healing. She is a renowned expert and top educator in the fields of functional nutrition and coaching in relation to postpartum and nicknamed the “Womb Whisperer”. Named as a best-selling author, international speaker, and has appeared in over 50+ publications. Ready to Connect with Greer?: ● “Nurture Neuroscience” Website: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/ ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgreerkirshenbaum/ ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greerkirshenbaum/ ● FREE GUIDE, “Nurture Your Baby’s Stress: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/nurture-your-babys-stress ● FREE GUIDE, “Manage the Stressors & Triggers of Parenting”: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/manage-the-stressors-of-parenting ● Order “The Nurture Revolution” Book: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/the-nurture-revolution
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