In this episode, we explore the science of postpartum recovery with Serena Saeed-Winn, CNM, WHNP, IBCLC. Serena explains why the standard six-week visit may miss key opportunities to support tissue healing, hormonal recalibration, lymphatic flow, and maternal mental health. Drawing from more than a decade of clinical experience, she discusses how multi-touchpoint care can enhance recovery and help families feel supported.

Clinical Takeaways from This Episode

• Redefining Postpartum Care: Why the six-week visit may miss key needs—and how earlier touchpoints can support maternal well-being and mental health.
• Therapeutic Breast & Lymphatic Techniques: Step-by-step discussion of breast massage, lymphatic drainage, and partner involvement that may help relieve engorgement and support healthy milk flow.
• Supporting Wound & Scar Healing: Practical ways to guide sitz baths, gentle scar mobilization, and pelvic floor comfort strategies.
• Postpartum Neuroendocrine & Mental Health Screening: Considerations for thyroid labs, preeclampsia monitoring, and timely mental health referrals.
• Family Systems & Partner Engagement: How partner education and involvement can help reduce isolation and support the family unit.
• Postpartum Nutrition & Labs: Labs to consider (thyroid, iron studies, vitamin D) and food-first nutrition, hydration, and select supplement strategies for whole-body recovery.
• Building Your Care Team: Best practices for collaborating with lactation consultants, pelvic floor PTs, mental health professionals, and other postpartum resources.

Guest Introduction: Serena Saeed-Winn is a certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner with more than a decade of experience in birth and postpartum care. She is the founder of the KAZ Project, a home-based postpartum service focused on personalized, holistic family support. Serena is passionate about creating a physiologically, psychologically, and socially integrative model for postpartum care. Learn more at KAZ Project.

Serena Saeed-Winn's Postpartum Resources 

Postpartum Health Books & Authors

• Hormone Intelligence by Dr. Aviva Romm
• The Natural Pregnancy Book & Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health by Dr. Aviva Romm
• Women’s Power to Heal Through Inner Medicine by Maya Tiwari

Postpartum Websites & Tools

• Breast Gymnastics – Maya Bolman, IBCLC
• Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Labs & Considerations

• Thyroid labs: consider screening first trimester and postpartum as clinically indicated.
• Iron studies: evaluate prenatally or postpartum if symptomatic or at risk.
• Vitamin D testing: consider assessing levels to guide individualized support.

Postpartum Nutrition & Supplements

• Herbal infusions (e.g., calendula sitz baths)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
• B-vitamins (B12, Folate)
• Vitamin D and iron as needed
• Electrolytes and hydration support

Breastfeeding Comfort Tools & Supplies

• Silverette Nursing Cups
• Haakaa Ladybug Milk Collector