Melissa Gallagher is the Founder of AlmaCare, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the postnatal and family care industry in Canada. Previously the Chief Marketing Officer at Freshii, Melissa pivoted to entrepreneurship after experiencing a significant gap in support during her own postpartum journey.

Melissa joins the podcast to discuss the reality of the "fourth trimester" and why the standard medical advice of "see you in six weeks" is insufficient for new mothers. She explores the cultural differences in recovery (including the "confinement" method), the transition from corporate executive to founder, and how to build a "village" of support.

00:00 - Introduction

02:46 - The problem with the "6-week checkup" standard

04:40 - Why no one prepares you for the physical trauma

07:44 - What we can learn from Chinese "Confinement" (Sitting the Month)

10:58 - How AlmaCare works: Night nurses & holistic support

13:47 - Vetting caregivers and building trust in the home

18:04 - Transitioning from CMO of Freshii to Founder

21:02 - Advice for new moms: Build your village early

25:12 - The future of postnatal care in Canada