In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Hilary Claire — clinical psychologist, author, yoga teacher, and mother of two. Hilary brings a wealth of experience in psychology, nutrition, and environmental medicine, and she’s on a mission to help mothers move from survival to thriving through radical self-care and community support.

We dive deep into the topic of postnatal depletion — a term that resonated so deeply for both of us. Hilary shares her own vulnerable story of struggling after the birth of her first baby, despite being a psychologist and thinking she was “prepared.” It’s an all-too-common tale of isolation, exhaustion, and the absence of a village.

We talk about:

• Why modern motherhood is setting women up to fail

• What postnatal depletion is (and why it’s not the same as postpartum depression)

• The ripple effects of unsupported mothers on families and future generations

• Practical ways to plan for a peaceful postpartum, including community-building, mindset shifts, nourishment, and rest

• The essential (and often forgotten) art of asking for help and getting clear on your own needs

Hilary and I share a mutual passion for slow, intentional living and the powerful transformation of matrescence. This conversation is full of wisdom for both new and experienced mothers, as well as birth professionals who support them.

Resources & Links:

• Find Dr. Hilary Claire online: www.drhilaryclaire.com

• Follow her on Instagram: @drhilaryclaire

• Her books: The Motherhood Reset & Nourished Mama

• Her course: The Motherhood Reset Program

If you’re planning for postpartum or still healing months (or even years) after birth, I know this episode will leave you feeling seen, understood, and inspired to honour your own needs.

✨ And if you’re preparing for the arrival of your baby in 2025, you might like to explore my new Virtual Postpartum Support Package — a gentle container of care that begins in pregnancy and continues into those tender early weeks. You can find the link in the show notes below.

Take a breath, take a moment… and take it slow.,

In this beautiful and honest episode, I’m joined by my friend and postpartum physiotherapist, Victoria Caulfield, to talk about her second postpartum journey—this time, the slow way.

Victoria shares how her experience recovering from a difficult first birth shaped her decision to do things differently with baby number two. From resting more intentionally to embracing traditional postpartum nourishment, Victoria offers a deeply personal account of what it meant to honour her body, her baby, and her healing.

“The work was in the rest. I’m not naturally restful—but this time I really gave myself permission to slow down, nourish myself properly, and plan ahead. The difference in my recovery was incredible.” – Victoria Caulfield

We chat about:

✨ Why rest was the “work” Victoria needed most
✨ How warming foods and Traditional Chinese Medicine principles supported her recovery
✨ What she learned from her first postpartum and why she planned her second so carefully
✨ How it felt to say no to visitors and yes to stillness
✨ Her three top tips for anyone preparing for postpartum—especially second-time mums

Victoria also shares some of her favourite resources, including The First Forty Days, The Golden Month, and the joys of working with a postpartum food doula (yes, it was that good!).

Whether you're preparing for your own postpartum or supporting someone else through theirs, this conversation is full of practical wisdom, gentle encouragement, and real-life insight.

🧡 Mentioned in the episode:

• Victoria’s blog

• Books: The First Forty Days, Golden Month, Nine Golden Months

• Food doula recommendation.

🌿 Looking for postpartum support of your own?
If you’re inspired by Victoria’s story and want to create your own version of a restful, nourishing postpartum—no matter where you live—I’d love to support you.

My Virtual Slow Postpartum Support Package is now available, and includes a prenatal planning session, a full online course, healing recipes, meditations, and personal coaching after baby arrives.

✨ Click here to learn more about the Virtual Support Package

Because you deserve to feel held, nourished, and supported during this sacred season.

🔗 Subscribe & Share
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend or fellow birthworker. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes of The Slow Postpartum Podcast.

In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I explore the vital role of partners during the sacred weeks following the birth of a baby.

Postpartum is a time of deep physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation for new mothers, and when partners understand how to support this journey with presence, protection, and practical care, it can make all the difference.

We’ll talk about what a "slow postpartum" really means, and how partners can help create a calm and nurturing sanctuary for rest, bonding, and healing. I’ll share practical ways partners can step into this role with love and confidence, including supporting emotional wellbeing, managing visitors, advocating for the mother’s needs, and also tending to their own transition into parenthood.

I’ll also acknowledge that not every new parent has a partner’s support, and how building a village of care becomes even more essential in those cases.

Suppose you're preparing for your own postpartum, supporting a loved one, or working with families as a birth professional. In that case, this episode will offer ideas, encouragement, and gentle guidance to help make the early weeks after birth as peaceful and healing as possible.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the “slow postpartum” approach involves
• Why partner support is essential to postpartum healing
• Practical ways partners can help with rest, nourishment, and emotional recovery
• How to advocate for the mother's space and needs after birth
• Tips for partners to care for themselves while supporting the new family
• Why building a village of support is crucial when partner support isn't available

If you’d like my support to plan for your own slow, soulful, and truly supported postpartum, I'd love to be there for you. Find out more at slowpostpartum.com or connect with me @slowpostpartum. I work with parents all over the world to help them thrive, not just survive, in the early weeks after birth. As well as training and mentoring doulas and birth professionals in my slow postpartum methods.

Thank you for listening — and until next time, go gently, and go slowly.

With love

Jojo

Journaling can be a powerful tool for emotional well-being in the postpartum period, helping new mothers and parents process emotions, reflect on their experiences, and find peace amidst the transition to motherhood. In this episode, I explore how journaling can support postpartum healing and provide a list of thoughtful prompts to guide your writing practice.

Journaling Prompts for Postpartum Reflection:

1. What has surprised me most about this season of my life?

2. What is one small moment today that brought me joy?

3. What was the most challenging thing that happened? How did it make me feel?

4. How does my body feel today, and what does it need from me?

5. What do I wish I could say out loud but haven’t?

6. Who or what is making me feel supported right now?

7. What support do I truly need, and how can I find it?

8. If I could write a letter to my future self, what would I want her to remember about this time?

If you’ve been journaling or decide to start after this episode, I’d love to hear about your experience! Reach out to me on Instagram or visit my website.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from these reflections. And as always, take it slow and gently, and give yourself grace to ease into your slow postpartum. 

With love

Jojo 

PS: If you'd love my help to plan a slow, supported, soulful postpartum with your new baby, check out my online training - The Art of Slow Postpartum here.

Why are we telling new mothers half-truths about postpartum recovery? We often hear phrases like “It’s okay that you’re not okay”—but is that the message new mothers need to hear? In this episode, I welcome back the incredible Maranda Bower, to explore the half-truths that have shaped how we talk about postpartum healing.

Maranda Bower is the CEO and Founder of Postpartum University®, dedicated to empowering mothers and professionals to redefine maternal well-being. With her extensive expertise in biology, nutrition, and perinatal mental health, she stands as a pioneering figure in the field.

Maranda possesses a profound understanding of the intricate physiological processes that underpin postpartum well-being. As a prolific researcher and accomplished author, including the bestselling book "Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness," her impactful work extends globally. She’s also the founder of the Postpartum Nutrition Certification Program, the only functional nutrition certification dedicated to the unique period that is postpartum.m period.

In this episode, Maranda challenges the narratives that normalize suffering, discusses the dangers of misinformation (even from well-meaning professionals), and explains why true postpartum care must go beyond just validation—it requires action. From the impact of postpartum depletion on long-term health to the rise of the postpartum supplement industry, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about supporting new mothers.

• Why common postpartum advice often contains half-truths

• How phrases like “It’s okay that you’re not okay” can be misleading

• The real impact of postpartum depletion on long-term health

• Why the term “postpartum” has become synonymous with struggle—and how to change that

• The growing postpartum supplement industry: helpful or just another quick fix?

• The importance of nourishment, real food, and slowing down for postpartum recovery

• How care providers can balance truth-telling with compassion

• Maranda’s upcoming free masterclass on postpartum depletion and recovery

  
  

Join Maranda’s Free Masterclass:The Four Stages of Postpartum Depletion which is happening on March 6th 2025.

This masterclass is designed for postpartum care providers,  doulas, midwives, and anyone supporting or advocating for new mothers. Attendees will receive The Postpartum Recovery Assessment Tool to help clients navigate their healing journey. 

 Save Your Spot Here:https://members.postpartumu.com/masterclass?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fmembers.postpartumu.com%2Fa%2F2147926674%2FoBziz6i2

Welcome to Season 2 of theSlow Postpartum Podcast! In this episode, I reflect on the beauty of seasonal living and how slowing down postpartum mirrors nature’s rhythms. I also preview the exciting topics and conversations coming up this season.

In this episode:

• The connection between postpartum recovery and seasonal cycles

• The importance of rest and renewal in winter for greater vitality in spring

• A preview of topics like postpartum nutrition, slow living, and expert interviews

Share your thoughts, topics, or guest ideas with me, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, or review the podcast to support this growing community!

Follow Us:

For more expert insights on slow postpartum care, nervous system regulation, and maternal wellness, follow me on Instagram @slowpostpartum andvisit my websitefor free resources, training programs, and more 

Download my free e-book for Doulas & Birth Professionals ‘Five Ways to Holistically Support Postpartum Families.’

As the year draws to a close, this special episode of The Slow Postpartum Podcast offers you a moment to pause amidst the holiday hustle. Join me for a calming guided meditation to help you let go of stress, reconnect with your inner self, and honour the rhythms of the season—whether you’re embracing winter’s quiet or summer’s vibrant energy.

In this 10-minute meditation, I’ll guide you through techniques to release tension, ground yourself in the present, and set heartfelt intentions for the weeks ahead. Take this opportunity to prioritise rest, balance, and connection during this busy time of year.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Carve out just a few minutes for yourself to breathe, reflect, and find calm. Together, let’s close the year with intention, balance and, of course, a touch of slow.

With love

Jojo

How can thoughtful preparation transform the postpartum period from a time of survival to one of joy, healing, and connection for new families?

In today’s episode, I delve into the power of creating a slow postpartum plan. This isn’t just about avoiding chaos—it’s about laying the foundation for a peaceful and restorative postpartum experience. Perfect for doulas, birth professionals, and anyone supporting new families, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-life insights to ensure the postpartum journey is one of healing and connection.

What we’ll cover:

Free ResourceJoin me for my upcoming free webinar:“How to Support New Families to Plan a Peaceful and Positive Postpartum”Date: Monday, November 25thTime: 8:00 PM GMTRegister here

This webinar will provide step-by-step guidance to help you support families in creating their own slow postpartum plan. Whether you’re a doula, birth professional, or passionate about supporting new parents, this is for you.

Slow Postpartum Stories - Clare & Iona’s Postpartum Healing Journey.

What if just a few mindful choices could transform your postpartum experience? 

In this episode, we dive into the complex and tender journey of postpartum recovery with Clare, a mother of two, who reflects on her transformative experience through the fourth trimester with her second child. While her first postpartum experience was marked by a whirlwind of challenges, including moving house, COVID restrictions, and a lack of support, Clare shares the invaluable lessons she learned along the way including how she approached her postpartum period with thoughtful preparation, strong support systems, and self-care practices. This preparation supported her healing and well-being and strengthened her family. Her story reveals how intentional choices can empower parents, helping them navigate the demands of early motherhood with resilience and ease.

In this episode:

If you’re a doula or birth professional interested in learning how to support families through a slow, soulful, and sustainable postpartum, check out my upcoming webinar 'How to Support New Families to Plan a Peaceful & Positive Postpartum'

Let’s make the journey into parenthood a truly supported experience for new families worldwide.

In this episode of The Slow Postpartum Podcast, I’m joined by Rocio Zunini, a neuroscientist and expert in early childhood development and parenting, to explore the incredible transformations that take place in the brain when we become parents. We dive deep into the neuroscience of parenting, discussing how pregnancy, birth and postpartum rewire our minds, fostering deeper empathy and connection, and enhancing our ability to nurture and respond to our children.

Rocio shares her own personal experience growing up in an alloparenting environment in South America, comparing it to her time as a mother in the Western world. We explore how our cultural approaches to parenting shape the way we bond with our babies and regulate our nervous systems. Together, we uncover the importance of building a support village to help parents not just survive, but thrive during the postpartum period.

You’ll also learn about alloparenting, how attachment theory has evolved, and the importance of having multiple caregivers for both parents and babies to create a calm, connected postpartum experience.

Key Topics Discussed:

Resources Mentioned:

Follow Us:

For more expert insights on slow postpartum care, nervous system regulation, and maternal wellness, follow me on Instagram @slowpostpartum and visit my website for free resources, training programs, and more 

Download my free e-book for Doulas & Birth Professionals ‘Five Ways to Holistically Support Postpartum Families.’