How can massage and bodywork transform the physical and emotional journey of pregnancy and postpartum? Is it a luxurious indulgence—or should it be seen as an essential part of caring for mothers & parents?

In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I explore the vital role of massage and body therapies during the perinatal period. Drawing from my 30 years of experience as a massage therapist and founder of a pregnancy and postpartum wellness centre, I share insights into how these therapies are more than pampering—they are crucial for supporting both mothers and their babies.

We’ll explore how ancient cultures prioritised nurturing mothers during and after pregnancy and how modern science backs up these time-honoured traditions. I explain how massage, reflexology, acupuncture, and other bodywork therapies not only help relieve physical discomfort but also reduce stress, promoting overall well-being for mothers and their families.

Listen to learn why postpartum care is essential for long-term health, how maternal stress impacts both parents and babies and why we should view postpartum recovery as more than just a brief period—because the first 40 days can impact the next 40 years.

Key Takeaways:

Resources Mentioned:

Doulas & Birth Professionals - Work with me.

Expectant and New Parents - Be supported by me.

Have you ever heard of the acronym W.E.I.R.D.? It stands for Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich, and Democratic—terms that describe much of the society we live in today. But could this culture, with its emphasis on productivity and individualism, be harming the wellbeing of new mothers, parents, and babies?

In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I explore the historical and cultural shifts that have transformed postpartum care. From the communal caregiving of early human societies, known as alloparenting, to the isolating effects of our modern "W.E.I.R.D." culture, we look at how the transition from shared responsibilities to nuclear families—particularly since the Industrial Revolution—has left many mothers and families overwhelmed and unsupported. I also discuss why the philosophy of a slow postpartum, which encourages new mothers to rest, heal, and bond with their babies at a natural pace, free from societal pressures, is something we need to reclaim and practice today.

In this episode, we explore:

Key takeaways:

I also discuss how birth professionals, such as doulas, can foster a slow postpartum for their clients and contribute to this much-needed cultural shift.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

[Slow Postpartum Kitchen Cookbook] – Grab a copy of Jojo's nourishing recipes for postpartum healing.

Free eBooks: One for expectant/new parents and one for doulas/birth professionals.

How can optimal nutrition help new mothers recover and heal from birth and feel deeply supported over the postpartum weeks?

In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I delve deeper into the importance of postpartum nutrition, building on last week's conversation with nutrition expert Maranda Bower. I share my experience and insights, as well as my favourite recipes that I use to support new families during this critical time. Whether you're a new parent, expecting a baby, or a birth professional working with new families, this episode is filled with practical advice and inspiration for nourishing the body and soul in the postpartum period.

In this episode:

Maranda Bower’s FREE Masterclass on Postpartum Nutrition

https://members.postpartumu.com/a/2147926674/oBziz6i2

The Slow Postpartum Kitchen - Recipes & Meal Plans to Nurture & Nourish a New Mama in the Weeks Following Birth

https://slow-postpartum.newzenler.com/courses/slow-postpartum-kitchen-ebook

What if the secret to thriving in the postpartum period isn't just about rest and care, but also how we are nourished? Could our postpartum diet be the key to a smoother, healthier transition into motherhood?

In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maranda Bower, a leading expert in postpartum health and nutrition. Maranda, the CEO and founder of Postpartum University, brings her extensive knowledge in biology, nutrition, and perinatal mental health to our discussion. We dive deep into the often overlooked but critical role of nutrition during the postpartum period and explore why what you eat after birth can significantly impact your recovery, well-being, and long-term health.

Maranda shares fascinating insights into traditional postpartum practices around the world, explaining how cultures have long recognized the importance of specific foods in aiding recovery. We discuss the physiological changes that occur in a woman's body after birth, the common nutritional deficiencies that many new mothers face, and the vital need for a postpartum diet that is rich in nutrients, easy to digest, and supportive of overall healing.

Maranda also highlights the importance of community support in postpartum care, noting that traditional societies understood the value of nourishing new mothers not just with food, but with love and care from those around them. This episode is packed with practical advice and profound wisdom for anyone supporting a new mother, or for mothers themselves who want to optimize their postpartum recovery.

In this episode:

Join us as we explore how reclaiming postpartum wellness through proper nutrition can transform the postpartum experience for mothers and their families.

You can also ...

Grab your copy of Maranda's wonderful 'Mineral Repletion Guide'

Join the list for Maranda’s upcoming FREE Masterclass 

Join the waitlist for Maranda's upcoming Postpartum Nutrition Certification

How can we ensure a slow, nurtured postpartum experience, and what happens when unexpected challenges arise?

In this episode, I talk to Nikki Wilson, a perinatal peer supporter, yoga teacher, and mum of two, who shares her journey of planning a slow postpartum period with her second child, Indi. Nikki opens up about the stark differences between her first postpartum experience, which felt rushed and overwhelming compared to her second, more intentional and supported approach. 

We discuss the importance of postpartum planning, setting boundaries, and enlisting help and support from your ‘village’. Nikki also shares how she navigated unexpected challenges, including a hospital stay, while maintaining her commitment to a restful and nourishing postpartum period.

In this episode:

If you would love to plan for a slow, supported and soulful postpartum with your new baby, I would love to help. You can check out my online training here where I talk you through each of my nine steps to creating and experiencing the postpartum of your dreams.

You can find out more about the Slow Postpartum philosophy and how I support both parents and birth professionals around the world on my website.

Follow me on Instagram @slowpostpartum

What does it mean to truly heal from a traumatic birth experience, and how can both birthing individuals and their support networks better navigate this journey?

In this episode, I welcome Carla Sargent, a home-birthing mother of three, ex-midwife, educator, author, podcast host, and the founder of Healing Birth. Carla started her business in 2015 to support and educate families dealing with birth trauma. Through her unique Healing Birth framework, she has helped hundreds of families find healing after a traumatic birth and prepare for positive and empowering future births. Additionally, Carla trains birth professionals to understand the causes and impacts of birth trauma and how to support the healing process.

I share my personal experience training with Carla and emphasize the transformative and empowering nature of her work. With the rise in reported cases of birth trauma, this discussion is timely and crucial for both birthing families and those who care for them.

Join us for an insightful conversation as Carla's passion for healing birth and her dedication to the birthing revolution will surely inspire and educate you.

Topics Covered:

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses birth and postpartum trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners. Please take care of yourself and seek support if you have been affected by the topics in this discussion.

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Links for Jojo Hogan & Carla Sargent

FURTHER INFORMATION & SUPPORT

https://birthtalk.org/

https://www.postpartum.net/

https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/

https://pattch.org/birth-trauma-resources/

https://birthmonopoly.com/birth-trauma/

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with anyone who might benefit from this important conversation. Stay tuned for more episodes on empowering and supporting birthing and postpartum families.

Alissa’s Slow Postpartum Story

Why is it crucial to plan a slow postpartum, and how can it help to transform a mother's health and wellbeing for years to come?

In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Alissa Wilson, a postpartum maternal care specialist based in Auckland, New Zealand. 

Alissa, a past yoga student and long time friend, shares her intentional and beautifully planned slow postpartum journey with her third baby. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional knowledge, Alissa provides valuable insights into the importance of a nurtured and well-supported postpartum period. She details how she prepared, the support she received from her doulas, friends and family, and the positive impact that being optimally cared for, rested, nurtured and nourished had on her recovery.

Join us for this heartfelt and informative episode as we explore the transformative power of a slow postpartum.

In this episode:

To find out more about Alissa’s work visit https://thehandthatrocksthecradle.co.nz/

If you are expecting a baby and would love to experience a slow postpartum download my free e-book ‘The Six Secrets to a Slow Postpartum’ here.

If you are a doula or birthworker and would love my help to create a slow postpartum for the families that you support I'm offering 20% off of my Slow Postpartum Coaching/Mentoring Packages for Birth Professionals in July and August. You can find out more here and don't forget to use the code SPCOACHING to grab your discount.

How can regulating the nervous system during the postpartum period transform the journey for new mothers and families?

In this episode, I dive into the importance of reducing stress and promoting relaxation for new mothers and parents and how this can go a long way to creating a more positive postpartum experience with their new baby.

You will also learn about the vital role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems as well as finding out practical ways of incorporating the five elements—fire, water, earth, air, and spirit from the Ayurvedic system of yoga, into daily routines to support new parents and their babies. 

Discover how I utilise these holistic approaches in order to help new parents to enjoy a more joyful, connected, and serene postpartum period.

In this episode:

SPECIAL OFFER ON MY COACHING & MENTORING PACKAGES FOR DOULAS & BIRTH PROFESSIONALS

As I'm staying close to home over the summer months I've opened up three spots for my 'Coaching & Mentoring Sessions for Doulas & Birthworkers'. If you'd love the opportunity to work one-on-one with me to grow your business and gain insight and inspiration from my 20 years of working with pregnant and new families, I'd love to support you. Use the code SPCOACHING to get 20% off any of my packages just for July and August this year.



You can find out more here ...



Have you ever wondered what exactly it means to ‘live slow’ in a fast-paced world? 🌍🐌

In this episode of the Slow Postpartum podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rachelle Glendon, a self-professed ‘slow coach’ based in Brisbane, Australia. Rachelle helps mothers transform their experience of motherhood through the lens of Slow Living. 🌿💕

During this inspiring conversation, Rachelle shares her personal journey of discovering the philosophy of slow living and the concept of matrescence. 🌷✨

She offers practical tips on managing postpartum expectations, setting boundaries, and asking for help by embracing the ‘slow postpartum’ philosophy. We also discuss how Rachelle helps and guides mothers to find balance and align their lives with the values of slow living as well as the critical importance of rest and restoration during the postpartum period. 🌼💤

Rachelle and I had so much in common that we could have chatted all day long! 🗣️💕 I hope you enjoy this conversation and it gives you the inspiration to live a little ‘slower’ as you navigate your motherhood journey. 🌸👶

In this Episode:

LINKS & RESOURCES

Connect with Rachelle:

Rachelle’s website

https://www.howtoliveslow.com/

Rachelle on Substack

https://howtoliveslow.substack.com/subscribe

The Art of Slow Postpartum Online Course for Pregnant Mamas and Parents:

https://slow-postpartum.newzenler.com/courses/the-slow-postpartum-online-training

How can tuning into the natural rhythms of nature transform your journey through matrescence?

In this episode of the Slow Postpartum Podcast, we delve into the slow living concept of seasonal living and how it can be applied to the childbirth year.  Drawing parallels between the natural seasons and the stages of conception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, I share insights on how aligning with these rhythms can lead to a more intentional and restful perinatal experience.

I also talk about the importance of recognizing the need for rest and rejuvenation in the postpartum season of ‘wintering’ as well as offering practical tips for incorporating these ideas into daily life.

In this episode:

Resources:

Wintering - the power of rest and retreat in difficult times.

Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life by Jim Kwik

Find more about my work here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://slowpostpartum.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠