In Māori tradition, a new mother is referred to as te whare tangata - 'the house of humanity' and 'the canoe that conveys one generation to the next'. She is sacred and treated with the utmost care. This reverence for new mothers isn't unique to Māori culture; many traditional and indigenous cultures worldwide recognise the critical importance of supporting a mother for at least 40 days post-birth.

​

The postpartum period is a time of profound physical, emotional, and spiritual transition. A mother's body is healing from the immense work of pregnancy and birth. Her hormones are fluctuating dramatically as her body shifts from growing a baby to nurturing one outside the womb. Emotionally, she's processing her birth experience while adapting to her new role and relationship with her baby. Spiritually, she's navigating a significant life transition, often reconsidering her identity and place in the world.

 

Jenny Allison, author of "Golden Month - Caring for the World's Mothers after Childbirth", highlights that estimated rates of postpartum depression in Western countries exceed 20%. However, she emphasises that "good postpartum support can have a protective effect against developing postpartum depression."

 

The benefits of properly supporting new mothers extend far beyond mental health. It aids in establishing breastfeeding, lowers stress hormones, encourages bonding with the baby, stabilises adrenals, strengthens the nervous and immune systems, and promotes healing, particularly after challenging pregnancies and births.

 

Heng Ou, in "The First Forty Days", emphasises the importance of nourishment, rest, and support during this time. She advocates for creating a "cocoon" for the new mother, where she can focus on recovery and bonding with her baby.

 

Kimberly Ann Johnson, in "The Fourth Trimester", goes further to discuss the long-term implications of proper postpartum care. She argues that this period sets the stage for a woman's health for years to come, influencing everything from her pelvic floor health to her emotional wellbeing.

 

Despite this wealth of knowledge, many new mothers in our society feel isolated and unsupported. As humans, we are not designed to parent alone or even within just our nuclear families. It feels challenging because it goes against our innate need for community support.

 

This is where my services come in. Through Birth Debriefing, I provide a safe space for you to process your birth experience, helping you integrate this profound life event and heal from any trauma or unresolved emotions. This process is crucial for your emotional wellbeing and can significantly impact your transition into motherhood.

 

My Aware Parenting support extends this care into your parenting journey. It offers tools and strategies to navigate the complexities of early parenthood, fostering a deep connection with your child while honouring your own needs and emotions. This approach can help reduce stress, enhance bonding, and promote emotional healing for both you and your baby.

 

While my focus has shifted from direct postpartum support, both Birth Debriefing and Aware Parenting support play crucial roles in a mother's postpartum journey. They provide the emotional and practical support that is so vital during this transformative time.

 

Remember, you are worthy of deep support. The impact of this care benefits not just you, but your baby, your family, and your wider community. You are doing the most important job there is - raising the next generation. 

​

In our sessions, I provide a safe space where you can authentically show up and be met with deep compassion, understanding, and practical support. Whether you're processing your birth experience or navigating the challenges of early parenting, ALL of you is welcome here.

​

Podcasts

​

To get a feel for my style and the way I like to support parents, here are a few, free and accessible podcasts that I have been interviewed on:​

​

​Aware Parenting Stories Podcast: Episode 96: Birth Debriefing with Kirsty Fernandes

​

The Aware Parenting Podcast: Episode 152: Helping Mothers heal from a traumatic birthing experience with Kirsty Fernandes ​

​

The Spirited Hearts Podcast: Episode 58: The Importance of Postpartum Support in Motherhood with Kirsty Fernandes

​

Aware Parenting Stories Podcast: Episode 44: Trusting the process with Kirsty Fernandes

​

Talking Aware Parenting with Vivian Viester: Episode 12: Talking Aware Parenting with Kirsty Fernandes