In the modern world new mothers often feel judged by their ability to bounce back to ‘normal’ after birth. With very little focus, during pregnancy, on the postnatal period, many women are overwhelmed by the mental, physical and emotional demands in the early weeks of new motherhood. Yet postnatal rest and recuperation is not a new concept. In fact, nurturing new mothers for a month postpartum was the norm just one or two generations ago, and is still practiced widely in many cultures around the world.

In this class, Sophie Messager will draw on her unique experience as a scientist and doula to share knowledge about this crucial period. Introducing the four pillars of postnatal recovery: rest, food, bodywork and social support, she will offer simple steps to plan for postnatal recovery and tips on how to support new families at this time.

In the class, Sophie will also  tell you about her book, Why postnatal recovery matters, and her online course on preparing for the postpartum, and other perinatal courses she offer, and offer a discount for BirthBliss doulas.

About Dr Sophie Messager:

Following 20 years of research into reproductive physiology, the transformative experience of giving birth to my children led me to a vocation to support expectant families and train birth professionals. I have developed this for more than a decade, assisting and training thousands of families and birthworkers. I have earned a PhD in physiology of reproduction and a DiPhe in antenatal education and I'm the author of the book "Why Postnatal Recovery Matters." I'm also a Reiki, Reiki Drum, and Drum Healing practitioner and teacher who is passionate about incorporating scientific knowledge with spirituality and rituals, and reclaiming lost perinatal rituals. Grounding myself and my practice through walking in nature, year-round river swims, shamanic drumming, and 5rhythms dancing, I guide others on their spiritual quests through life’s transitions and rites of passages, nurturing souls and honouring the profound spiritual essence that resides within us all.

I worked as a birth and postnatal doula from a doula for ten years (also mentoring doulas and teaching doula courses). I spent several years teaching antenatal classes for the NCT and running a sling clinic in Cambridge. I have been facilitating workshops for birth professionals for over ten years. Prior to being a perinatal educator, I worked as a biology research scientist for 20 years.