Why Postnatal Recovery Matters

Sophie left her native France in 1997 to pursue postdoctoral studies as a biology research scientist, in Aberdeen. The positive births of both her children changed her professional interest completely. She retrained to be an antenatal teacher and babywearing instructor. Sophie is a birth geek and knowledge junkie but has a more spiritual side too, she is a trained Reiki healer & teacher and a Reiki drum practitioner. Her many skills include massage, rebozo, birth & postnatal healing rituals.

Reading the two quotes that open this book got me hooked, announcing a rather more holistic approach than the recent books that have proliferated on the postpartum. I simply could not stop reading this passionate, well-informed, urgent plea for changing our damaging culture of postpartum care all the way through to the acknowledgements. Sophie Messager is as authentic as she is authoritative on this topic. She skilfully interweaves stories of mothers whom she has supported, colleagues’ anecdotes and her own experience to support her clear and irrefutable argument: new mothers need rest, food, social support and bodywork. They need help, at a time when they are tired, vulnerable and facing our insane current cultural norms. Postnatal support for mothers is not the stuff of exotic traditions. It was available in England and Scotland in living memory. It is still a major cultural practice in many parts of the world. In Asia, ‘doing the month’ is institutionalised as part of the reproductive process. Yet each new mother needs to find her own formula with a ‘postnatal recovery plan’ suited to her personal circumstances. Based on both her extensive research and her personal experience as a Doula, Sophie proposes sensible resources that are pragmatic and accessible. For parents to be and new parents, this book is like a ‘buffet’, where they can pick and choose useful suggestions, all the way to recipes such as Sophie’s now famous ‘groaning’ cake or the postnatal chicken soup adapted from her husband’s Chinese cuisine. As a mother and an anthropologist working in this field, I resonate with many if not all the feelings expressed by the new mothers in this book. Their truth needs to be heard. This book is also a wakeup call for all professionals, policy makers and influencers. Perhaps even more than improving birth experiences, changing the culture of postnatal care (the ‘Cinderella’ of our global maternity services) is a top social priority. Sophie Messager’s genuine voice compels readers’ compassion not only as a scientist turned Doula but also as an inspiring storyteller. After reading this book, no one will turn up to visit a new family with a cuddly toy and expect tea to be served. Rather, they will bring a nutritious cake or casserole and perhaps offer a postnatal massage for the new mother. Françoise Barbira Freedman, Medical Anthropologist and University of Cambridge Founder of Birthlight