In Today's Issue:
🌸 Postpartum Half-Truths Are Holding Us Back.
đź’Š The Postpartum Supplement Boom: Progress or New Pitfall?
👶 The Infant Microbiome Connection.
🤯 An Important Note (Don't Say I Didn't Warn You!)
After spending over a 15 years supporting postpartum mothers and training thousands of practitioners, I've noticed something that keeps me up at night: our field has created a culture of comforting half-truths.
I get it. We want to nurture new mothers during such a vulnerable and sacred time. But these well-meaning platitudes often mask deeper truths that need to be acknowledged.
I see it every day in my work. Providers come to me frustrated, knowing something isn't working in the current system but struggling to find a better way. And thanks to social media, they've been engrained to prioritize comfort over truth, often at the expense of real healing.
Consider the phrase we've all used: "It's okay you're not okay." I used to say this myself, until I realized that while it acknowledges the struggle, it inadvertently normalizes suffering that deserves attention and care. While the sentiment is there, the statment is disasterous. Now I say, "Your struggles are valid, and you deserve support to feel better." This maintains compassion while opening the door to actual healing.
The postpartum body has taught me an undeniable truth: nutrient depletion impacts every system, every organ, every function. Recently, during my conversation with Holly from Eat Mama Meals (this is a good one!), we discussed the controversial stance about nutrient depletion doesn't lead to organ dysregulation. While this perspective aims to prevent maternal guilt, it obscures a crucial biological reality I've seen play out countless times: our organs require specific nutrients to function optimally. When these nutrients are depleted through pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, our bodies struggle to maintain balance.
This isn't about blame – it's about empowerment through understanding.
I've watched providers struggle with phrases like "breast milk has everything baby needs." While breast milk is indeed remarkable and is almost ALWAYS the most beneficial source of nourishment, this oversimplification ignores a critical truth: a depleted mother cannot produce nutrient-rich milk without proper support and nourishment. By acknowledging this reality, we open the door to meaningful conversations about maternal nutrition and recovery.
As practitioners, we must find the courage to speak truth while holding space for the raw vulnerability of the postpartum period. Here's what I've found works:
- Acknowledge that postpartum challenges aren't a failure, but rather a sign that the system of care has once again failed her and something needs attention
- Understand that validation without action perpetuates suffering
- Recognize that true compassion includes offering real solutions, not just comfort
In my work training providers at Postpartum University®, I've developed specific approaches that blend honesty with genuine support. Try these in your practice:
Instead of "This is just how postpartum is," try "Your body is giving you important signals. Let's listen to them together and create a plan for deep healing."
When discussing breastfeeding challenges, shift from "Keep trying, it will get better" or even "good for you for quitting and taking care of yourself!" to "Your commitment to feeding your baby is beautiful. Let's look at the support you need to make this journey sustainable."
If a mother expresses guilt over her struggles, rather than saying "It's normal you feel bad," acknowledge her feelings while redirecting focus: "These challenges aren't your fault – they're signs your body needs specific support. We have tools to help you heal."
The path forward isn't about choosing between truth and compassion – it's about wielding both as powerful tools for healing. When we combine honest, research-backed information with genuine understanding and support, we create an environment where real transformation can occur.
I'm committed to revolutionizing postpartum care, and I know you are too. Let's be both truth-tellers and compassionate supporters. Our mothers deserve nothing less.
I'd love to know (respond to me by replying to this email!): What other half-truths do you often here that drive you a bit crazy?
đź’Š The Postpartum Supplement Boom: Progress or New Pitfall?
Have you noticed? The postpartum supplement market has exploded into its own category, projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2034. As someone who has long advocated for taking postpartum nutrition seriously, part of me wants to celebrate. Finally, there's widespread recognition that postpartum depletion is real!
The surge in demand speaks volumes: mothers are waking up to their nutritional needs, and they're actively seeking support. You're probably seeing this in your own practice – more clients asking about supplements, searching for solutions to address their depletion.
But here's what keeps me up at night: Are we just trading one quick fix for another?
While supplements can play a valuable role in postpartum recovery, they were never meant to be the whole solution. When we jump straight to supplements without addressing the fundamental issues – processed food, rushed meals, chronic stress, lack of support – we're missing the profound healing that comes from real, nourishing food and proper rest.
Think about it: a mother rushing between responsibilities might religiously take her supplements, but when was the last time she sat down to enjoy a warm, nutrient-dense meal? Are we inadvertently reinforcing the idea that healing can come from a bottle rather than from slowing down and prioritizing true nourishment?
As providers, we have a crucial role in this conversation. Yes, we can guide our clients toward quality supplements when needed, but let's not forget to champion the deeper work: creating space for real food, real rest, and real recovery.
The supplement boom is a sign that women are ready to invest in their postpartum health. Now it's our job to ensure that investment goes beyond just pills and powders.
Here's the lastest article on the rising Postpartum Supplement Market
👶 The Infant Microbiome Connection
While my work focuses specifically on maternal health and healing, I'm often asked about infant gut health. After all, mother and baby are intricately connected – their intertwined in fascinating ways!
Rather than reinvent the wheel, I want to share an incredible resource I personally trust. The MicroBiome, led by Toni Harman, offers exceptional training on infant gut microbiome health. I've had the privilege of participating in several of their trainings, and their evidence-based, thorough approach consistently impresses me.
If you've been curious about diving deeper into infant gut health and how it connects to maternal wellness, this is your opportunity to learn from the best.
➡️ Access The MicroBiome trainings here
This is the perfect complement to your postpartum expertise, allowing you to better understand and support the mother-baby dyad in your practice.
Let's keep challenging half-truths and pushing the boundaries of postpartum care. Every time you dig deeper, blend nutrition with real talk, and demand holistic support for mothers, you’re transforming lives. Your work is the catalyst for change—so keep questioning, keep innovating, and never settle for shortcuts. If these ideas hit home, hit reply and let me know what half-truths you see in your practice. We're in this together, rewriting the rules for a healthier future!
🤯 P.S. Nearly 1,000 of you are already on the waitlist for our next Postpartum Nutrition Certification cohort—and trust me, I'm in a pickle! We might open a few extra seats, but there won’t be more than 40-50 spots available in total. Which means many people simply won't get in. So make sure you’re on the list and mark your calendar for the March 4th email the special discount code and exclusive link to join. Just a heads up!
Waitlist -> www.PostpartumU.com/Waitlist
With Love,
Maranda Bower
CEO & Founder of Postpartum University®
www.PostpartumU.com
