Postpartum care: culture or science?
When I first became a mother, I quickly realised just how overwhelming the postpartum period can be. Between the sleepless nights, the endless feedings, and the flood of emotions, it felt like the world expected me to bounce back immediately – as if nothing had changed. Then, the second time around, I battled with postpartum depression… That’s when I started blogging. I wanted a space to process my experiences, share what I was learning, and, honestly, to remind myself that it’s okay to slow down. Over time, my posts grew to explore not just my personal journey, but also the wisdom embedded in cultures around the world when it comes to postpartum care.
Across the globe, there’s a remarkable similarity: cultures that honour a slower, more nurturing recovery for new mothers. Unlike the typical Western approach, which often emphasises quickly “getting back to normal,” many traditions encourage mothers to focus on themselves for at least six weeks after birth. Isn’t it beautiful, then, that we are given this same courtesy by Allah SWT Himself? It’s a period meant for healing, reflection, and rebuilding strength – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Nourishing the Body
One of the most striking differences I noticed was how food plays a central role in recovery. In many cultures, postpartum diets are carefully designed to restore energy and support healing. These aren’t just random meals either. They are culturally valued practices that help a mother regain her strength while also creating space for family support. It made me realise that nourishment is not only about what we eat but also about the environment we allow ourselves to be in.
Letting Go of the “Strong Mom” Myth
Western culture often celebrates independence and resilience… sometimes to an extreme. There’s this unspoken expectation that new moms should prove how strong they are by juggling everything right away. But cultural wisdom flips that on its head. It says: it’s okay to be vulnerable. It’s okay to accept help. True strength, these traditions remind us, comes from knowing when to rest and care for ourselves.
Challenging Unnecessary Expectations
I noticed that in the Western world, women are often pressured to resume their normal routines almost immediately after childbirth. It can feel suffocating, and frankly, it’s unnecessary. Drawing from cultural practices worldwide, I’ve learned that it’s perfectly fine to slow down and prioritise your own well-being. It’s not selfish. It’s essential.
A Call to Embrace Your Roots
If there’s one thing I’ve discovered through my experiences, it’s that stepping back and reconnecting with cultural wisdom can be incredibly empowering. These practices remind us that motherhood is about thriving – not surviving – and sometimes thriving means leaning on the knowledge and support of those who came before us.
The postpartum period is universal, but how we approach it doesn’t have to conform to a single narrative. By embracing the traditions and wisdom from different cultures, we can redefine our own experiences focusing on holistic well-being, self-care, and connection. As I write and reflect, I hope to inspire other mothers to honour themselves, draw from their heritage, and nurture their bodies and hearts without guilt.
That’s all from me for now. Stay tuned for more… and remember: ‘Just Dua It.’
Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi
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P.P.S. My book, Kismet – For roses to blossom is available locally and on Kindle Unlimited.
