FAQ
This program is rooted in the understanding that those who love us naturally choose to support us after the birth of our child if their lifestyle allows for this. Families naturally come and visit mom and baby, hold the baby, take care of food, and watch over the family in the ways they are inclined. This system is a form to help both the family get clear on how to best care for themselves, and to guide those who would love to support the family. We have slipped away from the paradigm of both asking for help, valuing the role of mother, and trusting in our village to care for us. This model is rooted in the heart of building our village for the wellbeing of all.
I would love help with food but don’t feel comfortable asking people to buy it for us, how would you suggest I handle this?
Get clear on what kind of meals you would love ahead of time. Ask your friends (who have offered their help) who loves to cook. Buy the ingredients for said meals ahead of time, create a recipe book, get creative. Another thing you can do is purchase pre-paid credit cards for take-out or grocery shopping.
When my seven sister is on call, are they on call the entire day, or how does this work?
Your seven sister signs up for the day they can help and makes it clear what time of day they can help, whether it be, to be on call all day, to helping from 9-10, to running a quick errand, etc. This is completely customizable based on what is possible. Remember, it’s about working together, and what works for everyone.
This is my first baby and I am not even sure what I might need help with, should I wait until the baby comes, or what do you suggest?
This is outlined in the manual in a more detailed fashion the things that can come up in your postpartum. My advice to you would be to get clear on your personal needs and also ask other mothers in your family and community what they suggest. I personally value my health as a foundation so I made sure to have well balanced meals and the ingredients for them ahead of time ready, teas, and researched recipes ahead of time that were easy to prepare in the postpartum.
There are also things that will come up that are completely new such as breastfeeding, your sleep arrangements, adjusting to your bodily changes, afterbirth pains and/or scarring, etc. I would get to know where your breastfeeding counselors are, or talk to other mothers. Get clear on your sleep choices. Buy comfy clothes to support your changing body. Know where to get help if after birth pains or scars need support. Know your community and your resources.
I just moved to a new community and don’t know anyone. I would love to do something like this but don’t have anyone here to ask. Are there networks I could join, or what do you suggest?
You have a few options. You can look into community supports in your local mothers groups, community groups, through your care provider or birth center, and see what’s available. You could ask a family member or friend to come out and visit you if they’d love to at this time to support you. There is also the option of hiring a postpartum doula who is someone who is very well trained in postpartum care as well. You would be surprised how many networks of support are in many communities amongst the local mothers. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, you’ll find that most are happy to support if they can.
How do I know what I am going to need after baby?
This is my most common question. Of course you won’t know how your birth and postpartum is going to go, but you do know what you require to thrive. Get clear on what helps you to feel supported emotionally and physically and do some deep inner work to discover what these pieces might be. Build your support system based on this. This will require you being willing to look deeper, identify your self care regimen, and also to be willing to ask for help. Work alongside your birth team and care providers to get clear on this.
I also offer consulting to help women build their plan. You can learn more about this here.
This program is rooted in the understanding that those who love us naturally choose to support us after the birth of our child if their lifestyle allows for this. Families naturally come and visit mom and baby, hold the baby, take care of food, and watch over the family in the ways they are inclined. This system is a form to help both the family get clear on how to best care for themselves, and to guide those who would love to support the family. We have slipped away from the paradigm of both asking for help, valuing the role of mother, and trusting in our village to care for us. This model is rooted in the heart of building our village for the wellbeing of all.
I would love help with food but don’t feel comfortable asking people to buy it for us, how would you suggest I handle this?
Get clear on what kind of meals you would love ahead of time. Ask your friends (who have offered their help) who loves to cook. Buy the ingredients for said meals ahead of time, create a recipe book, get creative. Another thing you can do is purchase pre-paid credit cards for take-out or grocery shopping.
When my seven sister is on call, are they on call the entire day, or how does this work?
Your seven sister signs up for the day they can help and makes it clear what time of day they can help, whether it be, to be on call all day, to helping from 9-10, to running a quick errand, etc. This is completely customizable based on what is possible. Remember, it’s about working together, and what works for everyone.
This is my first baby and I am not even sure what I might need help with, should I wait until the baby comes, or what do you suggest?
This is outlined in the manual in a more detailed fashion the things that can come up in your postpartum. My advice to you would be to get clear on your personal needs and also ask other mothers in your family and community what they suggest. I personally value my health as a foundation so I made sure to have well balanced meals and the ingredients for them ahead of time ready, teas, and researched recipes ahead of time that were easy to prepare in the postpartum.
There are also things that will come up that are completely new such as breastfeeding, your sleep arrangements, adjusting to your bodily changes, afterbirth pains and/or scarring, etc. I would get to know where your breastfeeding counselors are, or talk to other mothers. Get clear on your sleep choices. Buy comfy clothes to support your changing body. Know where to get help if after birth pains or scars need support. Know your community and your resources.
I just moved to a new community and don’t know anyone. I would love to do something like this but don’t have anyone here to ask. Are there networks I could join, or what do you suggest?
You have a few options. You can look into community supports in your local mothers groups, community groups, through your care provider or birth center, and see what’s available. You could ask a family member or friend to come out and visit you if they’d love to at this time to support you. There is also the option of hiring a postpartum doula who is someone who is very well trained in postpartum care as well. You would be surprised how many networks of support are in many communities amongst the local mothers. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, you’ll find that most are happy to support if they can.
How do I know what I am going to need after baby?
This is my most common question. Of course you won’t know how your birth and postpartum is going to go, but you do know what you require to thrive. Get clear on what helps you to feel supported emotionally and physically and do some deep inner work to discover what these pieces might be. Build your support system based on this. This will require you being willing to look deeper, identify your self care regimen, and also to be willing to ask for help. Work alongside your birth team and care providers to get clear on this.
I also offer consulting to help women build their plan. You can learn more about this here.