Special Guest: Lauren Haxby, L&D RN, Mama of 2

In this episode, Host Jessi Sletten interviews Lauren Haxby, a labor and delivery nurse and mother of two. After a difficult first birth and postpartum period, Lauren worked with Jessi to create a plan to feel more supported postpartum the second time.

Key elements included focusing on her own nutrition, building her community of support, taking time to rest and recover, and finding empowering self-care activities. Lauren says working with Jessi ahead of time was instrumental in having a better postpartum experience.

She emphasizes the importance of being informed and prepared, advocating for yourself, having the right support and finding things that make you feel empowered as a new parent.

✨ If you are ready to feel as prepared and empowered for your postpartum journey as Lauren, then Empowering Postpartum Coaching is exactly what you are looking for 🫶🏻

Learn more and get started here: https://empoweringpostpartum.com/empoweringpostpartumcoaching/

Connect with Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhaxby/

Outline of the Show:

1. Introduction (0:21 )

   
   



2. Postpartum Recovery and Self-care (1:43 )

   
   
   
   
   • Lauren shares her experiences as a labor and delivery nurse and new mom, discussing her first birth and postpartum journey, including medical interventions and recovery challenges.
   
   
   • Emphasize the importance of planning for postpartum, including nutrition and self-care activities.
   
   
   • Discuss Lauren's personal experience of prioritizing self-care activities to feel more like herself again after giving birth.
   
   
   
   



3. Postpartum Care and Birth Experiences (9:05 )

   
   
   
   
   • Highlight the importance of rest, recovery, and nutrition after childbirth.
   
   
   • Discuss Lauren's contrasting experiences of feeling in control during her second birth compared to feeling out of control during her first birth.
   
   
   • Emphasize the significance of postpartum care for new mothers, particularly in the early days after giving birth.
   
   
   
   



4. Unmedicated Birth, Postpartum Care, and Support (13:40 )

   
   
   
   
   • Describe Lauren's rapid and unpredictable labor experience and the support received from midwives and a doula.
   
   
   • Discuss Lauren's positive experience with postpartum care and the importance of support and validation for new mothers.
   
   
   
   



5. Postpartum Support and Community (19:17 )

   
   
   
   
   • Address the lack of support for new mothers in Western culture and the importance of building a supportive community.
   
   
   • Discuss Lauren's experience seeking support from friends and family for breastfeeding and newborn care.
   
   
   
   



6. Breastfeeding Support and Self-Advocacy (24:00 )

   
   
   
   
   • Detail Lauren's experience with breastfeeding and triple feeding, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and having a support system.
   
   
   • Emphasize Jessi's points on self-care, monitoring one's body, and setting boundaries within the support team.
   
   
   
   



7. Building a Supportive Birth and Postpartum Team (32:12 )

   
   
   
   
   • Stress the importance of trustworthy support during pregnancy and childbirth, especially for mental health.
   
   
   • Recommend researching professionals specializing in perinatal mental health for support.
   
   
   
   



8. Postpartum Depression and Its Effects on New Mothers (36:33 )

   
   
   
   
   • Provide tips for avoiding feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for postpartum, including finding supportive individuals and being informed about postpartum.
   
   
   • Discuss Lauren's struggles with identity change and seeking validation and support.
   
   
   • Offer strategies for managing postpartum depression, such as seeking support and establishing routines.
   
   
   
   



9. Postpartum Self-Care and Identity Shift (43:07 )

   
   
   
   
   • Reflect on Lauren's postpartum experience, setting intentions for self-care and establishing routines.
   
   
   • Explore Jessi's reflections on postpartum identity shift, grieving losses, and practicing self-care.
   
   
   • Encourage listeners to reach out for support and share their experiences.