Postnatal helpers learn the traditional practice of belly binding to support postpartum healing.

I was recently reminded how monumentally significant the event of childbirth is for a woman, and how its imprint endures for her, her baby, her family, and her community.

I was sitting in a circle of women who felt called to the mission of Postnatal Support Network. We were there to be trained as postnatal support helpers. During the training we held space for a Mother-honoring ritual, learned nourishing recipes specifically suited for the postpartum period (which we prepared and ate together), and shared intimate details - joys, regrets, tears, traumas, crises, memories of wonderful and difficult moments - of our own birth experiences. What had brought us together was a common, heartfelt desire to shower new mothers with extraordinary love, support, nourishment, and compassionate care during this tender and pivotal time in their lives.

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