Sometimes, the influx of postpartum visitors can put the added strains of cleaning, cooking, and entertaining on exhausted and overwhelmed new mothers.  Ideally, during the first week or two after birth, mothers should be resting and bonding with their new babies. This printable sign helps remind visitors of ways that they can be helpful while supporting the new family.   

In the last week, I have supported two women through their planned and medically necessary cesarean sections.  Do you know what I believe about mothers who have cesareans? They are so brave.  Take a moment to imagine what that would be like for you.  I invite you to read this article.

As one woman was being prepped for surgery, she gripped my hands, and whispered to me, "I am so scared." But she did it, and she did it with courage and grace. She focused on me, she focused on her breathing, she focused on her baby, and when her husband was allowed to enter the OR, they focused on each other. And then she let herself trust in the process of birth in a whole different way than she had first imagined in the beginning of her pregnancy. 

After her birth, she told me that I could share her pictures. She said that I could share so "other women can see that cesareans can be beautiful, too." If y'all know me, you know that brought me to tears. Her birth was beautiful, and I am so grateful that Mission Hospital practices family centered cesareans.