How I Experienced a Positive Postpartum

I am so lucky to have a beautiful, healthy baby boy who was 1 in May and I have long been preparing for his health through looking after my own, rebalancing my hormones, addressing my gut health and nourishing my nervous system. Of course, I prepared lots of postpartum meals like, rice congee, bone broths and my husband made nutritions, delicious meals. Getting essential nutrients post birth is so important for recovery and milk supply. Homeopathy played a big part in my pregnancy, birth and recovery. It is amazingly gently and powerful. It provided me with a lot of comfort and made such a difference to how I felt.

Fear, grief & control

My views and feelings about pregnancy and birth now, could not have been more different now than before I became pregnant. Unfortunately, what led my choices around my birth plan was fear and the loss of family members who experienced neglectful care in the NHS “system”. What shocked me most was realising how little birth specific training many doctors and consultants have, yet they often make major decisions about labour and delivery. This knowledge pushed me into control mode, which served a purpose but also stole some of the joy from my pregnancy.

Research, Evidence & Intuition

I read the CQC report for my local maternity ward, then compared this to other wards locally. I read all of the trust guidelines on birth and postnatal care (foetal heart rate monitoring, post natal care, delivery guidelines, vitamin K). I spoke to the head midwife, attended all of the courses offered by the trust and completed online courses. I was fearful of birth at the start of my pregnancy (probably because of the way it is portrayed in mainstream media and the stories I have heard), so I had to desensitise myself to it.

I was not set on the idea of an idyllic water birth with music and candles. I just knew I wanted to minimise my chances of a surgical intervention, so I chose a home birth because the chances of these interventions reduce by 45% just by choosing the home birth- even if you are transferred to the hospital! I also did everything I could within my control to for the baby to be in a good position and support natural birth. I just did everything the midwives told me to do to get the babies head down- and it worked!

Support & Strength

I spoke to people about their birth and, in particular, a friend who had a home birth, but a totally different experience. This gave me so much strength and confidence that I could do it too, because before I was pregnant, I would never have believed that a home birth was realistic. I was also incredibly grateful that my trust promoted midwife led care and home births. I think my ultimate inspiration were the females in my family:

my nana who birthed twins naturally in 1960

my mum who is a real life G.I. Jane

my aunties

my cousin

my sister

All amazing women who have so much strength and love. I also don’t think I could have laboured without already having a meditation practice. This was so helpful for the times that I knew I had to dig deep!

The Birth

When my baby boy arrived, it was incredible. My husband’s support was present and amazing, my mum was brilliant and hilarious and the midwives were wise and reassuring. I also know that I am incredibly lucky and privileged to have the experience that I did (and I know that every birth is different - so it might not happen with No. 2 due in January 2026).

My advice to anyone who wants a positive postpartum:

Care for your health like you are preparing for pregnancy, whether you are or not. I guarantee this will give you optimal health and the best investment you make.

Knowledge is power: research pregnancy, birth and the maternity system. Be really clear and confident on your wishes and feelings. Write them down.

A meditation practice is magical and helps you surrender to the fact that birth will be what it will be before it happens and helps you get through it.

Some of the resources I used and recommend:

Dave Asprey, Better Baby Book

Dr Sarah Wickham - the beacon of evidenced based care

Natalie Meddings, Why Home Birth Matters

Katherine Graves, The Hypnobirthing Book and other resources

If you want my baby prep spreadsheet, any postpartum food or recipes recommendations, just email me hello@rachaeljanehealth.com

I could go on and on and on about birth- but there is not the time and space! Thank you for listening to the proudest, happiest experiences in my life.

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