It’s time for Lying-In.

You are a glorious goddess. Seriously. You just grew and nurtured and are about to give birth to a beautiful, precious new human. Yay!

Next, it’s time for Lying-In.

Traditionally, “Lying-In” is the period of time for a postpartum mama to bond with her newborn. During that time, you’re establishing a connection that builds on the imprinting that happens in the first few moments after birth. You’re getting to know every crease, dimple and sweet scent of your brand-new baby — and that baby is getting to know you, too.

The other part of Lying-In is just as crucial, and often forgotten. It’s about resting and healing. After all, you just experienced a major medical event — even if you didn’t have a c-section. You’re bleeding, but let’s be clear: it is not period blood. The placenta that housed your baby for 9+ months? That’s an organ that detached from the wall of your uterus, which leaves a major wound. You just can’t put a bandage on that.

Lying-In is the opposite of bouncing back. Your job, in your postpartum stage, is to heal, rest and connect. Let someone else take care of visitors, cooking, laundry and entertaining the toddler. Earth Mama encourages a modern Lying-In, one where we acknowledge the realities and expectations of a modern mama with the realities of a healing postpartum body and the expectations of a brand new baby! Read all about Lying-In here.

Whether you have a few days, a week, or a month, prepare to make the most of your postpartum lying-in period so you can do the most important thing once baby arrives: heal and bond.

Thanks for your Wisdom Earth Mama