Erin & Serenity's Slow Postpartum Story

This week on The Slow Postpartum Podcast, I had the joy of speaking with Erin from Ohio, USA, about her beautiful and deeply intentional postpartum with her fourth baby, Serenity.

Erin’s story is one of reflection, preparation, community, and the willingness to slow down — even amid life with four children.

Looking Back to Move Forward

Before Serenity’s arrival, Erin had experienced three very different postpartum journeys:

Two C-sections where she felt thrust back into daily life far too quickly.
A home birth with her third baby, supported by a doula who offered the kind of tender, attentive care she didn’t even know she needed at the time.

It was during that third postpartum that Erin began to understand how profound the postpartum period could be — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. She realised that being cared for, nourished, and “held” in those early days after birth could ripple through the rest of a mother’s life.

Building Her Village

For Serenity’s birth, Erin set the intention to fully embrace a slow postpartum. She prepared herbs, tinctures, supplements, and nourishing foods. But she also learned an important truth: being “fully prepared” is not just about stocking the freezer — it’s about being open to receiving help.

She had been quietly building her village for years — friends, family, and a like-minded community — and when the time came, she let them step in. Friends came over to be an extra set of hands, to bring food, or simply to keep her company while her husband cared for their older children.

Erin welcomed friends and their families into her home, creating a warm, communal environment for her kids during this special season.

The Power of Holding Space

One of the most moving parts of Erin’s story was her reflection on what it means to “hold space” for a new mother.

It’s more than cooking a meal or folding laundry — it’s about being present without judgement, allowing a mother to experience whatever she needs to feel in that moment. It’s about witnessing both the beauty and the challenges without trying to change them.

Erin experienced this deeply with her doula during her third birth, and she carried that understanding into her fourth postpartum, surrounding herself with people who could hold that kind of space for her.

Slowing Down & Listening In

Perhaps the biggest lesson Erin took from this postpartum was the importance of slowing down and listening to her intuition. She spoke about showing herself the same patience and kindness she teaches her children, and recognising that healing — both physical and emotional — isn’t linear.

For Erin, slowing down wasn’t just for those first six weeks. It became a guiding principle she now applies to parenting, relationships, and life.

A Story to Inspire

Erin’s journey is a beautiful reminder that postpartum is not simply a recovery period — it’s a transformative season that deserves planning, intention, and care. By preparing well, leaning on her village, and embracing rest, she created a postpartum experience that was nourishing for her body, her spirit, and her whole family.

If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or supporting a new mother, I encourage you to listen to the full episode. Erin’s insights are full of gentle wisdom that will inspire you to honour this precious time after birth.

You can listen to the episode here or by searching for Slow Postpartum wherever you get your podcasts.

Free Slow Postpartum Resources

If you are expecting a baby you can get my free ebook 'The Six Secrets to a Slow Postpartum' here. It's full of wisdom and tips on how to plan a positive and peaceful postpartum experience with your new baby.

If you're a doula or perinatal professional, you can find out 'Five Ways to Holistically Support Postpartum Families' in my free e-book here.

Categories: : birth, breastfeeding, motherhood, parenting, Postnatal, Postpartum