When Rest is the Work - Victoria & Bernie's Slow Postpartum Story

What happens when a postpartum physiotherapist decides to do things differently the second time around?

That’s exactly what we explore in this week’s episode of The Slow Postpartum Podcast, where I’m joined by my friend and colleague, Victoria Caulfield, who shares the story of her second postpartum experience—this time, with deep rest, nourishing food, and thoughtful preparation at the heart of it.

After a difficult recovery following the birth of her first baby—including a high-grade perineal tear and a long healing journey—Victoria realised just how little support most mothers receive after birth. Despite being a health professional herself, she felt depleted, anaemic, and overwhelmed in those early weeks.

So when baby number two came along, she made a commitment to do things differently.

She planned ahead. She filled the freezer. She kept her socks on. She rested.

Victoria followed a traditional postpartum rhythm of “five days in the bed, five days on the bed, five days around the bed.” She embraced warm, easy-to-digest foods based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, and said no to early visitors so she could fully bond and heal in peace.

And perhaps most importantly—she asked for help. She created a list of trusted professionals she could call on if things got difficult, and she leaned into support (including massage and nourishing food from yours truly 💛).

“The work was in the rest,” Victoria told me. “And even though I’m someone who loves being active, I realised that slowing down was the most powerful thing I could do for myself—and my baby.”

In our conversation, we also talk about:

Why the second postpartum is often so different (and sometimes more healing) than the first
The grief many mothers feel when they realise how unsupported they were the first time
The cultural pressures to “bounce back” and why true healing can’t be rushed
The small but powerful ways families can plan ahead for a more supported fourth trimester

If you're a second-time mum, preparing for your first postpartum, or supporting others through this sacred time, this episode is a gentle, grounded reminder that rest is not indulgent—it’s essential.

🎧 Click here to listen to the episode

Want to feel supported like Victoria did?
If her story resonated with you, you might love my Virtual Slow Postpartum Support Package. This beautifully crafted bundle includes a prenatal planning session, online course, healing recipes, guided meditations, and follow-up coaching calls once your baby arrives.

✨ It’s available to families anywhere in the world, and designed to help you feel nourished, held, and deeply cared for—no matter where you are.

👉 Learn more about the Virtual Support Package alongside my in person offerings here

You deserve to have a slow, supported postpartum too!

You can find out more about Victoria and read her wonderful blog that focuses on all things postpartum healing here.

Categories: : breastfeeding, motherhood, parenting