The New Parent Workshop
A Roadmap to Post-Pregnancy Recovery
“Extended, paid Maternity Leave alone is not enough IF a Mother’s recovery is not anticipated and managed.” – Valerie Lynn
The #1 complication from pregnancy is recovery.
Over 1,000,000 women, 1 in 5, or 20% of new Mothers experience Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) resulting in a $20 billion cost to the U.S. economy.
Parental Leave is not enough
Companies have invested in parental leave policies, but it’s not enough. However, statistics indicate the birthing parent, still does not return having a strong, balanced recovery as expected.
50%
Percentage of new mothers that return and switch to a lower paying job at a family-friend.
20-210%
The cost of an employee’s salary to replace a women who doesn’t return after maternity leave.
$20 billion
Cost of the U.S. economy – lost productivity extended maternity and related factors.
Statistic sources: "Back to work: The billion-dollar opportunity for companies," Maven Clinic, www.manevclinic.com, Dec.2017.
Planned vs Random Recovery
Western culture dictates that postnatal recovery should begin after the six-week, post-birth, check-up. This delay forgoes the Healing Window of Opportunity, or the first 6–8 weeks, after giving birth when an intense healing takes place. Missing this intense healing period results in the commonly experienced weakened, prolonged recovery.
Western After Birth Recovery Guidelines
There are no western after birth guidelines surrounding nutrition, diet, body care, activities precautions, hormonal rebalancing and mental health to follow, which is why traditional birth practices are having a resurgence.
“The lack of western recovery guidelines and high rates of postpartum mood disorders and maternal morbidity has directly contributed to the resurgence of traditional postnatal recovery practices.” -Valerie Lynn
| Table 1: Cost of 1 Employee on Maternity Leave – 12 - weeks | |||||
| Employees | Annual Salary | Workdays / Year | Salary / Day | Maternity leave workdays | Annual Cost |
| 1 | $50,000 | 262 | $191 | 60 | $11,450 |
| Table 2: Estimated Turnover Cost of 1 Employee that Resigns due to Maternity Related Reasons | ||||
| Employees | Annual Salary | Average replacement cost 20% - 210% of annual salary | Maternity Leave Cost | Turnover + Maternity leave cost |
| 1 | $50,000 | $10,000 - $105,000 | $11,450 | $21,450 - $116-450 |
The Fourth Trimester
- 4th Trimester – additional 90 days.
- The First 6 weeks, or the Healing Window of Opportunity
- The first 6 weeks or 42 days = 15% of the time spent pregnant.
- 85 – 90% of the physical healing, shrinkage occurs.
The Global benchmark of Postnatal Recovery Practices
The global benchmark for postnatal recovery comes from Southeast Asia. Malaysia, has the lowest rate of postpartum mood disorders in the world at just 3%. This is no coincidence. Malaysia’s postnatal heritage is primarily a blend of its largest cultures of Chinese, Indian and Malay. The result of two of the best known practices, Chinese and Indian, combined with the most holistic, Malay, is a comprehensive, structured plan from Day 1, birthing day, comprised of:
- nutrition and diet
- activities
- gentle exercise
- personal and body care
- precautionary guidelines
- preventative measures
- scenario planning
- baby care
In 2010, I embarked upon a year long research project in Kuala Lumpur, via the Malaysian Ministry of Health, resulting in the successful, reverse engineering of the Malaysian postnatal protocol. I put the science behind the evidence-based proof and then adapted it for a western diet and lifestyle. -Valerie Lynn
Each participant will have a new outlook:
- From pregnancy to childbirth to recovery.
- Fresh expectations for Day 1 – 30.
- The Healing Window of Opportunity and beyond.
- 3 postnatal dietary recommendations.
- 3 personal care must haves.
Each participant will receive:
- A copy of The Mommy Plan, Restoring Your Post-Pregnancy Body Naturally, Using Women’s Traditional Wisdom, (2019, 2012).
- A copy of The Mommy Plan Recipe Book, Healing Meals: Simple Recipes for New Moms, (2020)
- A 10% discount on the Eco-Postnatal Care Set.
- A 10% discount on Holistic Postnatal Health Coaching services.
60 – 90 minutes
Expecting parents and grandparents.
Eco-Postnatal Care Set with product usage videos and printable product usage charts.