It is so common to put a lot of care, effort, and attention towards pregnancy and birth. And- it goes without saying- the prenatal period is incredibly important. However, the postpartum phase is a hugely transitional time for new parents and deserves equal consideration and planning. So let’s dive into it!
Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies to discuss Postpartum is Elaine Keller-Duemig. Elaine is a certified nurse midwife and the owner of Central Park Midwifery, a private midwifery practice in Manhattan that attends hospital births. Elaine earned her bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and a certificate in LGBT studies from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She earned a nursing degree at Quinnipiac University, and has a midwifery masters degree from Columbia University. Prior to midwifery, she worked as a labor and delivery and postpartum nurse in several hospitals.
In our conversation, we’ll explore how to create a postpartum plan, the importance of healing and rest for the birthing person, essential supplies for new parents, and breastfeeding and lactation. We also get into the subject of relationships- establishing boundaries around visits from family and friends, adapting to adjustments in your primary relationship with your partner, and maintaining your own individuality post-birth. I’m excited for you to hear what Elaine has to say, and I encourage you to jot down some of her valuable tips!
In this episode, you will learn:
- About Elaine and what led her to birth work
- Where someone should start when creating a postpartum plan
- About the typical physical state of a parent who just gave birth vaginally, and also who just gave birth via cesarean
- What can be set up in advance to support the birthing parent’s need for healing and rest
- Supplies that should be ready at home
- What breastfeeding/lactation/baby feeding prep might look like
- How to set boundaries around visits with family and friends
- How parents to-be can proactively plan for the change that comes with postpartum and prioritize keeping their relationship strong
- Elaine’s suggestions for not losing touch with oneself as a person during the postpartum transition
- The general mental state of the birthing parent, and ways the partner can be of help in keeping an eye out for PMADs
- Emergency or extra support contacts one should have at the ready
- One final tip or piece of advice Elaine would like to offer new and expectant parents
- Where you can find her work
**Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com
About Elaine:
Elaine Keller-Duemig is a certified nurse midwife and the owner of Central Park Midwifery, a private midwifery practice in Manhattan that attends hospital births. Central Park Midwifery is one of the only midwife owned practices in Manhattan, established in 2014. Elaine favors the continuity and close relationships that develop with clients and their families while working in a private practice setting. She is honored to work alongside two amazing midwives, Christina McPherson and Cara Pauls. Becoming a midwife was Elaine’s dream for many years. During her journey, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and a certificate in LGBT studies from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She earned a nursing degree at Quinnipiac University, and has a midwifery masters degree from Columbia University. Prior to midwifery, she worked as a labor and delivery and postpartum nurse in several hospitals. Before joining CPM, Elaine worked with a physician in a busy private practice in New Jersey. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter and their two cats. She enjoys the beach, Coney Island, treats, and traveling.
Connect with Elaine:
Website: www.centralparkmidwifery.com
IG: @centralparkmidwifery
FB: Central Park Midwifery
Check out similar Yoga| Birth| Babies episodes:
- How to Handle Postpartum Visitors and Setting Clear Boundaries with Ruth Gordon-Martin
- Work Better as a Team! How to NOT Resent your Partner Postpartum with Lauren A. Tetenbaum, LMSW, JD, PMH-C
- An Open & Honest Talk About Postpartum Problems with Sarah Merrill
- Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE
- If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify!
To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:
Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter
Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center
