Postpartum can be a challenging time, both physically and emotionally. Art can be a powerful tool to help people navigate this period and promote healing and self-care. Here are some ways we can use art to help ourselves through postpartum:
1. Express emotions: Art can provide a safe space to express complex emotions that come with postpartum. People can use art to create visual representations of their feelings and experiences, whether it’s through drawing, painting, or other forms of visual art. When words fail us, art can provide a way to communicate our emotions and thoughts in a non-verbal way. Art can also be used for grieving. It gives us an opportunity to let go of the person we were before having children.
2. Create a sense of calm: Creating art can be a meditative and calming activity that can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can be a way for women to focus their minds and relax, providing a much-needed respite from the demands of caring for a newborn.
3. Document memories: Art can be a powerful way to document the memories of the postpartum period, including the ups and downs. Families can create scrapbooks, journals, or other forms of art that capture their experiences and create a tangible reminder of this important time in their lives. Many people use photos, breast-milk and other sentimental items.
4. Connect with others: Art can be a way for people to connect with other people going through similar experiences. People can join art groups or take classes, where they can share their work and connect with others who understand what they’re going through.
Postpartum is a period of significant hormonal changes for new parents. During pregnancy, the body produces high levels of hormones to support the growth and development of the baby. After delivery, these hormone levels rapidly drop, which can cause a range of physical and emotional changes. Overall, art can be a valuable tool for people to help themselves through postpartum. It can provide a way to express emotions, create a sense of calm, document memories, and connect with others.
My name is Lauren and I am a mother, artist, and birth worker. I am incredibly passionate about maternal health and celebrating the stages of parenthood. After having my second baby at home, I started to question why my births were so different. This curiosity led me to become a doula and support families through their own pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journeys.
