About
Hi, I’m Samantha.
As a Mother, my daughter has been the catalyst for massive growth. Through my own pregnancy and postpartum experience I had to begin learning to value my own care as a Mother. Much inspired by my challenge, I was moved to train with Rachelle from INNATE traditions, and start supporting postpartum Mothers to do the same. We live in a world which focuses so much on holding the baby, that often the Mothers are forgotten. A huge part of my work is about this - centring Mothers, so that they may Mother their babies with presence and confidence.
I believe deeply in the power of aligning with our physiology to create wellness, a believer that we are "held by nature" - the nature around us, the natural cycles we live within, and our nature as human beings. The five postpartum principles are a physiological blueprint we can follow for Mother's wellness. Working with our nature to the best of our capacity underpins my work.
As a by-product of many previous years working with children, I worked a lot with Mothers. I have been in and out of homes during the tender time of babies arriving, and witnessed what the lack of support does to Mothers and families.
Mother-centred care creates more wellness for ALL.
I live in Mangawhai, New Zealand. You will find me most often in the garden, kitchen, crafting with my daughter, as well as out on nature walks or spending quality time with my community.
Mother-centred, physiologically aligned postpartum care
In all traditional cultures around the world, there exists a period of deep rest and care for Mothers after birth. The only role of the Mother is to establish breastfeeding and connection with her baby, and to rest and receive so her body can heal. There are specific cross-cultural practices used by these traditional cultures which are rooted in the physiology of the postpartum Mother, supporting her to heal optimally after pregnancy and birth. These have largely been forgotten by modern cultures, and the lack of this care is evident today in the health of their Mothers. The “pillars” of this care are rest, warmth, specific foods, bodywork and community. Hiring postpartum care is to tap into a well of wisdom and care that draws upon this ancient and necessary wisdom. It supports Mothers and families to begin their journeys nourished and connected.
INNATE Postpartum Care
I am a certified INNATE Traditions Postpartum Care Practitioner. INNATE’s training is an extensive study in what it is to truly care for Mothers holistically during the postpartum time, and how we can support them to heal when they have not received this care. I hold deep gratitude to my teacher Rachelle Garcia Seliga for the wisdom shared during this training, and feel blessed to be able to share this depth of knowledge and care with the Mothers I work with.
What I offer is similar to what a postpartum doula would offer. INNATE’s training, however, is a much deeper dive than many doula trainings, and is why Rachelle chose the title “postpartum care practitioner’ instead.
Our Services
Postpartum Care Packages
In-home postpartum care packages, including 2 pregnancy sessions and 4-12 postpartum sessions
Postpartum Food Packages
We offer postpartum specific food parcels delivered locally in the Mangawhai area (or pick-up for those further away).
Find out more
Postpartum Community Education Classes
Coming soon. Please contact me to be notified.
Closing Ceremonies
I also offer stand alone closing ceremonies for Mothers at any point after having a child (can be three months postpartum of 20 years). This includes a Closing of the Bones and Honouring of Mama Ceremony. Please message me for more information.