BONJOUR PARENTHOOD EXPERIENCE, POSTPARTUM CARE, RECOVERY

THE EVOLVING POSTPARTUM LANDSCAPE IN THE US

Postpartum support is finally receiving the attention it deserves, and it's been a long time coming!  

Ashley Graham, Amy Schumer, Katy Perry, Serena Williams, Chrissy Teigen, and many other celebrities are openly sharing their postpartum journeys, providing candid insights into the raw reality on their social media platforms. Their intention is not to scare expectant mothers but rather to offer a realistic glimpse into what to anticipate, ensuring that new mothers are not blindsided and don't feel inadequate when faced with the challenges of motherhood and body changes, that differ from the picture-perfect portrayals often seen online. Fortunately, there is a growing chorus of voices countering these unrealistic narratives. 

Celebrities go through the same physical, emotional, hormonal, and psychological changes as the rest of us. However, the primary distinction often lies in their support systems. 

In earlier, more communal times, women giving birth were surrounded by a network of caregivers, including midwives, nurses, grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, cousins… This collective support system, exclusively feminine, served as a vital safety net, shielding new mothers and their infants from the challenges of the outside world. It allowed mothers to focus on recovery and bonding with their newborns, while the rest of the community managed household tasks and cared for other children. Additionally, new mothers benefited greatly from the wealth of knowledge and experience shared by these female caregivers. 

This form of postpartum support remains commonplace in certain countries, notably China with its tradition of "zuo yuezi" (or "sitting the month"), as well as in various indigenous communities. However, in Western societies, the constant pressure to excel and perform has led society to conceal this vulnerable period. Unfortunately, this disconnect from the realities of postpartum life has serious consequences. Studies show that up to 20% of women experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS), while more than 1 in 3 women face lasting health issues after childbirth.  

Alarmingly, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, with 40% of maternal deaths occurring within the first six weeks postpartum, with a dramatic variation by race and ethnicity. The recent study conducted by the Commonwealth Fund, highlighting this concerning observation, ultimately concludes “The U.S has a relative undersupply of maternity care providers, especially midwives, and lacks comprehensive postpartum support” and “although a large share of its maternal deaths occur postbirth, the U.S is the only country not to guarantee access to provider home visits or paid parental leave in the postpartum period”.

In the US, the mortality rate per 100,000 live births is twice that of France, between 5 and 6 times higher than in the Netherlands or Germany, and 10 times higher than in New Zealand. In these countries, midwives outnumber obstetricians, and low-risk pregnancies are primarily managed by midwives.

Midwives conduct postpartum home visits to monitor physical recovery, mental health, and provide assistance with breastfeeding and baby care. On the other hand, obstetricians typically do not conduct postpartum checks until a scheduled in-office visit six weeks after childbirth. The fact that midwives attended only 12% of births in the US in 2021 is part of the problem. The study proceeds to propose the following recommendation: “Since more than half of maternal deaths occur after birth, strengthening postpartum care should be a priority. The World Health Organization recommends at least 4 health contacts in the first 6 weeks, yet U.S women typically have a single office-based physician visit within this period, and some don’t have one at all”.  

In addition to the predominance of midwives attending births, many other countries employ specialized postpartum professionals to support families after childbirth. One noteworthy example is the kraamverzorgster in the Netherlands. These healthcare providers serve as a hybrid between a maternity nurse and a doula. They visit families for eight days immediately following childbirth, focusing on the mother's recovery from pregnancy, labor, and childbirth, as well as the baby's health. Additionally, they offer guidance to parents on feeding, sleeping, and baby care, assist with light household chores, cooking, and cleaning, and possess medical training to monitor vital signs, weigh babies, and identify signs of infection, thus alleviating the need for parents to visit the pediatrician during the initial days when rest and bonding with their child are paramount. Nearly all private insurances cover these "mothers' helpers," and they are utilized by 97% of parents, not only for their first child. 

Due to the influence of social media and increasing advocacy for postpartum care, new mothers in the US are now aware of these alternatives available in other countries and cultures. They are becoming increasingly open and vocal about the difficulties they face during the early weeks with a newborn and the necessity for support beyond the traditional healthcare system. As a result, there's been a surge in the demand for doulas – certified professionals who offer emotional and physical support and guidance throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Unlike night nannies who focus only on newborn care, doulas offer comprehensive care for both mother and baby, ensuring holistic support and guidance during this transformative period.

It's projected that global revenue for doula and coach services will increase by +79% compared to 2023. Additionally, we've witnessed the rapid emergence of high-end postpartum retreats across the country, taking inspiration from South Korean culture. Examples include Boram in NYC, The Village in San Francisco, Sanu in the Washington, DC area, Ahma&Co in California, and more openings are planned in other parts of the country. Bonjour Parenthood is the latest player in the landscape, offering a premium in-home postpartum care and support system influenced by European practices. 

The emergence of numerous participants in the postpartum domain is a wonderful improvement. There simply can't be sufficient support services available to aid all new mothers. At Bonjour Parenthood, we firmly advocate for systematic postpartum care for every mother. Achieving this necessitates a shift in the legal framework to ensure financial assistance for mothers during their parental leave. We are optimistic that these developments will catalyze significant change in the future, and we are committed to leading this revolution from the forefront. 

Bonjour Parenthood is a clever blend of European postnatal care practices, from Dutch “Kraamzorg” to French savoir-faire and parenting guidance, delivered right in the comfort of parents’ homes. Our services provide the following benefits: 

  • Providing resources and guidance to best prepare for the postpartum period.  

  • One year postpartum care support, divided in 3 distinct phases:

    • 24/7 in-home postpartum care during the first week postpartum, 

    • virtual support for up to 3 months,

    • extending the bliss and supporting parents as they navigate parenthood and the key miles stones during the first year postpartum.

  • Assisting parents in settling into their personal space, adjusting to their new routine, and embracing their new reality. 

  • Prioritizing sleep, recovery, and rest by offering round-the-clock support, with optional additional daytime or nighttime support. 

  • Providing a customized service tailored to the unique needs of each family, with their dedicated Family Care Specialists. 

  • Recognizing the highly emotional nature of early postpartum life, we create a safe and supportive environment for mothers to express their emotions. 

  • Taking a family-oriented approach, we support co-parents and siblings as they embrace their new roles, helping the family establish a harmonious new dynamic. 

  • Accompanying families as women resume an active lifestyle and/or go back to work. 

  • Organizing online and in-person events on topics relevant to parents of young children. 

  • Nurturing a community of parents.  

  • Ultimately supporting parents throughout the first year of their child’s life.  

Our aim is to set families up for success right from the start, within the comfort of their own personal space. We want parents to feel confident in managing their new reality. Our focus is on ensuring that the journey into parenthood is as seamless and fulfilling as possible. Together with other professionals in the birth and postpartum field, we envision a country where every woman receives the attention and support she needs and deserves in the early postpartum weeks, regardless of her race or ethnicity.  

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