Post-PAR-tum adj./n./v.

1. The newly actualized, yet permanent expression of the mind, body, and spirit realized after natural evacuation of the uterus (miscarriage), medical/ or self-compelled evacuation of the uterus (abortion), evacuation of the uterus by birth, and/or during embodied parenthood characterized by, but not limited to, one or more of the following:
   
   1. Specific hormonal shifts in the brain and body
      
   2. Lactation
      
   3. Vaginal bleeding
      
   4. Perennial soreness
      
   5. Hemorrhoids
      
   6. Uterine cramps
      
   7. Stretch marks
      
   8. Exhaustion
      
   9. Tears of joy/ sadness/ anger/ frustration/ existentialism/ love/ and/or no reason what-so-ever
      

The final piece of my personal parenting journey, Part 3: My Postpartum Story, talks about how I define “Postpartum,” the wholistic care I received in early postpartum from my Doula, Anna, and my Midwife, Tema, and addresses the need for a better culture surrounding postpartum care in the US. At the end, Anna and Joseph help me answer some of your postpartum-related questions in the “Spill the Beans” segment. Listen in love. Hear with your heart. And enjoy part 3 of my personal parenting journey, My Postpartum Story!