Postpartum Q&A with Carson Meyer

Carson Meyer is a birth Doula and nutrition consultant. I was in her Growing Together Circle when I was pregnant and it was the best thing I did for myself and my birth. She is a wealth of knowledge and a gem of a human. I am very excited to have her on the blog this month answering some questions on motherhood, postpartum, and more. Read on!

Can you tell me a little bit about what you do and why you’re passionate about it?

I am a birth doula, certified nutrition consultant and founder of a clean skincare company C & The Moon. I am passionate about helping women feel healthy and well supported so they can best show up for their babies. I believe that a healthy world is only possible when mothers and mother earth are well cared for. 

In your perfect vision, what would a new mother’s first week look like? First month? First year?

Slow, well supported by family and friends, well nourished with healthy foods, work leave would be encouraged and covered for both parents, strong community

You know so much about nutrition as a nutrition consultant (shout out Oh Baby!). What have been some of your favorite go-to snacks and meals that are nourishing for those postpartum?

Ooo! I am pretty obsessed with salmon roe. I put it over rice (cooked in bone broth) with seaweed, avocado and kraut. Great source of omegas and iodine and so easy. All you have to make is the rice which can be a fridge staple. 

Overnight oats soaked with ACV to remove phytic acid. Mixed with chia seeds, coconut milk, cherries and collagen. This was really helpful for my digestion early days and boosted my milk supply big time. 

Bacon wrapped dates for my postpartum sweet and savory tooth! 

Avocado toast with gluten free seed bread topped with egg and sauerkraut 

I see more and more expecting mothers seeking birth doulas. Do you see a similar shift with your clients around seeking the support of postpartum doulas? 

Unfortunately no. I do notice more people turning to birth doula support which excites me. However, not as many people are seeking postpartum support in the same way.  

What has been the most surprising aspect of motherhood for you?

Hmm.. I think the most surprising part is how it feels like it's always been this way. It is really interesting how quickly you forget a time before motherhood! Johnathan and I always ask each other "How did we spend our days and all of this time we had before parenthood?" Even though there is a lot of learning, growing and new adventures everyday, you really are thrown in 100% which forces you into the present moment.  

What has been the most rewarding part of motherhood so far?

My daughter's laughter 

Is there one thing you wish someone told you before becoming a mother?

Thanks to my work as a doula I felt very prepared in all the ways one can be and had the unique experience of getting to be around so many new mothers and to support them through the raw and real moments that aren't always talked about. I didn't anticipate how important support is beyond the first 40 days! My daughter is 7 months old and in many ways we are needing support now more than ever as we return to work and she is crawling around. Being encouraged by other moms to get the support you need and not try to do it all always feels really validating. 

Is there a piece of advice you have for someone about to enter their postpartum season?

Yes! You never get that time back. It can be a challenging time but also a profoundly sacred one. Take everything off your plate and be present for all of it. Also, prepare you relationship for a massive shift! No matter how much love is in the home a new baby will shake things up and create new hurdles in your relationship. Be committed to nurturing that bond because everything is easier when you are in harmony. 

Thank you so much for joining us, Carson!

Photo from Carson Meyer