Dr Diane S Speier

24/12/2024

There's a lot to consider when deciding what you want your career to look like after motherhood.

The fact that a mother has all of these worries clouding her mind when she's trying to heal and bond with her baby is just too much. Sadly, most American women are given only six weeks leave to spend with their babies before they are expected to return to work (8 weeks after a cesarean). That's wholly insufficient when you think that it takes that same six weeks just to recover from birth. Women can sometimes take an additional six weeks of "bonding time," but this may depend on which state you live in. None of it is paid. This is the American Policy and sadly, the United States is at the bottom of the list of industrialized countries for paid parental leave.

What is the policy for maternity leave where you live?

19/12/2024

Looking for the perfect gift for a new or expecting mom? Give her the ultimate support system with my book, Life After Birth, and my course, 8 Keys for Thriving in the Fourth Trimester.

These empowering resources are designed to help her navigate early motherhood with confidence and ease. Ready to make her journey even more special? Visit my website to order—link in bio!

17/12/2024

Have you considered the benefits of having a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula can come in and do light housework and errands and tend to older children while the mother is supported and secure in getting to know her baby and their needs.

Another benefit of a postpartum doula is that she will help with breastfeeding and provide guidance with other maternal postpartum needs, in addition to household tasks.

A postpartum doula is a gift and can have long-lasting benefits for the whole family because when the mom is supported, everyone else can flourish too.

Another reason that doulas are so valuable is they are looking after the mother at a time when the attention has shifted to the baby. Mothers start to feel invisible after being lauded throughout the pregnancy. Fathers/partners can use the help too, as they adapt to the new situation, and benefit from learning about baby-care from the doula. Doulas can screen visitors and calls for you, so you don't get overly fatigued.

The benefits go on and on. Have you had the blessing of a postpartum doula? How did they help you?

12/12/2024

Searching for that just-right gift for the new or expecting mom in your life? Look no further than my book, "Life After After Birth" and my course, "8 Keys for Thriving in the Fourth Trimester."

These invaluable tools will provide her with the confidence she needs as she steps into this new, beautiful chapter of life called motherhood. Head to my website to purchase - https://dianespeier.com

10/12/2024

I trust my body and honor what it needs, just as I trust my instincts as a mother.

You know your body and your motherhood journey best.

Remember, taking care of yourself is taking care of them too—prioritize you.

03/12/2024

Did you know that the magic of breast milk goes beyond its nourishing power? 💫

It can surprise you with a spectrum of colors and nutritional variations. Your body's liquid gold adapts to your baby's needs.

28/11/2024

When you join my newsletter, you will gain access to subscriber only content: A free downloadable every month designed to enhance your journey in parenthood.

Also included: blog and podcast highlights, and more!

Head to dianespeier.com to enter your email and subscribe today! Link in bio!

26/11/2024

Why are energy levels so important? Energy has a direct impact on our health.

The body's harmony is a reflection of energy's graceful dance within. When our energies flow and balance, health blooms.

Want to learn more? Head to dianespeier.com

25/11/2024

"Diane's book is a refreshing and wide-ranging look at the all-important, and vastly underrated fourth trimester. I hope it's widely read by parents-to-be well before they encounter the challenges that have been culturally overlooked for so long."- John W. Travis, MD, MPH, co-author, Wellness Workbook

I appreciate all of the support and feedback on my book "Life After Birth: A Parent's Holistic Guide for Thriving in the Fourth Trimester." If you have read it, head over to Amazon to leave a review today! Thank you!

19/11/2024

A baby has a unique way of evoking untapped emotions in us.

It's in their first cry that we discover the power of love, the kind that grows with each passing day. As we watch them grow, from their first steps to their first words, we realize that we're witnessing the miracle of life unfold before our eyes.

16/11/2024

Our understanding of the mechanisms of crying is increasing. I'd like to see more brain research on what areas of the brain are involved with emotional crying.

We’re the only species that sheds emotional tears, but much about them remains an enigma.

12/11/2024

It's okay to feel your feelings.

The postpartum period is a blend of emotions. It's completely normal to experience mixed feelings during this transformative time.

Surround yourself with support as you need, and be open when talking about how you are feeling.

05/11/2024

Don't overlook the importance of movement.

While getting adequate rest is important, once you feel ready, you can offset that with some exercise. Exercise will speed up the healing process and improve your mood. Especially if you've had a cesarean, it is wise to wait for the all-clear from your doctor at six weeks.

What is your favorite way to get your body moving? Let me know in the comments!

Gain more insight on how to feel your best and thrive in parenthood with my book, Life After Birth: A Parent's Holistic Guide for Thriving in the Fourth Trimester.

02/11/2024

Social infertility is a new concept to me, but it explains the worldwide trend in decreased birth rates.

The real reason for the rise in male childlessnessBBCWhen the US vice-presidential candidate JD Vance made a comment about “childless cat ladies”, he evoked an image of educated, urbanite, career-minded women.But the picture of who is childless is changing. Recent research has found that it’s ...

29/10/2024

"I feel really lucky to have discovered this book, ‘Life after Birth,’ during my pregnancy.

Diane’s warmth, compassion and positivity makes the experience of reading this guide that much more pleasurable for new parents."

Sarah, I am deeply honored to know that my book has been a valuable resource to you. My purpose of writing "Life After Birth: A Parent's Holistic Guide for Thriving in the Fourth Trimester" was to help mothers like you truly thrive as you transition into motherhood. I am so glad that you were able to get ahold of this information at such a critical time. Thank you for sharing your story!

24/10/2024

This is important research on the specific issues related to women's health, moving away from a paradigm where men are the default.

In a first, the guidelines link poor pregnancy outcomes to stroke and call on doctors to exercise greater vigilance.

22/10/2024

The importance of the bond of a mother and baby runs deeper than you may realize.

"The mother-baby bond becomes the foundation for the development of coping mechanisms, the establishment of relationships, and for personality development. The time you invest in the early days following birth will bring great dividends down the road when you have a secure child who is able to embrace the world with confidence and curiosity." - Life After Birth: A Parent's Holistic Guide for Thriving in the Fourth Trimester

22/10/2024

I'm sure women all over know the truth of this research. An example of embedded misogyny in health care.

Women also were less likely than men to be prescribed the necessary pain-relief medications, researchers found.