About
Giving Birth in Cultures Around the World
Many cultures around the world prescribe a period of rest for postpartum mothers to help them heal properly. In many places the world over, postpartum mothers are given a 30–40-day complete rest while surrounded by their families, nuclear and extended, so they can recover and heal. In many agrarian cultures, certain postpartum rituals, which include traditional foods and healing medicines are emphasized, in addition to support for daily household tasks.
However, in Canada, this support tends to be generally non-existent for most postpartum women. In research conducted with Northeast African immigrants in Edmonton, Alberta for instance (Quintanilha et al., 2016), they lamented the lack of postpartum support in Canada as compared to their countries of origin. Research has shown that a lack of support is directly related to postpartum depression, which impacts the mental and physical health of mothers negatively, while increasing healthcare costs. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in 2018 released important guidelines for optimizing postpartum care, arguing that the weeks after childbirth, up to the 12th week (what has been called the 4th trimester), are critical for both mother and child, and could have long-term negative health and well-being implications if not properly managed.
In recent years, a number of postpartum retreat centres have opened in the United States and Canada to help postpartum mothers navigate this terrain. While this is welcome news, the price tag ($1,000 plus a night) puts this out of the reach of many working-class Canadians. Further, according to Today’s Parent, experts argue that what postpartum mothers really need are not mini vacations but to be in their own home with their family while being supported with household tasks so they can sleep and recover, all the while knowing their newborns are well cared for. Charis Postpartum aims to fill this gap by providing efficient and cost-effective bespoke postpartum services during the critical 4th trimester period (the first 12 weeks after birth) in-home. We are currently working on acquiring a physical facility where we can balance in-home with home-away-from-home care, should that become necessary.
Our Story
As a nurse with firsthand experience in both clinical and maternal care settings, my professional journey has been deeply shaped by my personal experiences with childbirth and postpartum recovery. These moments have not only informed my understanding of women’s health but have also fueled my commitment to improving postpartum care for families across Canada.
I began nursing school shortly after becoming a mother for the first time. After graduating, I relocated to Calgary, where I continued to grow both personally and professionally.
Six years later, following the birth of my second child, I faced significant postpartum complications that left me largely bedridden for several weeks. During this time, my husband, despite having limited time off work, took on the immense responsibility of caring for our newborn, our older child, and me. The physical and emotional toll of this period was overwhelming, and the lack of structured postpartum support made recovery even more difficult.
Although the delivery of my third child was without medical complications, my postpartum experience echoed many of the same challenges. It wasn’t until years later, through reflection and ongoing education in women’s health, that I recognized I had been experiencing symptoms consistent with postpartum depression.
These deeply personal experiences, combined with my clinical training, and the academic literature led me to a critical realization: there is a significant gap in accessible, comprehensive postpartum care in Alberta and throughout Canada. Too many families are left to navigate this vulnerable period without the support they need.
This insight has driven my passion for advocating and working toward a postpartum care model that is accessible, equitable, and responsive to the complex needs of all families regardless of socioeconomic status. I believe every parent deserves compassionate, evidence-based support during one of the most critical transitions of their lives.
FAQ’s
Your Questions Answered
Who will be coming to my home?
Our team consists of experienced and certified healthcare workers with postpartum and postnatal care training. All caregivers are thoroughly vetted, trained, and insured.
How do you ensure the safety of my family?
Our caregivers adhere to strict hygiene and safety protocols. We also conduct police and vulnerable sector checks and provide ongoing training for our staff.