By Lucinda Koza originally published on Medium (Authority Magazine)

Childbirth can be a beautiful yet challenging experience that impacts women both emotionally and physically. The journey to recovery is often filled with unique hurdles and personal growth. We are featuring professionals who have helped moms navigate this journey to share their stories and insights on the steps they use to help people heal emotionally and physically after a challenging childbirth. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Lisa Moore, MD, family medicine doctor at Venice Family Clinic and Michelle Marlowe, LCSW, Infant Mental Health Supervisor at Venice Family Clinic.

Dr. Lisa Moore, MD is a family medicine doctor and clinical lead of women’s health at Venice Family Clinic, where she works with people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Fellowship-trained in integrative medicine, she is passionate about offering a holistic approach when working with patients and their families.

Michelle Marlowe, LCSW is the infant mental health supervisor at Venice Family Clinic. She specializes in working with families and their young children who are between the ages of zero to three, providing infant mental health services to strengthen attachment, address the impact of trauma on families, and support the social-emotional development of babies and toddlers. Michelle received her MSW from Smith College and is an alumnus of the Napa Infant-Parent Mental Health Fellowship.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you tell us a bit about you and your backstory?

Michelle: I am a licensed clinical social worker and have been working in the infant mental health field since 2009. Infant mental health involves supporting the well-being of families with young children aged 3 and under. In my role as clinical supervisor of Venice Family Clinic’s Infant Mental Health program, I support the child’s social and emotional health, their attachment relationship with their caregiver and the child’s development.

Dr. Moore: I am a family medicine physician with a specific interest in women’s mental health. I serve as the lead clinician for the Women’s Health program at Venice Family Clinic, a nonprofit community health center that sees more than 45,000 people in need annually, regardless of their income, insurance or immigration status.

Can you share a bit about your professional background and what led you to work in this field?

Michelle: I was first drawn to infant mental health because it has a lens of prevention. The first three years is a unique time in our development as human beings, when there are so many changes happening in a child’s brain. Intervening in early months and years can change the trajectory of young children and their families’ mental and emotional wellness.

Infant mental health is still a growing field and people tend to feel confused by the concept. The idea can seem counterintuitive at first because infants can’t give words to their thoughts and emotions.

Infant mental health involves observing, assessing and supporting the relationship between children and their caregivers to ensure a healthy foundation for the child’s emotional well-being. It focuses on the critical early years of a child’s life when brain development, emotional regulation and secure attachments are taking shape. It also involves the entire family unit, because challenges such as trauma, neglect, developmental delays or difficulties in bonding with caregivers can significantly affect a child’s emotional and social development. By working with families early on, we can help prevent long-term challenges and foster resilience, healthy attachment and emotional growth.

I have worked in a variety of settings and different areas related to caregiving and child development. I came to Venice Family Clinic after the organization received a new grant, which included funding to create a home-based Infant Mental Health program. This program represented the perfect opportunity for me to pursue my passion while helping the underserved communities that the Clinic cares for.

Dr. Moore: I’m a family medicine physician with a special interest in women’s health and integrative medicine. Family medicine allows me to take a holistic, whole-person approach.

As lead clinician for Venice Family Clinic’s women’s health program, I am blessed to get to do what I love — providing women’s and prenatal healthcare while supporting families during a transformative time. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of people’s lives during such a special time as pregnancy, helping them make changes that can improve their health and the health of their families for years to come.

I completed my training in Chicago and then worked as a family medicine physician in Santa Fe, where I also delivered babies. I moved to Los Angeles in 2021 when my husband got a job here. I knew I wanted to work for a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) because helping underserved communities is the type of work I’ve always been drawn to.

Venice Family Clinic was the perfect fit — a nonprofit community health center with a mission that aligned with my passion for providing accessible, high-quality care to those who need it most. From its long-standing commitment to health equity to its innovative approach to community-based care, I knew this was where I could make a meaningful impact.

What are the first steps you recommend to begin the healing process after childbirth, and how can they help women cope with the initial emotional and physical aftermath?

Michelle: I always remind patients that childbirth is unique for everyone — your experience may not align with your expectations, and that’s okay. It’s important to honor your own journey.

We talk a lot with new families about finding support, and that support looks different for each person as well. There’s often a lot of responsibility put on the pregnant person to find their own support — which can be easier for some than others. It’s important to remember that some people have a community ready to provide emotional support, but others may not for a variety of reasons — whether that’s because they’re single parents, experiencing financial or language barriers or simply are not aware that support options exist and are available to them.

That’s why at Venice Family Clinic, we provide and connect new families with a variety of services, including comprehensive prenatal care for expecting people; pediatric care; well-baby and well-child checkups; vaccinations and immunizations; developmental screening; nutrition counseling; perinatal and postpartum mental health support for the person who gave birth; family counseling and therapy; early childhood education and case management, among others.

We also emphasize rest and healing during the postpartum period. The postnatal period — which we often call the “fourth trimester” — is a time of significant transition. During this time after having a newborn, new mothers must recalibrate to find ways that honor their own space and time, while navigating the growing responsibilities in their lives. The same emphasis we place on rest and recovery during pregnancy should be extended to this postpartum period to support the mental and physical health of the person who gave birth.

Dr. Moore: I completely agree that this healing process is deeply personal and something that must be tailored to the individual. Childbirth is a major life event for both babies and mothers, and birth experiences can be traumatic in variety of ways. Even after a birth that goes perfectly — where the baby is totally healthy, and everything is normal — the person who gave birth still needs time to heal.

There’s an incredible number of responsibilities to juggle after childbirth: doctor appointments, supporting family (and perhaps other children), all the responsibilities that existed before birth and, for many, the pressure to return to work. New mothers need support with those daily responsibilities so they can prioritize healing and bonding with their newborn.

At Venice Family Clinic, our standard postpartum practice involves a check-up 2 and 6 weeks after birth. While many clinics only conduct a single check-up at the six-week mark, we add the two-week check-up to address physical recovery, struggles with breastfeeding initiation and other early postpartum challenges including mental health.

I also believe there is incredible power in sharing your birth story. Telling that story can be not just cathartic but also a vital part of the postpartum healing process — an opportunity to reflect on what happened and to process the experience. From my personal experience as a mother, I knew my job in those early days was simple but profoundly important: to sit in bed and kiss my baby’s face as much as possible.

Did you recommend support from healthcare professionals, family, or community groups during your recovery? If so, how did their involvement contribute to your healing journey?

Michelle: Partner support and family support are important buffers that protect against postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress disorders.

In my role as infant mental health supervisor, I like to remind new mothers that there are always people here at Venice Family Clinic to help and make you feel heard. Through our Community Connection initiative, we provide a full spectrum of coordinated services beginning in the prenatal period and continuing through the postpartum journey, including doula services, medical clinicians, lactation consultants and mental health professionals specializing in postpartum care. Our Infant Mental Health team plays a key role in this process, meeting with parents and babies during this transformative time to offer essential care and guidance, ensuring both their physical and emotional needs are addressed.

We work closely with our Early Head Start program to smooth the transition to early education as families grow and progress. Early Head Start provides comprehensive child development services for pregnant people and families with children from birth to age 3, promoting the health, safety and well-being of young children while empowering families to thrive. We also collaborate with the Clinic’s SUMMIT program to deliver integrated care for families facing challenges related to substance use. By coordinating services across these programs, we help ensure families receive holistic, compassionate support that meets them where they are and helps them build a healthier foundation for the future.

Some people prefer online resources and support groups that offer convenient access and better fit within their busy schedules. Venice Family Clinic offers a number of virtual programs for patients including Centering Pregnancy, Newborn Care 101, Prenatal Drop-In Group, Breastfeeding Basics, Nutrition Classes and Kids Exercise. Postpartum Support International’s (PSI) website also provides support groups both in-person and online, and they can get very specific on a variety of topics and experiences.

Dr. Moore: I absolutely recommend that patients seek the support they need from their community, family and medical team — regardless of what that support may look like. One great source of support we are excited to offer our patients is connection with a certified doula to be involved throughout the pregnancy, at the time of birth and to visit during the postpartum period.

When I talk to families during newborn visits, one thing I emphasize is the importance of setting boundaries with family and friends. It’s okay to say no to visitors if you need time to heal — new parents need rest and recovery. And when family or friends do visit, ask them to help — whether it’s by bringing food, washing dishes or lending a hand around the house. It truly does take a village, and that community support can make a world of difference.

This is especially true for new moms, and I encourage them to seek out other moms with young children. These relationships are invaluable — not only for sharing advice and experiences, but also for having someone who can listen and understand what they’re going through.

Are there any specific practices, such as mindfulness, therapy, or physical exercises, that you think play a significant role in emotional and physical recovery?

Michelle: Avoiding isolation is key. For the communities we work with, especially families who have recently immigrated, isolation can be a major challenge. Whether it’s together or a single parent on their own, building connections to community is vital for emotional and physical recovery.

As one example on the importance of avoiding isolation: I recently worked with a mom whose baby spent the first few months in the NICU, and she felt like she missed out on important bonding time together. She wasn’t comfortable going out alone with her baby, so we signed her up for a virtual infant massage class. The experience not only helped her connect with her baby but also provided her with a supportive community of parents who understood what she was going through.

Dr. Moore: For new mothers in the early days — that first month to 40 days postpartum — just focus on rest. Mindfulness and breathing exercises can be a great part of this. It’s important to be present and resist the urge to look at their phone when feeding their baby — whether bottle or breast-fed. It can be really helpful for the mental health of both you and your baby to be fully present during this time.

Ok. Here is the main question of our discussion. Can you please share “5 Things You Need to Heal Emotionally and Physically After a Challenging Childbirth”? If you can, kindly share a story or example for each.

1 . Dr. Moore: Community-building is a vital part of emotional and physical healing after childbirth. New mothers often experience feelings of isolation, especially after difficult birth experiences. Building connections with others creates a sense of belonging and understanding.

Community-building also offers practical support that can lighten the physical and mental load during recovery. Friends, family members or parenting peers can assist with everyday tasks like bringing meals, helping with older children or running errands, giving moms more time to rest, heal and bond with their baby. Programs like Early Head Start, playgroups or infant massage classes, for example, not only support bonding with the baby but also provide a chance to meet other parents and foster meaningful connections.

For mothers who are hesitant to leave the house or feel overwhelmed, virtual resources like parenting classes or support groups offer a safe, accessible way to connect. Sharing experiences, hearing “I’ve been there too,” and learning from others can be transformative during this period. By building a strong sense of community, mothers are reminded that healing is not something they need to face alone, and support is always within reach.

2 . Michelle: Validating your own story is key. You may have a birth that the doctor or your spouse says wasn’t traumatic. But if the birth didn’t meet expectations — if it felt traumatizing — it’s important to find people who can hold that space for you.

I worked with a mom whose epidural didn’t work, leaving her in pain and feeling unheard during labor. Although she and her baby were healthy, she didn’t experience the birth she’d hoped for or the “magic hour” of bonding, leaving her feeling disconnected and numb. When her doctor and family told her to just be happy that she was healthy, it made her feel alone and guilty, as though her emotions weren’t valid.

Acknowledging her grief was key. Even though her birth wasn’t medically “remarkable,” her feelings of loss and lack of control were real. By creating a compassionate narrative, she was able to process her experience and reconnect with her baby. Conversations like these — with a therapist, a supportive community or a trusted medical team — are vital for healing after a challenging birth.

3 . Dr. Moore: Rest and be patient — and listen to your body. It’s important to give yourself permission to rest, to move slowly and to let your body heal at its own pace.

Some days, you may feel ready to be more active, while on others, your body might need more rest. Trust that this is all part of the process. By being patient with yourself and tuning in to your physical and emotional needs, you create space for healing and allow yourself to rebuild strength gradually.

On a personal note, my experience after the birth of my second child was completely different from my first. Just two weeks after giving birth, I was able to go to the farmers market — something that would have been unimaginable after my first birth. I learned to listen to my body, which clearly signaled that I was ready to start being active again.

4 . Dr. Moore: Recognize that your body is not the same as it used to be. It’s important to understand that your body won’t be exactly the same — and that’s not just okay, it’s extraordinary. Your body went through incredible physiological changes to grow, carry and birth your baby, and that deserves recognition and appreciation. You might have goals to regain a certain body shape or level of fitness, and that’s absolutely achievable; but it’s a journey, not a sprint.

Part of that process is learning to love and accept the changes that reflect the strength of what your body has done, while also identifying areas where you might need extra support — like physical therapy to rebuild strength or a nutritionist to help you adjust your diet to feel your best. Be patient with yourself and embrace the process with kindness. Your body tells a powerful story of resilience, and it’s worthy of care and celebration.

5. Michelle: Recognize when you need mental health and medical support. It’s important to recognize when you need more support, whether it’s for postpartum depression (PPD), challenges with your own health or concerns about your baby’s health. PPD is very real, and yet many parents carry feelings of guilt or hesitation about reaching out for help. But here’s the truth: taking care of yourself is one of the most powerful ways to take care of your baby.

Your well-being matters. Whether it’s seeking therapy, talking to your healthcare provider or leaning on your support system, when you prioritize your mental and physical health, you show up for your baby in the way you want to. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s an act of strength and love, both for yourself and for your child.

In what ways do you think society is good at supporting a new mother recovering from a traumatic birthing experience?

Michelle: Society’s support for new mothers is an equity issue. Some people have access to strong community support and resources — whether that’s family, friend or paid help — while others don’t, leaving them to navigate this critical time alone. That lack of support can have a ripple effect, impacting everyone: babies, families and society as a whole. Every person who gives birth deserves the opportunity to rest, recover and bond with their baby without facing overwhelming barriers.

Dr. Moore: I completely agree — it’s a significant equity issue. In California, we’re fortunate to have a bit of a safety net through the state disability program, which provides 6–8 weeks of partially paid maternity leave. That’s more than what’s available in many parts of the country, and it does help. But let’s be honest: it’s still not enough. Far too many mothers fall through the cracks, forced to return to work too soon or make impossible choices because they lack the financial and structural support they need. Addressing this gap isn’t just about fairness; it’s about giving every family a stronger, healthier start.

At Venice Family Clinic, we work to address this equity issue by providing comprehensive, accessible care and support for parents, babies and families in underserved communities. From integrated prenatal and postpartum care and mental health services to early education and support groups, we work to level the playing field and ensure that every new parent and young family — regardless of ability to pay or immigration status — has the support, care and community they need to thrive.

In what ways can society improve at supporting new moms recovering from childbirth?

Michelle: We need more accessible, high-quality medical care for new moms, and affordable childcare must be a key part of that conversation. Childcare is often a barrier for families and addressing it would provide critical support during the postpartum period. We also need to recognize the role of partners who, both emotionally and practically, can help new mothers show up for their families in meaningful ways and create a stronger foundation for recovery.

Dr. Moore: Extending paid maternity leave is also absolutely essential. While some progress has been made, people who give birth need significantly longer paid time off to recover physically, adjust emotionally and bond with their babies without the added stress of returning to work too soon. Paid leave isn’t just a benefit; it’s a necessity for health.

How have you seen the experience of childbirth and recovery contribute to personal growth in new mothers? Can you share a story that illustrates this transformation?

Michelle: I’ve seen remarkable examples of postpartum growth. I worked with a mom who, after her baby spent time in the NICU, decided to go back to nursing school to become a labor and delivery nurse. She had experienced both incredible care and profound challenges in her own birthing experience, and now she wants to give that same level of compassion and support back to others. It’s inspiring to see how adversity can motivate and empower people.

I’ve also seen this with families who come to us after experiencing intergenerational trauma. Many parents grew up in households marked by abuse or neglect, but they are determined to break that cycle and create a different, healthier environment for their own children.

Dr. Moore: Some of the most impactful stories I’ve encountered involve people overcoming substance use disorders. For many, pregnancy becomes the catalyst to quit using drugs and adopt healthier coping strategies. Carrying a baby brings a powerful recognition of a greater purpose — it can be the inspiration they need to make life-changing behavioral shifts. I have seen this transformation carry through into the postpartum period as well, as the parent’s love for their child continues to motivate them to stay on a healthier path.

How can moms navigate the balance between taking care of their newborn and prioritizing their own healing needs during the postpartum period?

Michelle: This balance is deeply individual to each mom, and it’s not something she should have to navigate alone. The entire family and community structure play a critical role during this time. By sharing responsibilities, providing practical help and offering emotional support, families and communities can create space for the person who gave birth to focus on both their newborn and their own recovery.

Dr. Moore: Seeking support from family, friends and community partners is crucial. Even small, mindful actions can make a difference — like practicing a simple breathing exercise while feeding your baby. Prioritizing your well-being doesn’t mean stepping away from your baby; it means caring for yourself with your baby. Taking care of your own healing is not separate from caring for your child — it’s part of it, and it’s just as important.

Wonderful. We are nearly done. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them?

Michelle: For fun: Simone Biles, because she’s amazing.

Dr. Moore: Michelle Obama. She has done a lot for children’s health.

If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

Michelle: The first thing that comes to mind is creating high-quality, universally accessible childcare. This includes paying early childhood educators the salaries they deserve and that reflects the profound impact they have on children’s lives and future outcomes. Investing in our youngest generation sets the stage for healthier families, stronger communities and a brighter future for everyone.

Dr. Moore: I would start a movement focused on creating true equity for families — ensuring parents have the support they need to work, pursue upward mobility and thrive. This means better access to affordable childcare, paid parental leave and resources to raise healthier, more educated children. When families are supported, children flourish, and society as a whole becomes healthier, stronger and more just.