Postpartum Midwifery Care: Fourth Trimester & Beyond with Serena Saeed-Winn, CNM, WHNP, IBCLC

In this episode, we explore the science of postpartum recovery with Serena Saeed-Winn, CNM, WHNP, IBCLC. Serena explains why the standard six-week visit may miss key opportunities to support tissue healing, hormonal recalibration, lymphatic flow, and maternal mental health. Drawing from more than a decade of clinical experience, she discusses how multi-touchpoint care can enhance recovery and help families feel supported. Clinical Takeaways from This Episode Redefining Postpartum Care: Why the six-week visit may miss key needs—and how earlier touchpoints can support maternal well-being and mental health. Therapeutic Breast & Lymphatic Techniques: Step-by-step discussion of breast massage, lymphatic drainage, and partner involvement that may help relieve engorgement and support healthy milk flow. Supporting Wound & Scar Healing: Practical ways to guide sitz baths, gentle scar mobilization, and pelvic floor comfort strategies. Postpartum Neuroendocrine & Mental Health Screening: Considerations for thyroid labs, preeclampsia monitoring, and timely mental health referrals. Family Systems & Partner Engagement: How partner education and involvement can help reduce isolation and support the family unit. Postpartum Nutrition & Labs: Labs to consider (thyroid, iron studies, vitamin D) and food-first nutrition, hydration, and select supplement strategies for whole-body recovery. Building Your Care Team: Best practices for collaborating with lactation consultants, pelvic floor PTs, mental health professionals, and other postpartum resources. Guest Introduction: Serena Saeed-Winn is a certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner with more than a decade of experience in birth and postpartum care. She is the founder of the KAZ Project, a home-based postpartum service focused on personalized, holistic family support. Serena is passionate about creating a physiologically, psychologically, and socially integrative model for postpartum care. Learn more at KAZ Project. Serena Saeed-Winn's Postpartum Resources Postpartum Health Books & Authors Hormone Intelligence by Dr. Aviva Romm The Natural Pregnancy Book & Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health by Dr. Aviva Romm Women’s Power to Heal Through Inner Medicine by Maya Tiwari Postpartum Websites & Tools Breast Gymnastics – Maya Bolman, IBCLC Postpartum Support International Postpartum Labs & Considerations Thyroid labs: consider screening first trimester and postpartum as clinically indicated. Iron studies: evaluate prenatally or postpartum if symptomatic or at risk. Vitamin D testing: consider assessing levels to guide individualized support. Postpartum Nutrition & Supplements Herbal infusions (e.g., calendula sitz baths) Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) B-vitamins (B12, Folate) Vitamin D and iron as needed Electrolytes and hydration support Breastfeeding Comfort Tools & Supplies Silverette Nursing Cups Haakaa Ladybug Milk Collector