97: What No One Told Me About Postpartum—and Why I Became a Postpartum Doula- with Sam Byington

In this tender, deeply affirming episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, I sit down with Sam Byington—former private chef turned postpartum doula and certified lactation counselor—for a conversation every parent deserves to hear.We go beyond diaper tips and freezer meals to talk about the real postpartum: the identity shifts, the relationship changes, the raw beauty, and the quiet grief no one warns you about. Sam shares her personal story of miscarriage, birth, and the messy, magical transformation into parenthood—and how it ultimately led her to become the support she once needed.Whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or holding space for someone who is, this episode is a balm.We explore:How miscarriage shaped her postpartum callingThe emotional and physical truths no one told her about postpartum recoveryBreastfeeding struggles and the myths that set new parents up to feel like they're failingHow babywearing and bed-sharing became tools of survival and connectionWhat sleep deprivation really feels likeIntimacy, identity shifts, and learning to speak your needsThe power of slow, grounded postpartum care—and how Sam now provides it to othersQuotes to Remember: 💬 “The birth of my baby was also the death of a version of myself.” 💬 “Postpartum is not a problem to be solved. It’s a season to be supported.” 💬 “I’m not here to fix. I’m here to witness, nourish, and be with.”Connect with Sam: 🌐 postpartumnurture.com 📸 @postpartumnurturecoachMentioned Resources:La Leche League & The Safe Sleep SevenPostpartum Support InternationalBabywearing and biological normsIBCLC lactation guidance✨ Know this: the postpartum experience is not a checklist—it's a rite of passage. This episode is here to honor it fully.Get 20% off your first monthly subscription with NEEDED Vitamins 🎁 Use discount code: CLEARLIGHTBIRTH***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you 70 printable affirmation cards as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.