Practitioner Profile | Isobel Benesch, Founder of Atlas of Motherhood

Having experienced the postpartum period in two different countries, the United States and New Zealand, while raising my four boys, I developed a deep passion for supporting and empowering new mothers. I personally witnessed the challenges and struggles that women face when lacking support and guidance during those crucial first six weeks. Conversely, I also experienced the transformative impact of having access to postpartum support. Motivated by my background in cognitive neuroscience and clinical research, I embarked on a mission to gather valuable information on postpartum care practices from across the globe. My goal was to create a comprehensive resource that would offer mothers worldwide the opportunity to benefit from the best mother care practices, regardless of their location or background. This was the driving force behind the creation of the Atlas of Motherhood—a platform dedicated to sharing and making accessible the knowledge and support that every new mother deserves. I wanted to share the best mother care practices from around the world and make them accessible to all mothers, regardless of their location or background.

What I enjoy the most about my work is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of new mothers. Connecting with women, sharing knowledge, and providing support during such a significant life transition is incredibly fulfilling. I love seeing the transformation and growth that mothers experience as they navigate the postpartum period with confidence and grace. It's truly rewarding to know that the Atlas of Motherhood is making a difference in their lives.

One of the most memorable aspects of my job is hearing the stories of mothers who have found comfort, guidance, and empowerment through the Atlas of Motherhood. Knowing that our platform has played a role in helping women feel supported and confident as they embrace motherhood is truly heartwarming. Building a community of mothers who share their experiences, provide encouragement, and uplift one another is an incredible journey that I am grateful to be a part of.

Today’s modern society is not set up to support mothers after birth, with the majority of prenatal education and focus on pregnancy and birth itself. Many mothers are caught off guard and unprepared for the physical, emotional, and mental demands of this phase. More than half of new mothers create a plan for giving birth, only 11% create a plan for their own recovery even though 90% of mothers highly recommend preparing for the days and weeks after birth.

Research has shown that having a postpartum plan can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression, improve breastfeeding outcomes, and even lead to better long-term health for both parents and children.

A study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing found that women who had a postpartum plan in place were more likely to seek out support and resources during the postpartum period, which helped improve their mental health and overall well-being.

By educating yourself about the postpartum period, you can proactively develop a plan that allows for healing, recovery, and bonding. In our present culture, many of us lack a support system and may find it challenging to ask for help, which makes it crucial to dedicate time before giving birth to understanding what you personally need and taking actionable steps to prepare.

Learning about postpartum care and preparing beforehand provides numerous benefits. Firstly, it enables you to identify your specific needs during the postpartum period. By understanding the physical, emotional, and practical support you may require, you can seek appropriate resources. Secondly, it empowers you to build a support network comprising family, friends, or professionals who can provide assistance and guidance during this transformative time.

Education about the postpartum period helps you advocate for yourself. Armed with knowledge, you can communicate your expectations, preferences, and concerns to healthcare providers, partners, and loved ones, ensuring that your needs are met.

Atlas of Motherhood Birth & Beyond (https://www.atlasofmotherhood.co/beyondbirth)

At Atlas of Motherhood, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and guidance to mothers during their journey into motherhood and beyond. That's why we have created the Birth & Beyond Bundle, a curated collection of 52 bite-sized, virtual classes led by experts from around the world.

Each class in the bundle is designed to arm you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the transition into motherhood with confidence and ease. Our team of experts includes midwives, physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists, and more, ensuring that you have access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas of maternal care.

The classes cover a wide range of topics, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the postpartum period. From mindset and movement to recovery and nutrition, we have curated a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses all aspects of motherhood. Our evidence-based practices are proven to provide valuable insights and practical tips that can make a significant difference in your postpartum experience.

By enrolling in the Birth & Beyond Bundle, you gain unlimited access to these virtual classes, allowing you to learn at your own pace and convenience. Whether you are an expectant mother preparing for the journey ahead or a new mother seeking guidance and support, our classes are designed to meet your specific needs and empower you on your motherhood journey.

At Atlas of Motherhood, we believe that knowledge is power, and we are committed to equipping mothers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive during the postpartum period. Our Birth & Beyond Bundle is a valuable resource that will help you navigate the challenges and joys of motherhood, providing you with the support and guidance you deserve.

See our Instagram post here.