First 40 Days for Postpartum Health

First Forty Days: Self-care packages to promote postpartum health

Hello, my name is Rachel Lalonde, I’m a Vancouver mom of two young boys, and I struggle with postpartum depression and anxiety - it took me a year-and-a-half to break my silence - following the recent birth of my second son.

Postpartum depression has been in the news recently, and with heavy hearts we learned in November that missing New Westminster mom Florence Leung had been found, leaving behind her husband and infant son. To honour her memory, and all families affected by tragedy related to PPD, I am launching a project to support postpartum women in my community.

I am raising funds to create self-care packages for new mothers. Many new mothers have difficulty prioritizing self-care, especially those struggling with a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder. Research has shown that self-care is instrumental in minimizing and healing PPD.

My mission is to:
- Raise awareness about postpartum depression and anxiety
- Connect women and families with resources
- Foster a community and culture that focuses on "mothering" a new mother rather than expecting her to "bounce back" and "do it all" after childbirth
- Encourage mothers to practice self-care and promote wellness of body, mind and spirit after welcoming a new baby
- Help new mothers to feel less isolated

Packages will include:
- Self-care tips and reminders
- Resources on PPD/A
- Uplifting notes handwritten by moms
- Personal care items
- Beauty and skincare products
- Healthy food and snacks

"First Forty Days" refers to respecting the postpartum recovery period that has biblical roots and is well acknowledged in most cultures around the world, except in North America. I hope that these packages will serve as a gesture of solidarity to new mothers and let her know that she is not alone in her journey through motherhood. Every new mother needs to slow down and be gentle with herself, despite what our culture tells us. The overwhelming nature of new motherhood combined with societal pressures and myths can often leave a woman feeling deeply inadequate. These packages will offer hope and support during a vulnerable time, amidst the joys and struggles of welcoming a new baby.

My fundraising goal will:
- Fund a minimum of 150 self-care packages
- Support the design and launch of a website with resources for postpartum women
- Help get this project off the ground

This project is a way for me to serve others through my struggle, connect mothers and give back to my community and those who have supported our family. Thank you so much for your generosity!