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

In this episode, Dr. Kate Kresge explores the science of postpartum recovery with Serena Saeed-Winn, a certified nurse midwife, women's health nurse practitioner, and lactation consultant. Serena makes a compelling case that a single six-week visit can miss the most important window for supporting new parents. (ACOG 2018) She walks through therapeutic breast massage and lymphatic techniques for engorgement, gentle wound and scar care, thyroid and preeclampsia monitoring, mental health screening, and why partners belong in the conversation. If you care for new families, you'll leave with practical ways to make the fourth trimester feel supported, not solitary.

3 Key Takeaways

• Postpartum care is a process, not a visit. ACOG recommends contact with an obstetric care provider within the first three weeks after birth, ongoing care as needed, and a comprehensive visit no later than 12 weeks. (ACOG 2018) Serena builds in multiple touchpoints from the start.
• Hands-on techniques can ease lactation discomfort. Serena discusses therapeutic breast massage and lymphatic drainage that may help relieve engorgement and support milk flow, and how partners can learn to help. (Mitchell 2022)
• Screen early and refer often. Serena considers thyroid labs, iron studies, and vitamin D as clinically indicated, monitors for preeclampsia, and builds a referral network for perinatal mental health. (Alexander 2017) (ACOG 2018) (ACOG 2023)

Guest: Serena Saeed-Winn, CNM, WHNP, IBCLC, 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, and is passionate about a physiologically, psychologically, and socially integrative model of postpartum care.

Clinical FAQ

Which labs does Serena consider after birth?

Thyroid labs (ideally with a first-trimester baseline), iron studies, and vitamin D, guided by symptoms and risk factors. (Alexander 2017)

How does she support perineal and scar healing?

She discusses sitz baths, including calendula infusions, gentle scar mobilization when appropriate, and early referral to pelvic floor physical therapy.

Who belongs on a postpartum care team?

Lactation consultants, pelvic floor physical therapists, mental health professionals, craniosacral therapists, and community resources like Postpartum Support International. (ACOG 2018)

Timestamps

00:00 – Postpartum care gaps

01:00 – Serena's background and focus on postpartum

03:00 – Rethinking postpartum support

07:00 – Therapeutic breast massage and lymphatic health

12:00 – Wound care tips and techniques

20:00 – Mental health and family involvement

30:00 – Screening for thyroid and hormonal changes

43:00 – Resources for providers

55:00 – Building postpartum care teams

Ready to elevate your practice? This episode is sponsored by Fullscript, a comprehensive care delivery platform designed to support whole-person, integrative healthcare. Fullscript helps clinicians bring supplement dispensing, lab ordering, and patient education into one centralized workflow. For more practitioner education on supplements, nutrition, and evidence-informed clinical care, visit Fullscript Academy at academy.fullscript.com.

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and don’t necessarily reflect those of Fullscript or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. For your safety, always check with your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.