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# You can't rush the process
- URL: https://emilymorter.com/you-cant-rush-the-process/
- Published: 2022-08-26T09:36:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-14T07:25:31.000Z
- Description: five universal postpartum needs, post-viral fatigue, changing expectations
- Author: Emily Morter
- Tags: Writing

I'm seeing a lot of people with illness and post-viral fatigue this month. And I'm caring for several women in their early postpartum months. Which means I'm stepping up my self care and infection prevention strategies. And I'm noticing some similarities.  
  
Both illness and postpartum times transform you. They are rites of passage; supporting/forcing you to change your expectations, to go slower, to feel more deeply and vulnerably. You can't rush the process. And often it takes longer and looks different to how you thought it would.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/ec/5dece2dd-1b31-4e64-87f1-1d453618bd9f/content/images/2026/08/e9e048aa-4780-4e37-a598-f3de6882ba02_4608x3456-jpeg.jpg)

Co-napping, Aug 2022

These *five universal postpartum needs* remind us what we all need, especially when recovering from illness:

- **Rest -** our culture doesn't make space for this, so you have to claim it and re-train yourself. Stop activities before they are complete to conserve energy, take breaks between each activity, prioritise rest in your day/week and pace yourself.
- **Nourishing food -** whole foods, fruit and vegetables, high quality animal protein and fats (the building blocks for all our cells), supplements and medications as prescribed by your care providers.
- **Nature -** therapeutic sunlight, gardening, bush walking, forest bathing, tree hugging, ocean swimming, any other ways you mindfully connect and restore yourself with nature.
- **Touch -** we are mammals who co-regulate our systems through touch, breath, heartbeat, eye contact, body heat. And there is magic and healing in the touch of loving hands. So use touch to intentionally support your recovery.
- **Loving acceptance -** we all crave closeness and warmth from others. To be of value, significant, special. We seek approval and acceptance, with the freedom to be just the way we are. Who can hold you until you are able to hold yourself? Spend time with these people!

I'm loving the signs of Spring at the moment. Noticing small sprouts and blooms, warmer sunshine, brighter mornings and longer evenings. Paying attention to small moments and seasonal shifts brings me much joy.  
  
This drawing by Madeline Donaghue is called *Spring* and captures so much feeling. You can see more of her work [here](https://www.missmoss.co.za/2022/08/madeline-donaghue/?ref=emilymorter.com).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/ec/5dece2dd-1b31-4e64-87f1-1d453618bd9f/content/images/2026/08/42324f50-71a1-45ef-830a-df119eba7c08_1050x1355-jpeg.jpg)

Portraits of Motherhood by Madeline Donaghue, 2022

With love,  
  
Emily