“Wild, Leaky, Fleeting” - Neala’s Raw Truth About Early Motherhood

The day after coming home from the hospital, Neala’s husband was back at boxing. His body unchanged. His routine restored. Meanwhile she woke up not to a crying baby — but drenched in her own breast milk, struggling just to get herself out of bed. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The postpartum reality Neal names — "wild, leaky, fleeting" — is far more common than we admit.

When “Prepared” Wasn’t Enough
Neala read the books, planned for sleepless nights and tried to expect what would come. But the physical reality of healing and the emotional contrast of her partner’s quick return to routine felt isolating.

“His body was exactly the same… and I was struggling to get out of bed.”

That sharp mismatch is part of what makes early motherhood feel so raw.

Letting Help Actually Help
When her mother‑in‑law offered to cook, Neala was grateful but worried: would accepting help mean more decisions, more explaining? The practical difference came from removing the thinking. Labelled meals, simple instructions and clear sequencing meant someone else could show up and actually help — without turning care into another chore.

“The meals were labelled, the instructions were super straightforward, it honestly couldn’t have been easier to follow.”

From Habit to Intention
Neala grew up with herbal soups. Comforting family rituals that had always felt a little mysterious. When care came with clear explanation and purpose, those familiar tastes shifted into intentional nourishment.

“For the first time, I understood why each component was included and how it supported recovery, both individually and as a whole.”

Small Anchors, Big Difference
In a time when days blur, warm soups and a labelled routine became tiny anchors: structure that felt like a permission slip to rest.

“What I noticed most was how grounding it felt.”

The Truth About Time

“It’s going to feel like an intense rain of fire… but it passes.” 

Neala’s hindsight is a reminder that intensity eases, and that support makes the journey gentler.

Full Interview: Neala in her own words.

1.     Can you tell us a little about yourself - what season of motherhood are you in and how has motherhood been like for you so far?

I have one son who is three years old age now. I've been working full time since he was 2 months old, but mainly from home and with lots of help from family!

2.     How did your postpartum experience compare to what you expected? Did anything surprise you?

Honestly… it was a lot more intense (and messier) than I expected. I thought I was prepared for breastfeeding challenges, but the constant breast issues really surprised me. I remember waking up not to a crying baby, but because I was absolutely drenched… in my own breast milk!! I also didn’t expect the emotional rollercoaster. I had this random resentment towards my husband. His body was exactly the same, and he was back at boxing classes the day after we got home from the hospital. Meanwhile, I was struggling to just get myself out of the bed.

3.     What made you decide to try The Herborium’s 28 Day Postpartum Package, and which package did you choose?

I went with the Restorative Ritual Package, and I also added the glow dessert (which felt like a small but very necessary treat). The main reason I chose it was actually because my mum-in-law really wanted to help by cooking for me, which I appreciated so much, but I also wanted to make it as easy and stress-free for her as possible. I didn’t want her guessing what to make or feeling like she had to take it all on herself. What I loved about the Herborium package was how beautifully and clearly everything was put together. The meals were labelled, the instructions were super straightforward, it honestly couldn’t have been easier to follow. It ended up being the perfect way to let someone help you, without it becoming another thing to manage or think about.

4.     Chinese herbs can be so foreign to many but we know that there are so many benefits behind this ancient wisdom. Have you used Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese herbs before using The Herborium postpartum package? Did your perspective on Chinese herbs or postpartum care change after this experience?

I actually grew up around TCM, drinking different herbal soups and remedies my mum and grandma would give me, but I never really knew what on earth I was consuming or why. What I really loved about The Herborium was how they made it all feel so accessible. For the first time, I understood why each component was included and how it supported recovery, both individually and as a whole. It shifted my perspective from just “this is something we’ve always done” to actually appreciating the intention and benefits behind it. It made the whole experience feel much more meaningful (and a lot less mysterious!).

5.     We truly believe in the importance of rest, warmth, nourishment and mothering the mother as the pillars of postpartum care. Did you follow any traditional postpartum confinement or recovery practices and why do you think these were important when our bodies are vulnerable and has been through so many fluctuations?

I’m not sure if this counts as traditional, but I actually moved into my in-laws’ home for the first month. It was my first baby and, honestly, I had no idea what I was doing. I really wanted that extra support around me, and to take away some of the fear of “what if something happens and we don’t know what to do.” Just having experienced people nearby made a huge difference. Looking back, it really reinforced how important that period of rest and being cared for is. Your body is recovering, your hormones are all over the place, and you’re learning how to care for a newborn at the same time. Having that environment where you’re supported — and not expected to do everything yourself — was incredibly helpful.

6.     The postpartum chaos is real. How did you incorporate the package into your routine? What did you notice most while using the package?

My mum-in-law would prepare everything for me in the morning, and it would just be there ready throughout the day. That alone made it so easy to stay on track without having to think about it. What I noticed most was how grounding it felt. In a time where everything feels unpredictable, it gave a bit of structure to my day - something warm, nourishing, and just for me. It was a small moment of care that I could come back to, which felt really supportive during that phase.

7.     Looking back, what would you tell yourself just before entering postpartum?

I’d probably tell myself: it’s going to feel like an intense rain of fire… but it passes so quickly. In the moment, everything feels all-consuming - the exhaustion, the emotions, the physical recovery, but somehow, it all moves faster than you expect. So try to ride the wave, accept the chaos, and trust that you’ll come out the other side.

8.     If you had to describe your postpartum experience in 3 words, what would they be?

Wild. Leaky. Fleeting.

 

Postpartum asks so much of women.
These stories are a reminder that recovery deserves care too.
Thank you to the mothers who shared a small piece of their experience with us, and with the women who may need these words most.

Learn more about our 28 Day Postpartum Packages here.
Limited weekly availability - many mothers choose to prepare early and to take advantage of our early bird discount.