Consent & Liability Waiver

40-Day Postpartum Recovery Observational Pilot Study (2026 Cohort)
Principal Researcher: Zoe Weston, Medical Anthropologist, CNA, CPT, Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator
Births occurring before May 1st, 2026

1. Study Title
A 40-Day Observational Pilot Study on Postpartum Recovery Practices in the United States

2. Purpose
This independent pilot study collects real-world data on postpartum recovery when participants follow a structured, non-pharmacological 40-day protocol. Results may inform future research and advocacy to improve postpartum care for American women.

3. Procedures
If you enroll, you will:

• Receive the complete copyrighted 40-Day Postpartum Recovery Program free of charge
• Complete brief daily electronic journal entries (~5 min/day) for 40 consecutive days postpartum
• Complete three short online surveys (5–10 min each)
• Attend one 20-minute tele-health/video check-in
• Follow the entire healing protocol, – to the best of your ability
• Allow your de-identified(anonymous) data and anonymous quotes from journals to be used in future publications/presentations

4. Voluntary Participation
Participation is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw at any time without penalty. Data already collected may still be used in de-identified form unless you request deletion.

5. Risks
Minimal physical risk (no drugs or invasive procedures). Possible emotional discomfort from journaling; time commitment; small out-of-pocket expense for household food items.

6. Benefits
Free access to the full program; entry into a drawing for one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards; contribution to women’s health
knowledge.

7. Confidentiality
All data will be de-identified and stored securely. No identifying information will be published.

8. Questions
Contact Zoe Weston any time: zoe@zoeweston.com

(Mother and Infant)
I fully understand and voluntarily agree:

1. I am the birthing parent and legal guardian of the infant expected January–March 2026.
2. This is an independent private study and program. Zoe Weston is not my or my  infant’s physician, midwife, pediatrician, or licensed healthcare provider. No medical treatment or professional medical advice is provided.
3. The program consists only of educational information, dietary/lifestyle suggestions, and common household items. No drugs, required supplements, devices, or invasive procedures are included.
4. I will continue standard medical care with my licensed providers and will consult them before implementing any program suggestions.
5. I assume full responsibility for all health decisions for myself and my infant.

In consideration of receiving the program materials at no cost and participating in the study, I hereby forever release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Zoe Weston LLC (and any assistants, contractors, heirs, or assigns) from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, injury, illness, damage, or harm – physical, emotional, financial, or otherwise – to me or my infant arising from participation in this study or use of the program, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. This release is binding on me, my infant, my
heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.