Mothering the mother after birth is vital to her continued strength and future health, from the physical to the emotional and spiritual. The postpartum period is considered the "fourth trimester" by conscious and discerning health care practitioners. It is a period of reintegration and recuperation.
"Preparation for the fourth trimester should begin prenatally. There is nothing more important than connecting pregnant women with one another, or better still, with those who have recently given birth."
— Elizabeth Davis, Hearts and Hands
During pregnancy, labor and birth, and afterwards with breastfeeding, a woman is giving continuously of her life force. It is vital that she is replenished afterwards to ensure her complete recovery.
Keeping the Mother Warm
Many cultures around the world stress the importance of keeping the mother warm - literally and metaphorically not leaving her out in the cold! Women are incredibly opened by birth and susceptible to chill and energy loss.
During the moon that follows birth, a woman is given only warming foods with warming spices, healing teas and tonics. Cold foods, hair washing and being in cold weather are discouraged due to the heat lost through childbirth.
Pelvic Steam Baths
Steam baths relax spasms, bring warmth and increase circulation, nourish the internal membranes, cleanse and promote healing. Herbs used include:
- Calendula - antimicrobial with wound and skin healing properties
- Lavender - antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, relaxing nervine
- Red Roses - astringent, relaxing, uplifting for emotional stress
- Rosemary - antibacterial, stimulating, aids circulation
- Basil - antispasmodic, sedative, nervine
- Lemon Balm - antispasmodic, antiseptic, nervine
Nutritive Herbs
These are tonic herbs akin to foods, often containing vitamins and minerals in abundance.
Milky Oats (Avena Sativa)
Contains Vitamin B complex which sustains our energy and soothes our nervous system. Excellent tonic for the overworked or overstressed.
Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa)
Cooling, sweet, astringent herb rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium as well as vitamins A, D, E and K plus chlorophyll and carotene.
Nettles (Urtica Dioica)
One of the finest nourishing tonics. Contains vitamins A, C, D and K, and minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, silica and iron. Nourishing tonic for weakness, debility and anemia.
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus Idaeus)
Strengthens and tones and relaxes uterus and entire pelvic area. Contains vitamins A, C, E, B complex and easily assimilated calcium and iron.
Nervines
- Catnip - Gentle, relaxing, antispasmodic, great for after pains and colic
- Chamomile - Relaxing, anti-inflammatory, good for nervous tummies
- Passionflower - Relaxing sedative, aids insomnia
- Lavender - Gentle, soothing, aids let-down reflex
- Lemon Balm - Calming, aids digestion, antiviral
- Skullcap - For being on edge, excited, overstimulated
- Vervain - For irritability, anger, great combined with milky oats
Galactagogues (Milk Increasing Herbs)
- Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) - Helps with hormonal balance and milk supply
- Blessed Thistle - Stimulates blood supply to mammary glands
- Fennel Seeds - Great taste, improves milk and digestion
- Fenugreek Seeds - Strong maple-like taste, increases milk fast
Iron Tea Recipe
- Dandelion Root
- Yellow Dock Root
- Nettles
- Rose Hips
Yellow Dock root helps the body retain iron, rose hips contain Vitamin C which increases iron absorption.
After Birth Tea
- Oranges, lemons
- Ginger, Cardamom, Cinnamon sticks
- Lemongrass, Star Anise
- Raspberry, Borage
- Honey
Grate ginger, add cinnamon sticks and star anise to a large pot of water, bring to boil and simmer for 25 mins. Add oranges and lemons for ten minutes. Add rest of the ingredients and let steep. Strain and add honey.