The First 40 days is a period of time unlike any other. It is a short season of life that follows the delivery of your child, in which you recover from birth and baby unfurls slowly into the world of bright lights and sounds, together you devote yourselves to forging your relationship outside the womb.
Chinese Medicine says that making adjustments in your lifestyle in different "seasons of life" is part of following the Tao, or "harmonious ways of being," and doing this will help you live a longer more vital life. Ayurveda, the ancient "Science of Life" of India, teaches the principle "forty-two days for forty-two years," which claims that the way a mother is nourished for the first 6 weeks after birth can determine how successfully she gives her light to the world for her next four decades.
The Five Insights: Reclaiming the Wisdom
Retreat - A period of deep rest. It is advised that mama stays inside for as long as possible after brith and cautions against rushing out into the world too soon. No technology, no visitors, just selected support and nourishment. Mama is being fed and tended to, while she is feeding and tending to baby with the support of a doula and/ or a partner.
Warmth- At the foundation of many mother-care protocols is the practice of preserving and building warmth in the body. A woman's blood volume almost doubles during pregnancy to support her growing baby; after birth the loss of this excess of warm, circulating blood, combined with her open state, means that heat must be recaptured and circulation boosted to optimize healing. Eat warm, soft digestible foods to support digestion. Wear warm socks and blankets. Take warm baths or sitz bath.
Support- Having some kind of support system is essential after giving birth so you can fully surrender to recovering. It's important to have a plan in place before giving birth. What you need- warming food, naps and rest, cocooning without errands.
Rest- Many of the olds ways prescribe staying in bed and limiting activities beyond baby care in order to rebuild chi and conserve Jing (energy and life essence.) You can use herbal medicine and calming treatments to support rest.
Ritual- Honoring the Mother and Baby- usually done after the first 40 days. Ritual and acknowledgment of the mother has always helped to hold the social order in place and let mom know where she is in the larger story of her life. It can be as simple as a foot rub given by a friend or as memorable as a mothers ceremony before and after your baby comes. You get to decide what feels right for you depending on your energetic availability.
Rest and receiving support:
First things first, rest and receive support. Speak up and ask for what you need.
The new mama just went through a huge initiation into MOTHERHOOD, and NEEDS support and extra rest. There is no need to hurry up and get your "body" back. Your BODY just created LIFE within it. It does not need to bounce back. This is an opportunity to honor your body for all that it is capable of, and all that it just went through. Honor and nurture your body at this time, just as you will your new-born.
Photo by: Isabel Mariposa Galactica
During the postpartum period, which begins after childbirth and lasts for several months (and a lifetime) the body undergoes significant hormonal changes as it returns to its non-pregnant state. Some of the key hormonal changes that occur during this time include:
Decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone: During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels are significantly elevated to support the pregnancy. After childbirth, these hormone levels drop rapidly, which triggers various physiological changes in the body.
Prolactin and oxytocin release: Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, is released by the pituitary gland to support breastfeeding. Oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone," is also released during breastfeeding and plays a role in promoting milk ejection and bonding between the mother and baby.
Thyroid hormone changes: Thyroid hormone levels may fluctuate during the postpartum period, potentially leading to temporary thyroid dysfunction in some women. This can manifest as symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, and weight fluctuations.
Cortisol and other stress hormones: The body's response to the physical and emotional stress of childbirth can lead to changes in cortisol and other stress hormone levels. This can impact energy levels, mood, and the body's ability to cope with stress.
Below you will find lists of Ayurvedic foods and spices, herbal medicines, exercises and more supportive tools on your journey through postpartum:
Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding can support postpartum recovery, benefiting both the mother and the baby.
Uterine contractions: Breastfeeding triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions. These contractions help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly, reducing postpartum bleeding and promoting faster physical recovery.
Hormonal balance: Breastfeeding can help regulate hormone levels, particularly prolactin and oxytocin, which are involved in milk production and the bonding between the mother and the baby. This hormonal regulation can contribute to emotional well-being and may reduce the risk of postpartum depression for some women.
Weight management: For many women, breastfeeding can support postpartum weight loss. Producing breast milk requires extra calories, and breastfeeding mothers often experience a gradual reduction in the weight gained during pregnancy.
Bonding and relaxation: The act of breastfeeding can promote bonding between the mother and the baby, leading to feelings of closeness and relaxation. This emotional connection can be beneficial for the mother's overall well-being during the postpartum period.
Health benefits for the baby: Breast milk provides optimal nutrition and immune support for the baby, reducing the risk of infection and providing numerous health benefits. Knowing that they are providing the best possible nutrition for their baby can be emotionally rewarding for many mothers.
Contraceptive effects: Exclusive breastfeeding can provide a degree of contraceptive protection in the first six months postpartum, known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). This can help to space births and support the mother's overall health and well-being.
Food as Medicine:
WARM foods ONLY for Mama during the first 40 days. This will support the circulation of blood necessary for optimal healing.
Long Simmered Bone Broth and Fish Stock- help amplify and enrich breast milk and balance hormones so that mood stays elevated.
Ghee: Ghee, or clarified butter, is considered highly nourishing in Ayurveda and is often used to support postpartum recovery. It can be added to foods or consumed on its own to support the body's healing process.
Turmeric: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It can be added to soups, stews, or warm milk to support postpartum recovery.
Cumin: Cumin is believed to aid digestion and help with the body's natural detoxification processes. It can be used in cooking or steeped into a tea.
Fennel: Fennel seeds are often used in Ayurveda to support digestion and relieve gas and bloating, which can be common postpartum concerns.
Fenugreek: Fenugreek seeds are known to support lactation, making them beneficial for nursing mothers. They can be consumed as a tea or added to foods.
Dates: Dates are considered a nourishing food in Ayurveda and are often recommended for postpartum recovery due to their high nutritional content.
Warm, cooked foods: In general, Ayurveda recommends consuming warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest, such as soups, stews, and cooked vegetables. This can help support the body's healing process and aid digestion.
Plenty of fluids: Staying well-hydrated is important for postpartum recovery, so consuming warm water, herbal teas, and nourishing soups can be beneficial.
Movement and strength training: *Begin after the first 40 days.
Working out with your baby can support bonding for both you and baby, while supporting in regaining your strength and speeding up the recovery process.
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): Kegel exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor. These exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which may have weakened during pregnancy and childbirth. Strong pelvic floor muscles can aid in bladder control and support the pelvic organs.
Core stabilization exercises: Gentle core exercises, such as pelvic tilts, abdominal bracing, and modified planks, can help strengthen the abdominal muscles and support core stability. It's important to avoid high-impact or intense abdominal exercises in the early postpartum period, especially if there has been diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles).
Glute strengthening exercises: Exercises that target the gluteal muscles, such as bridges, clamshells, and side-lying leg lifts, can help improve hip stability and support lower body strength. Strong glute muscles can also aid in postural support and overall functional movement.
Upper body exercises: Gentle upper body exercises, such as modified push-ups, seated rows, and shoulder retractions, can help maintain upper body strength and support activities of daily living, especially when caring for a newborn.
Walking: Walking is a low-impact yet effective way to promote overall strength and cardiovascular health. New moms can start with short, gentle walks and gradually increase the duration and intensity as their bodies recover.
Sitz Bath:
A sitz bath is a shallow, warm water bath that is used to soothe and cleanse the perineal area, which is the area between the vagina and the anus.
Pain relief: The warm water, herbs, epsom salt and sea salt in a sitz bath can help to relieve pain and discomfort in the perineal area, especially if there are tears, bruising, or swelling from childbirth.
Promotion of healing: Sitz baths can help to promote healing of the perineal tissues by increasing blood flow to the area and keeping it clean, which may aid in reducing the risk of infection.
Relaxation: Taking time for yourself, receiving warmth and stillness can be supportive.
Hemorrhoid relief: Sitz baths can provide relief for hemorrhoids, which are a common during the postpartum period.
Cleansing: Sitz baths can aid in preventing infections and support cleansing physcially and energetically.
Herbal Medicine:
You can make your own sitz baths, teas, oil infusion, salves with any combination of these herbs to support you.
Ginger root:
Digestive Support: Ginger can help alleviate digestive discomfort, such as bloating and gas, which may be common postpartum.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Its anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce postpartum inflammation and promote healing.
Nausea Relief: Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties, which can be beneficial for postpartum women experiencing nausea or morning sickness.
Immune Support: Boosts the immune system.
Energy Boost: Ginger may offer a natural energy boost.
Lactation Support: Can support / stimulate lactation. (take as a tea or tincture.)
Barberry: particularly the root and bark of the plant
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Barberry contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in postpartum recovery.
Antimicrobial Properties: Barberry has been traditionally used for its antimicrobial effects.
Digestive Support: Some traditional uses of barberry suggest it may support digestive health, which can be relevant during the postpartum recovery phase.
Immune Support: Barberry has been suggested to have immune-supporting properties, which might be beneficial for overall wellness during the postpartum period.
Motherwort:
Calming Effects: Supports emotional well-being during the postpartum period.
Uterine Tonic: Used as a uterine tonic, supporting uterine health during postpartum recovery.
Hormonal Balance: Supports hormonal balance.
Cardiovascular Support: Traditionally, motherwort has been used for cardiovascular support, which may be beneficial for postpartum women, particularly if they experienced stress on the cardiovascular system during pregnancy or delivery.
Milk thistle:
Liver Support: Milk thistle is commonly used to support liver function, which may be beneficial postpartum as the liver works to process hormonal changes and metabolic waste.
Antioxidant Properties: The active compound in milk thistle, silymarin, exhibits antioxidant properties that may help protect the body's cells from oxidative stress, supporting overall health during the postpartum period.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Has anti inflammatory properties.
Breastfeeding Support: Milk thistle supports lactation and may increase / stimulate milk production.
Mugwort-
Uterine Health: In traditional practices, mugwort has been used to support uterine health and postpartum recovery, aiding in toning and strengthening the uterus.
Menstrual Support: Mugwort has been traditionally used to support menstrual health, and it has the potential relevance to postpartum women as they undergo hormonal and menstrual changes.
Digestive Support: Supports digestive health.
Relaxation and Sleep: Calming, relaxing, supports overall well-being during the postpartum period.
Red Raspberry Leaf-
Uterine health: Used to tone the muscles of the uterus, supporting the uterus in recovery and returning to homeostasis.
Hormonal balance: May support hormone balance in the postpartum period.
Lactation support: May support milk production during breastfeeding.
Nutrient support: Red raspberry leaf is a good source of many nutrients, including vitamins C and B, magnesium, potassium, and iron, which can be beneficial for postpartum recovery.
Relaxation and stress reduction: Calming, relaxing.
Skullcap:
Hormonal support: Supportive for balancing the hormones.
Relaxation and stress reduction: Skullcap has calming and relaxing effects.
Support for the nervous system: Skullcap regulates the nervous system, potentially aiding in emotional balance and overall well-being during the postpartum period.
Sleep support: Skullcap is used as a natural sleep aid, and it ma promote restful sleep for women experiencing sleep disturbances after childbirth.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Anti-inflammatory properties found in skullcap can support recovery after birth.
Rose:
Emotional support: The aroma of rose is often associated with feelings of comfort, relaxation, and emotional well-being, which may be beneficial for women experiencing postpartum emotions and stress.
Skin care: Rose oil is known for its moisturizing and soothing properties, and it may be used to support skin health during the postpartum period, can support stretch marks, scars or dry skin.
Hormonal balance: In aromatherapy, rose oil is sometimes used for its potential effects on hormonal balance, which can be important during the postpartum period as the body adjusts to post-pregnancy hormonal changes.
Relaxation and stress reduction: The scent of rose supports relaxation, self love.
Aromatherapy benefits: Aromatherapy using rose oil may help create a soothing and nurturing environment, which can be beneficial for postpartum recovery and overall well-being.
Calendula:
Skin healing and soothing: Has a multitude of skin-soothing and wound-healing properties. It may be used topically to promote healing of perineal tears, cesarean section incisions, and other skin irritations that can occur during the postpartum period.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Has anti-inflammatory properties.
Antimicrobial properties: Calendula has been traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties, which can be beneficial for maintaining good hygiene and preventing infections during the postpartum period.
Emotional support: In aromatherapy, the scent of calendula may provide emotional comfort and support.
Breast care: Calendula-infused oils or salves may be used to soothe and protect the skin around the breasts and the nipples, and can be supportive for those who are breastfeeding and experiencing skin sensitivity.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
Nutritional support: Nettles are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, iron, and so much more, the list goes on and on. I recommend using Nettles infusion everyday as a potent recover method.
Blood-building properties: Nettles are often used to support healthy blood production and may be especially beneficial for women recovering from childbirth, as it can help with postpartum fatigue and support overall vitality.
Hormonal balance: Supports hormone balancing!
Lactation support: May aid in milk production during breastfeeding.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Are you noticing a theme yet!!! Most of the herbs mentioned all contain, anti inflammatory properties, support hormone balancing and lactation!
Rosehips: are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Vitamin C and antioxidant support: Rosehips are exceptionally high in vitamin C and contain a variety of antioxidants, which can be beneficial for supporting the immune system and overall health during the postpartum period.
Tissue repair and healing: The high vitamin C content in rosehips may support tissue repair and wound healing, which can be beneficial for postpartum women recovering from childbirth, cesarean section or perineal tears.
Iron absorption: The vitamin C in rosehips may aid in the absorption of iron, which can be important for postpartum women, especially those recovering from blood loss during childbirth.
Overall well-being: Rosehips are considered a nourishing and supportive herb that may help promote a sense of overall well-being during the postpartum period.
Oatstraw, the stem of the oat plant (Avena sativa),
Nutritional support: Oatstraw is rich in various nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and other compounds, which can be beneficial for postpartum women who may need nutritional support after childbirth.
Nervous system support: Oatstraw has calming and nourishing effects on the nervous system, which can be helpful for women dealing with postpartum stress, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping.
Hormonal balance: Hormone balancing!!!
Lactation support: Aids in milk production during breastfeeding.
Overall well-being: Oatstraw is often considered a gentle and supportive herb that may help promote a sense of overall well-being during the postpartum period.
Chamomile:
Relaxation and stress reduction
Sleep support: Can be used as a natural sleep aid and may help promote restful sleep.
Digestive support: Support digestion and eases discomfort.
Anti-inflammatory and soothing properties: Has anti-inflammatory properties.
Overall well-being: Chamomile is often considered a gentle and supportive herb that may help promote a sense of overall well-being during the postpartum period.
For more information on HOW to create these herbal remedies, stay tuned for new blog posts coming soon or google it! haha Herbal Medicine is super easy to make at home, and we all deserve to have the knowledge to support ourselves! If you don't feel like making your own at home, check out our MOTHER Herbal Line!!
So amazing! Thank you for sharing this 😁