I have birthed 4 children which means I have had 4 postpartum times. During my last postpartum time I focused on rest. In fact, I blogged about on my older blog…the 42 day rest. But while an odd practice in American culture, it is quite common in different cultures for the mother to rest.
It is my passion for mamas to be able to rest during the postpartum period, so I became a postpartum doula.
What is a postpartum doula?
Women today are lacking the “village”, we are distant from family and we keep ourselves distant from other moms. When a new baby is born, it is important that she has support. A postpartum doula can come in a provide that support (which can help lower the chance of postpartum depression). Postpartum doulas can come in and do light house cleaning, easy meals, help with child care of other children, and be around for the mama.
But enough about what I do… lets talk about what YOU can do to put together a postpartum care kit… for either yourself or a mama-to-be (no matter how many children she already has).
1) Well Mama Tea
This basic tea provides overall support for the mama, including nursing mamas.
2 parts Lemon balm
1 part Red Raspberry lead
1 part Nettle
Others herbs you can include: Catnip, Chamomile, and Lavender.
Drink 3 cups a day. I like to make a quart in the morning, put it in a thermos to keep it warm. I then can pour a cup whenever I am ready.
2) Postpartum Peri Rinse
When you leave the hospital, birthing center, or after a home birth, you will find yourself with a peri-bottle. This bottle is used after using the restroom to keep your perineum clean. With warm water, it can also be soothing. By adding these herbs, you can also help speed healing and help stay any additional discomfort or infection.
1 part Witch Hazel leaf
1 part Lavender buds
1 part Chamomile flowers
You can either brew up a large batch and keep it in a thermos (a warm rinse) or brew it and keep in the fridge (a cool rinse). Of course, some cultures believe in keeping the mother warm during her postpartum period so keep that in mind. Because there are no preserving agents, this will only last a few days in the fridge. This blend can also be used in….
3) Postpartum Herb Bath and Sitz Bath
For those able to bathe, herbs a delightful way to relax and recover. These herbs can also be used for those seeking just a sitz bath (a sitz bath is a bath where just the bottom is submerged, usually just up to the hips).
1 part Calendula flowers
1 part Chamomile flowers
1 part Lavender buds
1 part Plantain leaf
Epsom salts
Add to a muslin bag (keeps the clean up easier) and let the hot water run over it as you fill your tub. Let the bag then float around in your tub as you bathe. You can also use the French press to brew a strong infusion and add the infusion to the bath after it is filled. *Don’t add the Epsom salts to the French press.
There are safe for baby as well, so if mama wishes to take a bath with baby…she can!
4) Postpartum Aromatherapy Bath
This is another wonderful way to relax. With the popularity of essential oils, these oils should be readily available. Geranium and Clary sage are not for use with the baby so this is a bath just for mama.
2 cups Epsom Salts
1 T Coconut oil
10 drops Lavender essential oil
5 drops Geranium essential oil
5 drops Clary sage essential oil
Add a cup of this blend to the bath just before getting in. Breathe deep and relax!
5) Goodies
While this isn’t a therapeutic treatment…bringing things the mama loves…just for mama, is a great way to show your love. Does she have a favorite kind of cookie? A favorite author? Make a homemade rice pack for her to rest on her recovering abdomen or her back.
A lot of times the baby is the one getting all the attention, and while the baby is such a blessing from God, the mama is important!
Make sure you include an uplifting note and your phone number (in case she didn’t have it in her phone), its always a nice reminder to know she has someone who she can call. If she can call you at 2:30 in the morning to cry, let her know.
To all mamas, we need to pull together and support each other, no matter our differences. If you think you can’t make a difference in someone’s life…YOU CAN! Sometimes, I feel like I can’t do anything to help because my 4 children will be in tow (unless I’m there professionally), but my kids have entertained other kids so mama (and dad) and rest.
Now I want to hear from you…. would you add anything? What was the biggest support for you postpartum?
from lactation « WordPress.com Tag Feed http://ift.tt/1ItlKO8
article sponsered by Northern Michigan certified lactation consulting and Mother Hubbards Country Cupboard
No comments:
Post a Comment