6 Elements of Ancestral Postpartum Care
Ancient cultures had specific rituals and practices surrounding the way they cared for new mothers. While each culture was unique in the specific way they cared for their mothers, each followed what I call the 6 Elements of Ancestral Postpartum Care: warmth, emotional support, rest, nourishing foods, herbal use, and soothing touch. These pillars provided protection during the postpartum period and helped new mothers thrive.
1. WARMTH
Many cultures believed in the benefits of warmth for postpartum healing. In the Chinese medicine perspective, after women give birth, they lose a lot of their chi, which is their inner heat. If women lose too much of their heat, they can become sick and lethargic, like all their stamina is stolen from them. To prevent this from happening, women are supported with warming practices - warm soups, drinks, warming spices to eat, close proximity to a heat source, and are often bundled in socks, blankets and hats. Even in countries that are in warm climates, like Colombia or Mexico, women are often encouraged to be in bed with warm blankets, drink warming soups and be close to a heath source.
Here are some items to add to your registry that support this ancestral practice:
Electric Tea Kettle
Insulated Mug
Cozy Blanket
In my Postpartum Kit, I have included the BeWarm heat packs to help with this need. They are wonderful for placing on the abdomen or lower back to provide comfort with postpartum contractions. Click to learn more about my Postpartum Kit.
2. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
New mothers were always enveloped in loving words, believing that the words a new baby hears can have an impact on their personality. New mothers need loving care so that they can nourish their baby fully. This emotional support prevents the likelihood of new mothers experiencing depression.
Here are some items to add to your registry that support this ancestral practice:
To Have and to Hold by Molly Millwood, Ph.D.
I designed my Affirmation Posters to help you remember that these loving words can become your mantra. These Affirmation Posters are an excellent visual reminder for hanging around your bedroom space.
3. REST
While there might be differing amounts of time required by cultures, many follow the time suggested by the Mexican and Colombian curanderas, about a 40 day rest. This rest includes time in bed with minimal moving out of the bedroom. Family and friends fulfill household duties so that the new mother can recuperate. This time is considered by many cultures as a nonnegotiable and if forsaken, a heavy consequence will come to the new mother and baby.
Here are some items to add to your registry that support this ancestral practice:
Bedside Baskets (to keep all the necessities close by)
Biodegradable Paper Plates, Bowls, and Utensils
Bed Tray
4. HERBS
Herbs are commonly applied in ancestral practices surrounding birth. European wise women often used stinging nettle and red raspberry leaves for postpartum healing, and indigenous women in the American continent had a plethora of native plants and bark that they would use to support lactation, energy, and healing after birth.
Here are some items to add to your registry that support this ancestral practice:
In my Postpartum Kit, Bring Me A Dream is included to help provide herbal support through your postpartum period. You can also purchase the Milk tincture when buying the Postpartum Kit and that will be added at packing.
5. NOURISHING FOODS
The most basic element of postpartum healing is nourishing foods. What foods were considered vital for postpartum vibrancy all depend on the culture. Examples include: congee in Chinese and other Asian cultures, ajiaco in Colombia, fish soup in Russia, golden milk in India, and seaweed and fish eggs among native peoples in America. While these foods are different, they provide the deep nourishment that is needed for postpartum mothers to thrive.
Here are some items to add to your registry that support this ancestral practice:
Bone Broth
Coconut Water
Wild Caught Fish Eggs
If you’re wanting specific recipes and suggestions for what foods to make for postpartum, click to download a free list of my 30 Favorite Foods for Postpartum.
6. SOOTHING TOUCH
In Korea it is common for women to receive a daily or weekly massage after birth, and you find similar practice among the traditional Xicana midwives. Closing of the Bones is a traditional ceremony that combines heat, emotional support, and physical touch to facilitate optimal healing. Massage and relaxing baths are a wonderful way to get some of the same benefits if you don’t have anyone in your area who can facilitate this for you.
Here are some items to add to your registry that support this ancestral practice:
In my Postpartum Kit I have also included some lovely linen hair ties that are from a company that helps immigrant women have jobs that pay high wages. These linen hair ties are to remind you to ask someone to brush and braid your hair, which is a simple way to add a loving touch to your postpartum experience.
If you liked my list of suggestions for items that are for new mothers to put on their registries, I have compiled a list of all my favorite items. Click here to sign up to get this free downloadable PDF list.
