POSTPARTUM CARE
Historically it has been other women within the family – mothers, grandmothers, aunties, sisters – that have provided support yet we are now widening of the experience of community and the ‘village’. We as women are learning to speak up about what we really need and accept the inherent vulnerable that comes with asking or accepting help. Gone are the days of expecting everyone to know what you need and then complaining because no one gives it to you.
“Giving birth is a wonderful gift but it hurts both the body and the heart. The job of the nannies (grandmothers/elders) is to help bring the mother back into ‘consciousness’ so that she can be a source of nourishment to her child. – Wai Mason, New Zealand Maori from Tauranga Moana, kuia (respected elder and spiritual/community leader)” From THE GOLDEN MONTH BY J ALLISON
The golden month is a vital time for nourishing both mother and baby. We offer Chinese herbal consultations online and both acupuncture and herbs in our clinic—many new mothers bring their babies along to appointments or have a family member take baby for a walk during treatment so they are close by. During this period, we can help with lactation concerns, mastitis, abdominal pain, constipation, and emotional wellbeing. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your specific needs. And remember, as you rest and bond with your baby, don’t hesitate to ask for support from those around you.
The inherent value of relationships is not often spoken of yet later in life people talk about wishing they had spent more time with the people they love. The bliss balls by the bed for when you wake to feed, the emergency personal items delivered, the nourishment of a loving meal, the smell of fresh sheets, a shower on your own as your baby is held. These small meaningful ways make all the difference to nourish and love the new mother giving her all to the next generation.
