Nourishing Traditions
Postpartum traditions from around the world share one thing in common: they originate from an innate understanding of Life, and of the nourishment required for it to thrive. They are guided by the physiologic needs of the maternal body, taking into account not only her physical recovery after birth, but also her mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Centred in nearly all traditional postpartum healing practices is the principle of warmth– be it through warming foods, teas, and spices, warm oil massage, moxa, herbal steams, baths, and being wrapped. After birth, the maternal body is in a very sensitive state. These forms of tending and nourishing help the body heal and rebalance, ground and seal the energy, ease the hormonal transition and demands of mothering, and most importantly protect the future health of the mother.
Moxabustion
In Chinese Medicine, ‘moxa’, derived from the mugwort herb, is used to warm the meridian points in the pelvic and low back region of a mother after birth. It is said to close the gateways that have been opened, repelling ‘wind and cold’ from the uterus, and safeguarding the mother’s health. It circulates blood and Qi, bringing vitality back to the uterus, easing pain, and stimulating digestion, which is often sluggish after birth.
Hot Stone Abdominal Press
The practice of using heated stones to massage the body and abdomen after birth can be traced to many traditional cultures around the world. In a mother warming session with me, I use a heated basalt stone, wrapped in a small bundle of cloth with warming spices, to gently massage the abdomen. This technique encourages the uterus to shrink down to its pre-baby size, send warmth into the internal organs, stimulate digestion, expel any trapped air, and may encourage the breaking up of residual blood clots, allowing for the lochia to flow more easily and speed the healing process.
Belly Binding
The art of traditional BengKung belly binding comes from Malaysia. A long, thin piece of fabric, (about 15 metres) is wrapped in layers from the base of the hips to below the breasts. Through the process of pregnancy and birth, the body expands and shifts tremendously, especially the bones and ligaments of the pelvis. This gentle binding tecnhique brings support and stability through the whole core, hips, pelvic floor, and the internal organs. It can help alleviate back pain, re-align posture, and speed healing of diastasis recti (a separation of the abdominal muscles that is very common after pregnancy). Some mamas simply appreciate the feeling of protection around the very vulnerable and open energy centre of the womb after birth.
Traditionally the belly wrap would be worn every day, beginning around day 5 postpartum, for up to 40 days. For mothers who've had a cesarean birth, it is not recommended to try binding before the incision has completely healed, but doing it 6 weeks post-birth can still feel quite nourishing and supportive. I am happy to demonstrate this binding technique in person and bind you for your first time.
Traditionally the belly wrap would be worn every day, beginning around day 5 postpartum, for up to 40 days. For mothers who've had a cesarean birth, it is not recommended to try binding before the incision has completely healed, but doing it 6 weeks post-birth can still feel quite nourishing and supportive. I am happy to demonstrate this binding technique in person and bind you for your first time.
Mother Warming Treatment
2 - 2.5 hrs. In your home. $185
Includes:
It is much more feasible to have this done in the comfort of your own home, next to your sleeping baby, than to come into the studio for treatment. If you are further along your postpartum journey and you do feel good about leaving home for this stretch of time, I am happy to do this treatment in my studio as well.
It's suggested to receive a mother warming treatment between 5-10 days postpartum, but having it done anytime within the 'fourth trimester' will bring many benefits! For cesarean mamas, it is best to wait about 2 weeks, or once you can comfortably lie on your side or stomach. We will modify the use of the hot stone, as it should not be applied to the area of the incision until after 6-8 weeks.
Please email me to schedule a booking as my availability for outcalls may vary from week to week.
Includes:
- Full body Swedish massage with warming, herbal infused sesame oil.
- Guided meditation to come back to the body after the birth and close the energy field
- Hot Stone Abdominal Press
- Moxabustion on the low abdomen and back (I will leave the moxa stick with you so you can continue to do this on yourself in the following days/weeks)
- A floral bath pouch. I can prepare the bath for you after the treatment (to which your baby may join!) or leave the herbs with you to use at another time.
- Optional add-on: ($20) If you have a BengKung belly wrap, or would like to purchase one from me, I'm happy to include a post-massage belly binding session. It doesn't take long, and it can be a wonderful way to seal the treatment.
It is much more feasible to have this done in the comfort of your own home, next to your sleeping baby, than to come into the studio for treatment. If you are further along your postpartum journey and you do feel good about leaving home for this stretch of time, I am happy to do this treatment in my studio as well.
It's suggested to receive a mother warming treatment between 5-10 days postpartum, but having it done anytime within the 'fourth trimester' will bring many benefits! For cesarean mamas, it is best to wait about 2 weeks, or once you can comfortably lie on your side or stomach. We will modify the use of the hot stone, as it should not be applied to the area of the incision until after 6-8 weeks.
Please email me to schedule a booking as my availability for outcalls may vary from week to week.
Ceremonial Closing
For doula clients, I offer a ceremonial closing in the week or two after the birth, at no extra charge. I'm also happy to facilitate this, by donation, for any member of my community who feels drawn to receiving it. This can be done with just me, and also with a few close friends or family members. In a simple and sweet ceremony, you will have the opportunity to share your birth story and be lovingly witnessed. Then, as you lie comfortably on your back, held by the earth beneath you and the healing hands and presence of those around you, warm flaxseed packs will be placed on your body and you will be gently wrapped by scarves. The enclosure of warmth and darkness seals your birth journey and marks your own re-birth as a mother. If it resonates for you, songs or prayers may be offered to help anchor this sacred transition to motherhood.
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Holistic Postpartum Care Products
I have a few hand-crafted postpartum healing products for sale, which include:
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