05/15/2022
Birth is a rite of passage -- a shift from one state of being to another. Just as with any major transition in a person's life, there's an integration period into this new role. The journey doesn't end at birth -- it's a doorway to a new phase of life - no matter how you birth or what you experience.
Traditionally throughout history, women have been supported during this transition- elders share their wisdom, peers nurture them, and they are welcomed into the mama circle. In our culture, it seems that birth and baby are the big events, and mama's needs are too often neglected after birth.
In my book, Natural Health After Birth, I share how we can rethink how new mamas can be supported, nurtured, and care for in the days and weeks after birth to allow us the space to come into motherhood - a process called matrescence. Along with this, I share ways you can rest, repair, and soothe your postpartum body.
In every culture, warmth and healing herbs have been part of the postpartum phase. I've brought this tradition into the postpartum healing baths that new mamas in my care have enjoyed since long before most midwives were talking about it (for over 40 years!), one that I enjoyed after my own babies were born, and one that I've shared as my grown children have had babies
There are many herbs that can be used to soothe tender perineal tissue, heal tears and episiotomies (yes, even with stitches!), reduce inflammation, and even shrink hemorrhoids after vaginal birth.
Here's one of my fave herb bath blends for new mamas, I call it Postpartum Delight, it's a blend of beautiful and fragrant blossoms that are uplifting, soothing, healing, and antiseptic
All you need are:
š Dried comfrey leaf
š Calendula flowers
š Lavender flowers
š Dried uva ursi leaves
š Witch hazel blossoms (if you can find them)
š Dried sage leaf
š Sea salt
If you want to experience this healing tradition yourself and get the full recipe & uses, check out the article https://avivaromm.com/postpartum-herb-baths/ š.
And if you're craving more support and community on your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey, also head to the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/ideservebirthsupport/ to join my group, the Mama Pathway, FREE until Labor Day ā¤ļø.
Sending you love and healing on your journey mama, xx Aviva
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