Ayurvedic Tips for the Fourth Trimester
By Johanna Lucia
"The future of our children’s mental health and wellness starts at birth with the mother".
After birth, the greatest thing we can do is heal the body from within. From an Ayurvedic view point, the postpartum period is known for an imbalance of the air and space elements. A large space filled with air remains where your growing baby, placenta and amniotic fluid once were. Combined, air and space are cold and drying. Left untreated, this imbalance can often cause over-thinking, anxiety and insomnia, and even lead to postpartum depression. In this time, new mothers need to nourish and replenish with warm, moist, nutritious foods and plenty of loving care.
During the postpartum healing period, the digestive system is very weak, like a slowly dwindling campfire flame. This flame needs to be slowly re-fired to get our digestive system working properly. Without the digestive system, how does our body receive nourishment and healing? There is a significant link between gut health and mental health. By eating correctly, we know we can heal quicker, with a more positive outcome on our future physical and mental health.
Here are some Ayurvedic tips for the fourth trimester:
Stick to the traditional recipes from our mothers before us, choose simple recipes to nourish and replenish.
Food should be cooked slowly. It's a great time to dig out the slow cooker from the back of the cupboard and make soups and casseroles. This is easy for other family members to do also.
Pre-cook, or cook double amounts of food and store in the freezer. As much as we encourage eating freshly cooked foods, you also need to weigh up the stress and busy-ness of a new family. Do what works best for YOUR household.
Use warming herbs and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper and nutmeg in your cooking.
A massage with warm herbal oils will not only relax the body, but will also help with mental and emotional healing.
When planning your Baby Shower or Mother Blessings, instead of presents, consider asking for donations towards a Postpartum Doula.
Rest as much as you can in the first few weeks. In some Asian cultures, there is a firm belief that the first 42 days post-birth influence the next 42 years of wellness.
Mumma’s Oats:
1c oats
2 1/2c water
Large tbsp ghee
½ tsp good quality salt
1tsp cinnamon powder
1tsp ginger powder
½ tsp turmeric powder/oil
1 or 2 dates to sweeten or a handful of raisins.
Nuts or seeds to top
Put everything (except the toppings) in a pot and bring slowly to simmer, stirring until the mixture is creamy and thickened. You may want to add more water as you go. The porridge should be well cooked to a ‘sloppy’ but not runny consistency. Serve with a topping of nuts and seeds.
Johanna Lucia is a Kiwi with Indo-Dutch ancestry (she thanks her Oma for passing on her cooking skills). She has over 17 years massage experience and has studied Ayurvedic philosophy in India which she incorporates in to her postpartum doula work. Her life's purpose has always been to be a mother, and she adores being able to mother the mothers. Find her at www.solacemassage.com.au.