Complete Postpartum Care
In The Gainesville Metropolitan Area


"When my baby had colic, I could only cry with him. The dietary advice & essential oils made SUCH a difference."
 Thanks,
Gloria


Cooking for Postpartum Mothers

 TIPS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
by Martha Oakes, Postpartum AyurDoula

After the delivery of a baby, the digestive power is often diminished; a new mother’s digestive system is very delicate. Yet her needs are great. Choice of foods and how well a mother digests her food has a great deal to do with the quality of her milk, avoiding depression and colic, and the quality of mom’s rejuvenation, strength, comfort, and resulting spontaneous and natural expression of mothering. The following suggestions are time tested, from the ancient system of natural health care called Ayurveda, and found common to many cultures around the world as well!

Try adapting your family favorites and refrigerator on-hands (no leftovers please, because of pretty guaranteed gas for mom and baby by next day!) to using the preferred veggies, seasonings, grains, sweets and proteins. Use ample oiliness, moisture, warmth, and of course, love. She will feel it all.

Please use suggested seasonings too! We need all six tastes in our main meals for balanced nutrition, but at this time emphasize sweet, sour and some salt with a little of the others. Herbs and spices help digestion, often lactation as well. Mom and baby have much inner and quiet work to do right now which has such long lasting effect on her well being and family life. And on ours too. So little adjustments tend to make a really big difference at this time in their lives.

Preferred Foods

There are lots of yummy things you can do with this list!

Pure water, warm, oily, liquid or moist, nourishing, delicious, gentle on the digestion. Fresh ingredients freshly prepared by a happy cook – these have better life force and maternal/infant results!

Proteins to favor are boiled warm milk (see our article about milk) and ricotta, cottage and other unfermented cheeses; split hulled mung beans in soup, perhaps other soaked overnight and well-cooked lentils. Legumes combined with grain or (smaller amount of) nuts or seeds gives a complete amino acid complement. Rarely does tofu or fermented cheeses work; most women and their babies have trouble with soy - and the hard to digest cheeses. Non vegetarians do chicken and fish soups after about 4 weeks. Lassi, a yogurt or buttermilk drink thinned half with water and seasoned, sweet or savory. Almond or other nut milk; specially nourishing among nuts and seeds are well soaked, (24 – 48 hours) for snack, or prepared vegetables, grains, nut milks, soups, or sauces.

Carbohydrates – Favor Basmati or white rices (cook with an extra ½-1 cup water per cup of rice), unleavened wheat such as couscous, pastas, sprouted grain “Essene” breads, and chapatis (unleavened tortillas), tapioca without the egg, yams, sweet/oiled winter squashes, oats, and quinoa or barley in smaller quantity. Women who have been eating brown rice daily may be fine with it, but is somewhat rough/scraping or constipating on tender bowels for most. Favor less refined sugars - especially the iron rich ones like Succanat, the dark Indian jaggery and molasses. Do not cook with honey. Postpartum moms DO need healthy sweets, even if not breastfeeding!Sweet fresh (not chilled) and freshly squeezed sweet fruit juices are wonderful for their life force. Coconut milk is sweet, soothing and delicious in cream sauces or soups too.

Vegetables – Cooked until softer, not just al dente – Asparagus, beet, carrot, fresh dill, fresh fenugreek leaves (methi), summer squashes, pumpkin, avocado, artichoke, chayote, okra. Some green beans or broccoli well seasoned if she is not of thin body type, and peeled eggplant, kale, spinach, or chard may also be fine properly seasoned; Be sure to use oiliness, seasonings, salt, and lime juice with leafy greens.

Seasonings - Basil, a little Black Mustard Seed, Cumin, Caraway, Citrus Peel, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Fennel, Fenugreek, Licorice Powder. Fresh Garlic...prepared only by mincing and browning in ghee, butter or sesame oil Ginger (fresh is often best, dry more drying and heating), pinches of Hing (Asafoetida - instead of Onion), Lime, Orange or Lemon juice and Peel, Marjoram, Nutmeg if she is not prone to constipation. A little Black Pepper, Paprika, Tamarind, Tarragon, Turmeric. Ajwan (wild celery) seeds soaked first in cool water.

Fats - Use healthy fats and oils more abundantly than normal, this is important for hormonal as well as rejuvenative effects and more. Most particularly clarified butter, sesame and toasted sesame oils, butter, coconut oil in the summer (it cools), and some olive are the best ones, though clarified butter (ghee) and coconut, a little sesame are the best for cooking healthy. Please avoid hydrogenated or cooked vegetable oils (trans-fatty acids)! And we get to forget the low-fat idea, for health, emotional, hormonal, mental and physical, unless medically advised otherwise such as from liver damage, alchohol or gall bladder problems.

 

Minimize these as best you can.
 

 

Dry, cold, rough, harder to digest, heavy, clogging, fermented foods and “rascally” pungent (spicy) tastes. At least minimize these, best to just avoid. These factors for various reasons aggravate mother and/or infant digestion, can accumulate into colic, or slow mom’s rejuvenation. Some are bigger no-no's than others. Rushed or irritated atmosphere in cooking, serving, and eating also weakens digestion, hence maternal/infant tummy discomfort.

Most of us know about these – Coffee, sodas, chocolate, alcohol, garlic (dry, raw, or undercooked); onion, radish, chilies, cabbage family.

Cold Foods and Drinks – yup, like ice cream and salads and chilled foods and drinks in general.

Heavies – such as red meats and fermented cheeses, cold homogenized and pasteurized non-organic milk, sour cream, yogurt, lotsa nuts, eggs, and fried foods (sauté is ok).


Dried foods
– Rule of thumb is those obviously taking moisture out of the system to digest, like dried fruits, crackers, toast! These & rough dryer grains (millet, brown rice, corn, buckwheat) can be hard on your fragile digestion. Less white potatoes as well as drying, bitter, and astringent herbs (even frequent chamomile, red zinger and red raspberry), and watch out for the legumes - heavy gas producers.  2 – 3 cups of strong Sage or Turmeric tea is extreme enough it is used by midwives to dry up lactation.  Balance with oil, moist, sweet, sour, salty tastes and influences if you can't avoid.


Tomatoes, Peas, Peppers, Sprouts, Salads

Easy also on Leafy Greens first weeks, and other bitter/astringent foods. But greens are so high in iron and bone flexibility minerals (especially the stems for the latter), if they sound good to Mom, balance them with oiliness, salt, fennel or cumin or caraway or dill, and ginger or roasted garlic or hing, lime, and some sweeter vegetable as well.


Milk, Cream with Sour, Salty, or Astringent tastes
– Milk/cream digests best boiled (simplifies protein molecule), ok with grains, puddings or sweet fruit, not with main meals.  Or enjoy warm with a little honey or favorite sweetener and ginger, cardamom and/or saffron type spices. 


Fermented Foods
Such as Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Pickles, Tempeh, Miso, most Cheeses, Mushrooms.  Both easy and hard to digest foods, as well as leftovers, after about 6 hours, point is degenerative energetics.  Make enough for just lunch and dinner for the family. 


Cooking with Honey
is proven to create mildly toxic accumulations over time in the body channels.  Raw or drink-ably warm is fine if you like it.

Leavenings – Yeast, Baking Powder and Soda all are somewhat of a strain on Mom’s rejuvenation too.

Meals brought by friends honoring these principles are such a great gift!

 

Who calls on Postpartum Doulas?
1. Mothers who are tired and want skilled support
2. Mothers returning early to work.
3. Mothers with high risk of PPD (10 - 20%)
4. Mothers after C-Births (25 - 30%)
5. Mothers of Birthing Mothers unable to otherwise
    give the needed support
6. Referring primary pregnancy care practitioners, for
    best continuity of their client's care
7. Anyone needing basic household help, emotional,
    meals, and family support
8. Families favoring a life of health, vitality and peace
9. Yes, you can also be on prenatal bed rest, or months,
    a year or more postpartum and benefit.
10. Let's see, that's just about all mothers. If they only
    knew!!! But you DO!  Please call or email now if
    you even think you might be interested; start the
    conversation and let us help you see what together,
    we can do.



“After an extremely difficult labor and delivery complication, this gentle and rejuvenating program was a real blessing.  The fatigue and strain melted away with the massage, foods, essential oils, and herbs.  This program allowed me to become the mother I wanted to be – rested, energetic, loving, and flexible.”    -- Marie,

  • Care at Home may include...

  • Wise, trained & experienced Counsel. If you need    immediate guidance about understanding your best  comfort and rejuvenation and around your current and particular concerns, please call 386-462 9029 for a phone consultation with Marcia Glick in the comfort of your home.
     

  • Specialized mother’s  Home Spa Care
  • Delicious, Suitable Meals
  • Infant massage instruction
  • Effective herbal nutrition
  • Essential oils kits by trimester, and special need
  • Classes or meet with an Doula
  • How to work with your personal and community
        resources.
  • Self care guidance, handbook, cookbook and other  
        resources.
  • Tips & support for Grandma, Dad & friends
  • Packages include 3 - 6 week Royal, 7 or 10 day
        basic, or per mutual
        arrangement with your local Doula.
  • Traveling Doulas - Doulas are occasionally
        available to travel to you.
      
     

    FAQ

  • What is a doula?

    Doula is a Greek word for Woman who helps women. She offers natural motherly and practical physical and emotional support, and often has had training and certification for her work. She may be a birth and/or a postpartum doula, or even serve pregnant women on bed rest or at other times in their lives when they need basic help at home due to some handicap.

     

  • What is a birth doula?
     

    Some of our AyurDoulas are also birth doulas. Certified doulas taken at least 2 – 3 days training and done their practicum requirements to receive their credential, usually from DONA or CAPPA. A birth doula begins by providing information about your birth options and assisting with writing your birth plan. If you feel comfortable with her, she becomes your professional labor assistant offering physical and emotional support through labor. She is not a midwife, but your personal assistant through the birth.

    • We usually meet 2 or 3 times before the birth.
    • We can help ease your transition from home to hospital.
    • We are trained to provide comfort measures to ease and deal with pain.
    • We will stay by your side throughout your labor and birth as desired.
    • We can assist or relieve your spouse or companion in their role.
    • Research also shows a more positive birth experience, and mothers and babies bond better.
    • We come to your home about a week after the birth for a follow-up visit.

     

  • How do I know it will be worth the extra expense?
     

    Having a Birth Doula has been statistically measured to offer the following:

    • 60% Reduction in Epidural requests
    • 50% Reduction in Cesarean Rate
    • 40% Reduction in Oxytocin Use
    • 40% Reduction in Forceps Delivery
    • 30% Reduction in Use of Analgesia
    • 25% Shorter Labor

     

  • What is a postpartum doula?
     

    Postpartum doulas go into the home and help for the first few weeks with breast feeding, newborn care and instruction, mother care, offer resources and give general family, breastfeeding, kitchen, light household support and community resources. A postpartum doula has 2 to 3 days class training plus documented practical experience according to her certifying organization, usually DONA or CAPPA.

     

  • What is an AyurDoula?
     

    A postpartum AyurDoula has a minimum of 120 class and internship hours training with many more hours practice, study and testing. She serves the role of a postpartum doula and more - she understands much that mothers of many older cultures used to know, and all mothers should understand. These are simple and natural principles involved in restoring strength, vitality and balance in maternal and infant physiology after childbirth.

    She understands the unfortunately little known dietary and lifestyle choices which can minimize or avoid colic and depression, as well as many other common discomforts, and will be available to guide you as you are willing to make your best choices. She is trained in the arts of Ayurvedic Mother and Infant warm oil treatments (like simple, soothing massage), cooking for postpartum mothers, and may have experience with a few key safe postpartum herbal and essential oils uses to enhance your comfort and rejuvenation.

    Above all, she offers her TLC like any doula or other mother for your ease, comfort and happiness. And she also has limits to what she can learn even in the AyurDoula advanced training program, and knows herself as part of a greater network of health practitioners, both your doctor or midwife and others trained in perinatal and specifically Ayurvedic work.

     

  • What are the benefits of AyurDoula Care?
     

    Tailored Support for Mom’s Best Rest Rejuvenation! Depending upon the length and details of your care and your commitment to both following the recommendations and perhaps upon special complications, you can still expect wonderful results in the direction of the following:

    • Easily avoid colic & depression
    • Extended & Enhanced bonding
    • Delicious suitable meals & menu planning
    • Delicious herbals for lactation, digestion & rejuvenation
    • Deeply Soothing Mom’s Massage
    • Tender Lovin’ Infant Massage instruction
    • Ample lactation and experienced support
    • Effective herbals & essential oils for special needs support
    • Decades of Lasting Benefits

     

  • Who relies on a Postpartum AyurDoula?
     

     

    • Mothers who are tired and want skilled support with their rejuvenation.
    • Mothers returning early to work.
    • Mothers with high risk of PPD (20%)
    • Mothers after C-sections (25%)
    • Families favoring a life of holistic health
    • Referring professionals, for their clients’ best continuity of care
    • Mothers of Birthing Mothers unable to otherwise give the needed support
    • Anyone needing basic household, meals, emotional & family support

     

  • What do you mean by 42 Days for 42 Years?
     

    According to the 6,000 year old medical texts in Ayurveda by Sushrut, we women are in a very special window for 42 days after childbirth, extended by 10 days to 2 weeks more if there is surgery (yes, they had very good surgical technique then if needed)

    They say that we are psycho-physiologically as delicate as our babies during this time, even if we can muster all kinds of will-power (oh my, can we), know-how, coordination, and devoted loving service. We are naturally led by our hearts in service often even when we are totally overwhelmed.

    After childbirth we have LOTS of invisible work to do! And it is our biological mandate, our own Mother Nature’s program we could say, to restructure our whole physiology in the direction of greater ability to love and serve, if we give it the chance.

    This is why so many cultures have similar traditions to what we are trained in.  And why they say choices now are perhaps more significant than any other time in our lives, for our ability to mother, partner, and serve our world for the next 42 years! It is also about how long it takes food to convert from initial digestion to all the tissues in the regenerative process. For the subtlest and deepest tissues, the reproductive, it takes up to 42 days – from eating a meal to rejuvenating that tissue …

     

  • What can I expect with a consultation over the phone?
     

    It depends upon your request and need, based upon a question and answer dialog about your experience, lifestyle, constitution, imbalances, and habits and how they relate to the known natural imbalances and needs of childbearing written about in the Ayurvedic textbooks for over 6,000 years. We can share ideas found valuable for so many of our clients, various body/emotional/mind/supportive measures you can do yourself or choose to do with a little help.

    These ideas are used around the world by cultures which don't have problems postpartum, and are often very easily understood and used yourself to maximize your recovery from your birth. These tips are based upon my experience with postpartum mothers as well as about using therapeutic grade essential oils and on my Ayurvedic training of course and experience as mother of two wonderful children & 2 grandchildren. I will also offer if you wish which essential oils or other herbs I might use if it were me and possibly discuss specific herbals known to support your situation safely in some possible formula specific to these considerations. I cannot however presume to replace the advice of your physician or midwife, only to perhaps supplement it.

    If we schedule your appointment right, I can call you back no charge to you on long distance. Email or call me with a few options for your best time to talk and I'll get back with you as soon as I can. You can pay by Pay Pal or mail a check. Rate is still posted $60/hour although to my astonishment, someone who overheard me doing a consult, who worked for years for a well known Ayurvedic doctor, informed me I should be charging $150/hour for the level of service offered. (386) 462-9029, or use the contact button to email.

     

  • What do you need to know from me before we start?
     

    Let us know your condition and when due or delivered. If there are specific problems showing up I am not trained to discuss a medical “disease” by name, rather I can serve you better just talking about your experience and speaking of the tissues and systems in need.

    Click here for our registration interview form and we should be able to keep our time down if your there is much you have to tell, or if you want in home care. Or just contact us by email or phone for an appointment, and let us know any caveats on your schedule.

     

  • Are these herbal food supplements safe for pregnancy and/or postpartum?
     

    This is of utmost concern, and part of our studies in our training. Every woman postpartum shares some common needs, so the basic four herbal supplements usually satisfy everyone, unless you are aware one of the ingredients does not suit you. In addition, your individual constitution and present condition all influence why we often also choose to supplement with different herbs for different people sometimes, even with the same apparent concerns.

     

  • What about essential oils – how do I know what is safe?
     

    Lots of research is available and ongoing, including at the www.younglifeclinic.com where Dr. Gary Young has used many essential oils on all of his pregnant and postpartum clients including his wife, Mary, with natural childbirth with her first baby at age 54 and second, age 56. For a list of safe oils and suggested kits for pregnancy, please contact us.

     

  • Is there any national standard or certification for AyurDoulas?
     

    Not at this time, but we are working on standardizing the training programs across the country as well as offering to work with the National Ayurvedic Medical Association which is beginning to create national standards for Ayurvedic training and titling. Organization and funding teams will be needed to create both the research and publicity to help get this wonderful work to mothers everywhere.

     

  • This seems like expensive care at a time I have so many other priorities and expenses.
     

    Please visit our CARE page where you will see many options to build a program of self and AyurDoula care that fits your resources. And remember, this is not about selfish pampering! The value of a mother’s well being is well researched to impact her family health and happiness in a baby’s first hours, months, and 2—3 years. The easiest time to influence it is immediately postpartum, when heart and body are so open and biologically guided to restore at deepest levels in loving service.

    Take a look again at the discussions under “42 Days for 42 Years” above, and the Benefits of AyurDoula care. Choices now are significant for a long time to come, more than maybe any other time in your life.

    If you are at all familiar with the costs of postpartum depression alone, consider this. There are possible complications of initial medications which are not safe for breastfeeding, giving the major hurdle of pumping and relactation, or letting go of this sacred opportunity for your baby’s health as well as yours.

    PPD Costs commonly include both time and expense for medical and psychological visits, physical and emotional health issues for over a year and maybe years on antidepressants with their frequent side effects (and the major challenges in getting off them. For such options please contact us for referrals and go to www.drugawareness.org

    Postpartum rejuvenation expenses include many problems regarding weight, joints, reproductive health, hormones including thyroid, digestive health and relationship health. 40% of divorcing men cite postpartum as the beginning of the break-up of their marriage. Hard to figure in dollar amounts, but stop and think about it … we don’t really need to!

     

  • Is there research on these benefits of Postpartum Ayurdoula Care?
     

    Unfortunately not enough yet, although those of us practicing over these years have seen more than enough.  It is among our goals to inspire the eye of scientific investigation, as well as to begin writing up our many case histories. So far we are a small and underfinanced group working from the heart.

     

  • MOTHERS' TESTIMONIALS

    WHAT THE MOTHERS/DOULA CLIENTS SAY
    I was two months from 44 when I had my son (first child). During my six weeks of postpartum I experienced virtually none of the problems that I heard about – fatigue, depression, or the frustration and over-whelmed ness of being a new mother.  I believe that the results of the Ayurvedic Mother and Baby Program are phenomenal.  I would highly recommend this program for mothers of any age, and I feel it is a necessity for older mothers.”  -- Portia, School Teacher

    “After an extremely difficult labor and delivery complication, this gentle and rejuvenating program was a real blessing.  The fatigue and strain melted away with the massage, foods, essential oils, and herbs.  This program allowed me to become the mother I wanted to be – rested, energetic, loving, and flexible.”    -- Marie, Meditation Teacher.

    "With my first baby I was depressed for months and had difficulty sleeping even when I had the time.  I didn’t feel clear or energetic, and my immune system was also low for over a year.  I was exhausted for a long time.  But with my second baby, because of the Maharishi Ayur-Ved Mother and Baby Program, I feel normal and clear.  The herbs and massage make all the difference for my ability to rest well and mother well.  And the food is so delicious! I am learning new cooking methods and recipes.” -- Lynn, College Placement Counselor

    “The benefits far outweigh the time spent.  If the infant massage is done the way you’re shown, you will be surprised how easy it is.”
      -- Carolyn, Executive

    “At 6 weeks postpartum, I was looking at the pills in my medicine cabinet and wondering how many it would take.  I’ve been a recovering alcoholic for 15 years, and I knew I needed to find help.  With less than 6 days of concentrated care, I felt so much better; the memory of the previous week was like years had passed.  My doulas gave me daily a deeply soothing warm oil Ayurvedic massage and applied organic essential oils which really turned my emotions around.  Their consulting doctor, an Ayurvedic physician and MD, designed a special herbal formula suitable for my liver damage. They cooked delicious, specially designed meals for me and my family.  They also educated my family and friends and helped me create and accept a supportive network. At six months postpartum, I am very healthy and happy, living a normal life.”-- Colorado Mother

    “Taylor’s legs and back are so strong.  I feel his daily oil massage is nourishing to him, even on the level of his bones.  He loves having it done – He gets so excited and starts moving his arms and legs like a motorboat.  He lies and waits contently while I do my self massage, and he’s happy because he knows he’s next.” -- Stacey, Sculptor

    “When my baby’s tummy was so upset, the advice and essential oils offered made SUCH a difference.  I would just cry when I couldn’t do anything about it; my heart ached so to hear my baby crying in pain for hours.”  -- Michelle, Prenatal Massage Instructor

    “I see such a difference during postpartum in those women who have this program.  I’ve had mothers who looked better day one with this program than they did during their entire pregnancy!”
      -- Carolyn, Registered Midwife

     “The mother’s massage is deeply settling; I had someone else do a massage last week but I am so sensitive, the firmer style caused my bleeding to pick up. I had forgotten how wonderful this program is!” -- Ginger, Wife of Ayurvedic Physician

    "My bowels used to move once or twice a week, and I had tried everything.  I was so sure it was impossible to change, I argued with my AyurDoula about it.   Within a day of starting the massage, essential oils, herbs, and delicious suitable meals, my body responded, and continued.  I sleep much better too, and the Mother and Baby Program has made such a difference for me with both of my babies in my ability to mother.” -- Handicapped Program Administrator

    "This program is soothing, rejuvenating, and makes me feel happy and confident in what I’m doing.  I don’t know why everyone doesn’t call you – my body is responding deeply and powerfully to this.” -- Ann, First Time Mother

    “I couldn’t afford the in home doula care services, so I bought the book and learned how to do self massage.  Ysha called me a month before I was due and organized a Blessing Way party. I didn’t think I needed a baby shower as I still had clothes from my first baby. There was such wonderful sharing, feelings, and community created.  My friends organized meals, child care, dishes, laundry and errands, and gave me several massages, as well as a gift of 3 days of the AyurDoula massage. I never would have asked!”-- Volleyball Pro

    “I was overweight when I started the program and now I actually weigh less than before I became pregnant – without “dieting”!”  -- Laurie, Investment Professional

    "I found after taking one of the herbal preparations that I had a soothing and calm feeling.  This is very important because for a tired mother, little, little problems get blown into big ones and the herbs help to pacify that worry.  And being advised on my personal diet helped me a lot because it’s very difficult to know what will be good for you and your baby.  I felt very safe, satisfied, and happy.” --Iowa Mother

    “It makes me feel so secure and free.  I’m not at all worried about being exhausted or fatigued after having my baby.  It takes away the element of fear, just knowing that I’ll be having 6 weeks of the Mother & Baby Program gives me confidence that I’ll be cared for and have that support so that I can really enjoy the baby.”  -- Annie, England.

    The above are representative of the many wonderful results we have seen since this program was first introduced to the western continents in 1985

    “Both my wife and I have visual and other problems. Although my wife is a very good cook, Martha (Ysha) has cultivated special arts in the cooking and care of the incapacitated. At 87 and 83, we needed help, and are doing better now. Martha (Ysha) prepares tasty meals appropriate to need, and she has amazed me at the quality and variety; she seems to instinctively know what is needed. She provides care with dignity and grace, and was able to relieve my back pain from a fall with her gentle massage and essential oils work on repeated occasions. My hearing is also improving from her essential oils ear adjustment treatment.” -- From The late Robert J. Oakes, MD, FP, Faculty SF Medical School, AMA Committee Member.

    What To Eat
    Ayurveda recommends that postpartum mothers favor these ingredients in their foods and teas as you feel attracted to them, and sometimes even if you don't, like the Cell Rejuvenation Tea, below (which truly isn’t too bad compared to most Chinese brew’s we’ve encountered!). 

    AyurDoulas are trained to use the following herbs, foods, and delicious special preparations for their clients. For use ideally, daily for the first 6 weeks, or 8 weeks after surgery.  If you would like to order any of these preparations, you can call or e-mail me.

    If you have special needs, consult your primary health provider and consider also contacting your AyurDoula or an Ayurvedic Practioner for a properly personalized formula of rejuvenative, antidepressant, or other compatible herbal support.  Ayurvedic rejuvenative herbology includes some wonderful herbal roots for a kind of nutrition and support we have not found in western herbology.

    SweetWater Lactation Tea”

    2 parts Fennel:  Supports lactation, digestion, gas, good urinary function.  (use seed)

    1 part Fenugreek: Supports lactation, rejuvenation, respiratory, & digestion. Can help throw out placental fragments when used in a stronger tea, boiled tsp/cup 3 – 5 minutes for appropriate time. (use seeds)

    Boil 1 tsp. in 2 quarts water, keep 1/2 in thermos and warm the rest later in the day.  Make fresh daily.

     

    “Cell Rejuv Tea”

    Dashamoola or Cedrus Deodar

    These herbs help calm & rejuvenate the pelvic area.  Best prepared by your life partner or doula. This decoction gets cooked down from 2 cups to 1/2 cup. ¼ cup is taken warm, twice a day before breakfast & dinner. Make fresh daily.

     

    Almond Herbal Rejuvenative Snack”

    This preparation, made in several stages, supports the ligaments and tendons as well as lactation and delicious nourishment.  You can use most of these ingredients in your own way, but about 10 – 12 almonds a day is enough, and chew well. If you don’t try this snack mix or the digestive chewing herbs once, you won’t know what you are missing!

      ingredients:

    Blanched Almonds:   rejuvenative tonic, nourishing

    Coconut: soothing, nourishing, rebuilding, sweet

    Gum Acacia: connective tissue strengthening/toning

    Succanat:                    

    Mineral rich raw sugar (Iron!).  In India/Nepal a very dark brown "Jaggery" sugar is favored

    Cardamom: Fresh to heart, respiratory, digestive for heavier herbs

    Ginger: Digestive, & respiratory support.  Fresh ginger is balancing. 

    Nutmeg: Digestive, adrenals, thyroid, absorption, anti-diarrhea

    Ghee: rejuvenating, soothing, integrating, carrier of nutrients, ushers wastes out into the seat of elimination, enhances properties of herbs warmed in it, alkalizing by absorption

    Saffron: catalyze other herbals & reproductive rejuvenation; liver, spleen, heart, emotions  support. Good for daily postpartum use in milk, sweets or rice.  Not recommended for most other times of our life to use daily.

    Non-homogenized Cow Milk:

    Contains a small amount organic boiled, for hydrating saffron.  Milk, properly used is the most rejuvenative food. Boil with  chai type spices, cardemon, cinnamon, turmeric, honey (please don’t cook honey, it creates a slow accumulating, but toxic coating around the nerves) helps cut phlegm or use other natural sweetener and add 1 tsp or more ghee or unsalted butter.  Good antidepressant - hot cup as desired.

     

    “Fennel Digestive Chewing Herbs”

     Ayurvedically cooked and blended  into a delicious after meal supplement.  Chew well. One teaspoon after lunch and dinner.

     Contains the following:

    Fennel & Coconut          

    Black Salt:  Strong Digestive, anti gas

    White Sesame Seed :   Nourishing, high calcium/protein/mineral (always roast)

    Licorice:  Harmonizes other herbs, adrenal support, soothes.  (Avoid with high blood pressure)             

    Clove: strong digestive, initially heats, then cools, aphrodisiac

     

     Please use these too:

    Cumin:  Digestive, gentle hormonal balancing, lactation supportive.

    Garlic, browned in ghee or oil only: Immune, grounding, digestive, circulatory, rejuvenative, lactation

    Flax Oil, high lignan :

    use raw only; EFA 3’s source, estrogenic. This is especially beneficial with fresh unfermented cheeses (cottage, ricotta, panir) for hormones, antidepressant, lactation supportive.  Also when eaten with the cheese it is antitumoral and anti-arthritic support (per Dr. Johanna Budwig)

    Coconut Oil:                 

    Cook with ghee or this for no trans fats.  Note that the commonly reported bad for cholesterol information is based upon research on hydrogenated coconut oil.  Avoid all hydrogenated fats.  Some antiviral, antibacterial, anti-candida.  Very cooling, minimize in wintertime or increase heating spices.

    Fresh Ginger: Digestive, balancing to all three humors

    Basil, Anise: These and occasional caraway also support lactation & digestion

     

    Note on general principles of herbal use

       Ayurveda finds it best after childbirth to minimize or  to balance the use of the cooling and drying herbs with bitter and astringent tastes (such as hibiscus, mints, chamomile, catnip, nettle, raspberry) with warming and moistening influences (such as ginger, clove, cardamom, licorice, slippery elm). 

     

       This is because of the special postpartum needs for rejuvenation and, in Ayurvedic terms, for reducing the drying, ungrounded, weak digestive fires, and other irregularities of functioning of the vitiated "vata dosha" common to all women at this time