These are our TOP 5 suggestions for nourishing women after giving birth in the 4th trimester.
1. Retreat: This is the most important time that mother and new baby are to be held in a space, surrounded by those that are nourishing to her soul- physically and emotionally. For some, this may be just their spouse. For others, it may be their mother or aunt or postpartum doula. Visitors should be kept to a minimum, if any.
2. Rest: During the 4th trimester, all responsibilities that can be delegated, should. A birthing mother's body just went through the training and act of running several marathons. It takes on average 4 hours to complete a marathon. If you had a 40+ hour labor and delivery, then that would be equivalent to 10 marathons. It is time to REST. If not, then this deficit in healing can be there through the motherhood journey. So delegate all that you can for those first 40-days.
3. Support: Remember in suggestion #1 where we stated that new mamas should be surrounded by those that are nourishing? This is the time that should be filled with family, friends, or other forms of support that are there to HELP with feeding, hydrating, laundry, and taking care of the rest of the family only. NO entertaining or hosting should be expected.
4. Warm: To allow the body the time to focus on healing and not digesting, prioritizing warm foods that are easy to digest (think roasted vegetables, sustaining soups, traditional comfort foods) and warm drinks (herbal and caffeine-free teas or room-temperature + filtered water). Keep mom warm by providing her with cozy socks and extra blankets nearby.
5. Connect: This 4th Trimester period of time allows a postpartum mother's body to be able to connect with her baby, focus the energy on mom + baby and not the "to-do" list, for mother to connect with her own body to be able to listen to the subtle cues of needs that her body may be craving - Are you hungry, thirsty, need emotional support?
We know what it is like mothering in this generation. The demands on mothers are extensive, but there are ways to make "baby" steps in the right direction for healing on your journey.
