@theviewfromgreatisland

We’ve had our first taste of fall in Colorado and baby girl and I have been getting out in 40-50 degree mornings to take our walks. As I type this I am sipping on bone broth (daily MUST!) and I am remembering just how nourishing warmth is to a postpartum mama. 

I gave birth in the (snowy) spring and I bundled myself up just as I would my baby when we would slip out for those initial appointments or quick runs to the store. To me, it felt so comforting to give myself this extra bit of care and thoughtfulness. I always had tea or warm lemon water in my hand (especially when breastfeeding) and a warm bowl of oatmeal or steamed veggies was like heaven.

WHY WE KEEP WARM

My acupuncturist stressed the importance of keeping my body warm postpartum and that advice has never left me. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that you should live in harmony with the seasons, and postpartum – a major season of your life, is no different. Warmth, gentleness, and a quiet, closed-down energy enveloped me and my family in the first three months postpartum. I created our own little cocoon to rest and heal from birth and adapt to our new family dynamic. 

TCM also believes that being exposed to cold and wind could potentially lead to pain or dysfunction later in life. So the saying goes “how a mother is cared for in the first forty days postpartum will impact her health for the next forty years.” That was enough motivation for me to take resting and nourishing my boy postpartum very seriously. I viewed my postpartum as an investment in my long-term health.

During pregnancy, we gain 50% blood volume, and following birth, we lose it- leaving our systems open and more susceptible to illness and coldness. By consuming warm, nourishing foods you build back up the blood. Here’s a few tips on easy ways to keep warm.

HOW WE KEEP WARM

????Nourishing Food – think warm and easily digestible foods. Broths, soups, grains, and cooked veggies.

????Warm Drinks – Our favorites? Warm lemon water + honey, herbal teas, and golden root turmeric latte.

????Grounded Environment – light a candle, grab your warm sweaters and socks. Close your windows and turn off the fan to prevent any cooling drafts. Baby wearing is a beautiful way to create warmth and bond with your baby.

What made you feel cared for and nourished postpartum? How did you focus on healing while getting to know your babe? ???? #readshugie

Xx

kaitlin