Thriving Postpartum: Embracing the Indigenous Wisdom of La Cuarentena

by Panquetzani

An expert in ancestral healing shares traditional Indigenous wisdom for helping women thrive rather than survive the postpartum experience.

Though we now have more resources for ancestral birthing and self-care practices than ever, postpartum care is still largely stuck in an outdated, patriarchal paradigm that fails to serve mothers and newborns. “Slowing down, recovering fully, and giving your baby the best start isn’t a privilege—it’s a basic human need,” says Pānquetzani, a leading expert in Indigenous health care for women. In Thriving Postpartum, she shares the sacred ritual of la cuarentena (or quarantine) that honors, nurtures, and empowers a birthing person’s transition into their new life.

Pānquetzani teaches this 40-day journey as a spiritual rite of passage, one that has endured colonization and supported women in Mesoamerican and Mexican communities. You’ll find everything you need—including ancestral recipes for lactation and replenishing; prayers and somatic practices for physical, emotional, and sexual recovery; and much more. Through traditional stories and practical guidance, she helps you engage your support network, become your own best advocate, and lay a healthy foundation for the years to come.

“This wisdom has come from my familia and is a direct inheritance from our collective body of knowledge,” says Pānquetzani. Imparted with love, tenderness, and respect, here is an invitation to participate in a rich tradition that celebrates birth and motherhood as sacred acts of creation.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Panditita · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book delves into postpartum experiences through the unique perspective of Traditional Mexican Medicine. Pānquetzani's skilful use of words makes the content accessible and easy to comprehend while avoiding any hint of condescension. The information presented is clear, featuring numerous examples that effectively drive the points home and testimonials and stories from people around her. This book was a delightful and insightful read, shedding light on how the care of a birthing parent is a community job that, at times, is challenging and often lonely postpartum while also guiding how to extend support to one's community during this significant phase of life.

Whether you're intrigued by the world of midwifery or the role of a birth doula, or are you about to embark on the journey of parenthood? This book is an essential read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me a copy on exchange for my review.

[Hannah Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much wisdom shared within this book for those who care for pregnant and postpartum folks. This book felt like a warm hug — I have a lot of love for the chapters later in the book that cover emotional well-being and healing after birth, and truly appreciate the reverence taken in approaching potentially triggering topics. As a non-BIPOC birthworker, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have read this ARC.

Thriving Postpartum is now on my list of recommend reads for fellow doulas and expecting parents!

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

As a birth worker, I absolutely loved this book. I'm still finding my place in birthwork, but this book will definitely be a staple in my arsenal. I appreciate the additional resources and compiled lists at the end for quick, easy reference. I also appreciate that Pānquetzani didn't try to upsell a ton throughout the book. It feels like it is meant to stand on its own, and that's really lovely. I will recommend this book to any and everyone who is looking to have a traditional, ancestral-led postpartum. Thank you again!!!

[♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ Erie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honoring the Sacred Postpartum Journey: A Review of "Thriving Postpartum"
Thank you to Sounds True for providing an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this insightful book. Here are my reflections on this journey into traditional Indigenous wisdom:

Star Rating: ★★★★☆

Immerse yourself in "Thriving Postpartum" by Panquetzani, a treasure trove of ancestral wisdom that redefines postpartum care through the lens of Traditional Mexican Medicine. Here's what makes this book a must-read:

➼ Unique Perspective: Panquetzani brings forth the practice of La Cuarentena, a 40-day ritual of care and recovery, weaving Indigenous knowledge with modern needs. This approach feels like a lifeline for those feeling disconnected from ancestral postpartum traditions. 🌿✨

➼ Accessible Wisdom: The author's writing style is both educational and inviting, making complex cultural practices understandable and applicable. The book is filled with examples, testimonials, and stories, enriching the reader's understanding. 📖💡

➼ Community Care: It emphasizes the collective role in supporting a new mother, highlighting the communal aspect of postpartum recovery which is often overlooked in today's individualistic society. 🤝💕

➼ Empowerment through Tradition: For those like me, who seek a deeper connection to our ancestral roots, Panquetzani's work is a bridge to the past, offering guidance on how to honor oneself and one's heritage during this transformative time. 🌎🙏

➼ Practical Guidance: From herbal recipes to emotional support, the book provides actionable steps to create a nurturing environment for healing and bonding. 🍵🧘‍♀️

➼ A Call for Change: Panquetzani challenges the societal expectations placed on new mothers, advocating for a slower, more respectful recovery process. This book isn't just about surviving postpartum but thriving in it. 🛑🌱

In Conclusion:

"Thriving Postpartum" is more than a guide; it's a cultural reclamation and a healing resource for BIPOC birthing people. It's a testament to the power of community, tradition, and the sacredness of motherhood. While its focus is on BIPOC communities, its wisdom is universal, offering insights that can benefit all who are navigating the postpartum period. 🌍👶

Panquetzani has not only shared knowledge but has also ignited a movement towards a more holistic, compassionate approach to postpartum care. For anyone looking to connect with their cultural roots, heal from birth, or simply understand the depth of postpartum care, this book is a beacon of light. 🌟📚

This review reflects my personal journey with the book, appreciating its depth, cultural richness, and the empowerment it offers to new mothers and their communities.

[Purplecat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great guide for anyone who is post-partum (or family/friends of someone who is post-partum) and is looking for ways to navigate or offer support using Traditional Meso-American Medicine and wisdom. As a BIPOC, I thoroughly enjoyed this read, it's engaging, very informative and FILLED with great resources, recipes, and lists. I will certainly continue to revisit and refer to it as I support my friends through post-partum.

[ALEXANDRA J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone who's pregnant, postpartum or has a family member who is. So much helpful information. It truly was a lifesaver for me. Many people don't talk about the struggles woman face postpartum at least in my community. This book talks about it honestly and offers soo many healing techniques, recipes and stories. It is medicine. Panquetzani is an angel, healing and uplifting postpartum bodies worldwide!!

[Marcella Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing read! It motivates you to look into your ancestors and how they healed postpartum. This book helped me slow down during my cuarentena by allowing my loved ones to take care of me while I healed.