I would have liked to have sat and read this book from cover to cover, but I am pretty tired of reading baby books in general so I skimmed it.
It includes references to women in other cultures and how they handle the postpartum period, which I found very interesting. There are several recipes for herbal baths, supplements, rubs, ointments and nutritious dishes. I will copying some of these recipes into my own repertoire.
Notes:
"mother roasting" goes beyond keeping the ambient temperature warm... includes infusing heat deep especially on the abdomen to speed healing (warm rocks, herbal supplements, hot packs, etc)
postpartum massage also speeds the healing process
belly binding - wrap the belly with a strip of thin cotton 8-10 inches wide and 5 feet in length, place fabric midline on abdomen from the top of the pubic hairline to just under the navel, firm but not tight, wear the wrap for up to 2 weeks after birth
to relieve engorged breasts
- take a hot bath or shower with the water running over the breasts then gently express them
- apply hot compresses
- have partner nurse
- apply bruised cabbage leaves (leaves on a cutting board rolled over with rolling pin)
food nursing babies may not like-- spicy, caffeinated, dairy, peanuts, eggs, citrus fruits, onions, wheat, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, tomatoes, corn and soy
getting time to take car of yourself
- turn off phone several hours each day
- set specific times for housework, etc, work for that time, then put tasks away
- consolidate errands
- plan meals ahead (like a weeks' worth)
- turn off tv and do something nurturing/fulfilling (read, write, garden, bath time, etc)
- hire a mid to high school student to help you 2 hours a week after school so you can get shit finished
**how to make a hot rice pack**
4x36 inch fabric
fold in half so it is 4x18 inches
sew the ends
fill 2/3 with rice (or rice mixed with 1/4 cup lavender blossoms)
sew last side
heat 2 min in microwave