Last year I learned so much about caring for an Indian woman post-partum, according to her cultural traditions.
Her Mother arrived from India to direct and oversee care, she brought herbs native to their region for cooking and therapeutic use. Although she was present to begin with, over time, she passed over care ..throughout this I was guided by them both, with deep respect for their cultural ways and joy at the learning I was receiving. It evolved so her Mother did all the cooking and I tended her with daily massage involving lots of turmeric, this yellowed the skin but was positively welcomed and seen as a good thing. There was important focus on keeping her warm always, particularly the feet. There was herbal bathing, followed by belly wrapping. This was done using long cotton sarong, bound very tightly and kept on for many hours. Then restorative rest with baby being brought to her for breastfeeding. This continued for six weeks, here I witnessed a new Mother emerge slowly, purposefully and so very gently. I think of her Mother's love and how, within her home community, she would also have been surrounded by her female folk, tending her daily. I too received such gifts .. the experience, the giving, the sharing of turmeric powder from their village and her Mother wrapped me too. Felt blissful 🧡
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