Pregnancy and labor can take a big toll on the mother’s overall health, and can deplete her energy (heat). The fourth trimester is the most important time for a woman to rest, eat anti-inflammatory and warming foods, bond with her baby, and welcome support from her family, friends, and community.
Proper healing reflects on the physical, mental, and emotional health of the new mother during this period, and for the rest of her life.
Here are some of the traditional postpartum methods used in our postpartum doula care:
Belly Binding
Belly binding is the wrapping of the core to provide support and warmth. During pregnancy, the uterus puts pressures on two bands of abdominal muscles, which are known as the diastatic recti, that are located in the center of the belly. This pressure can stretch or separate these muscles; binding can help to support and heal the weakened, separated core muscles.
Vaginal Steaming
Postpartum vaginal steaming stimulates the uterus to help it shrink to its original size and let go of the after-blood (“lochia”). Steaming helps with the healing of natural tears, hemorrhoids, and episiotomies. The healing herbs are brewed to relax the vaginal area, perineum, and the rectal area, which helps relax the entire body. It also helps to reduce swelling.
Herbal Salt Baths
These healing herbs are brewed to calm and relax the body and mind. It can also get rid of any muscle soreness from the labor. The baths are highly recommended for helping the body to sweat out all the water retention from the pregnancy and to reactive the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins. Salt baths are to eliminate inflammation from water retention during pregnancy and labor.
Chawa
Chawa is an Afghan traditional postpartum drink that gets rid of inflammation, brings warmth, supports the immune system, and restores balance to the body. All the ingredients are warming, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal.
Nourishing Soup
You will be left with a pot of nourishing soup after every visit. The ingredients are warming and nourishing to support digestion and whole body healing for the postpartum mom. Most soups contain turmeric, ginger, and other root vegetables which all have anti-inflammatory properties.
Venus Traditional Care 