Nourishing the New Mother’s Nervous System
A postpartum mama’s nervous system is incredibly sensitive. Her body opens more than it ever has in her life (physically and energetically) during birth, and her womb which was just full of life is suddenly empty. In Ayurveda, postpartum is considered a Vata state. Vata dosha is comprised of the ether and air elements - meaning you may feel more connected to your creativity and spirituality, but also more prone to nervous system dysregulation.
On top of all of that, your baby is co-regulating with your nervous system - so their nervous system is completely dependent upon yours to let them know whether they are safe. Babies NEED healthy and regulated mothers. It is so important to proactively tend to your nervous system BEFORE you start to feel anxious, burned out, or depleted.
As a mother, I’ve found it so easy to put myself last, and end up feeling anxious and burnt out. I’m such a better mother, partner, and friend when I care for myself in little ways throughout the day rather than waiting until I’m on the verge of a meltdown.
Some of my favorite simple ways to nourish my nervous system throughout the day are:
Fresh Air & Bare Feet
I try to get us outside and get my feet on the earth as soon as we’re done with breakfast. Some days we work in the garden or harvest herbs. Some days we walk the dog. Some days we just sit on the porch and I sip my coffee while babe plays on a blanket. Later in the afternoon, we walk down to the creek for a quick dip before dinner. (If you are newly postpartum, it’s vital to keep your body and your baby’s body warm. It’s especially important to cover your head, neck, womb, and feet. Please make sure you’re bundled up if it’s at all chilly outside!)
Mineral Rich Beverages
Breastfeeding can leave me dehydrated and depleted of minerals if I’m not careful, so I keep the mineral rich bevs coming throughout the day. Herbal infusions, bone broth, raw milk, adrenal cocktails, electrolyte drinks with salt, fruit juice, & honey.
Nutrient Dense Food
I start my day off with a big, protein rich breakfast (usually eggs, sausage, some sort of sourdough, and OJ) and continue to eat consistently throughout the day. Not keeping up with my body’s need for calories, especially protein, is the quickest way for my day to go to sh*t, so I really prioritize eating well. I make sure every meal and snack contains a balance of protein and carbs. I eat generous amounts of animal fats and I supplement with organ meats and cod liver.
Minimal Caffeine
And always after food! I usually stick with one latte a day. I find that’s the most my body can handle without my nervous system feeling frayed. Occasionally I’ll indulge in an afternoon matcha.
Connect with Community
This is one I’m constantly working on. I’m such a homebody and often feel like I’d rather stay home and in my own flow than make the effort to socialize. But I notice a huge difference in my mood and energy when I take the time to hang out with friends, go to the farmer’s market or my monthly mama’s circle, or even just pop outside and chat with the neighbors.
Tonic Nervines
My Mellow Mood Tincture has been a lifesaver since babe was born. I feel so much more resilient to stress when I’m taking it daily. I also love to add nervine herbs like lemonbalm, tulsi, and rose into my herbal infusions.
Abhyanga / Herbal Body Oiling
Abhyanga, or body oiling, is such a deeply nourishing and grounding ritual. In Ayurveda, daily abhyanga with warm sesame oil is one of the primary recommendations to balance Vata. I love to infuse herbs into my body oil to get extra medicine through my pores. My daily oil at the moment is the Unwind Ritual Body Oil, which relaxes and warms the body while smelling absolutely DIVINE.
Movement
Walking, hiking, dancing, stretching… I feel more human when I move my body regularly. (Note that complete rest is NECESSARY in the first few weeks postpartum!)
Prioritize Sleep
For us, cosleeping has been the easiest and coziest way to make sure we’re getting adequate rest. Some days when I’m extra tired, I go to bed at 7 with my baby.
Ask for Help
Another one I’m always working on. So much of the work we do as mothers is invisible and it’s so worth it to ask for help when it feels like too much. Often our people are happy to help if we just make our needs known!