A Postpartum Care Ritual

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by Sarva

This is an example of the type of rite of passage rituals I offer to the new mothers I tend.

It is meant to be prepared by a postpartum doula or a loved one, for a new mother.

A few of the links included are affiliate links. See note at end.

1. Massage

Combine:

Gently warm the blended oil by setting the bottle in a bowl of hot water for about 10 minutes.

When the oil is comfortably warm, massage into the body from head to toe using gentle strokes that move toward the heart.

2. Bathe

Follow with a soak in an herbal bath.

In a pot on the stove, combine:

Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.

Remove from heat and add 1 cup rose petals to the pot.

Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes.

Strain & pour the strained brew into comfortably warm bath water.

Add 3 drops vetiver essential oil and optionally 1/2 cup of Himalayan salt, sea salt, or epsom salt to the bath water. You can also deepen the sacredness of the bath by floating large fresh flowers on the surface of the water. Some of my favorites to use are magnolias or roses. Just make sure the flowers are non-toxic and free of chemical sprays.

Soak for 20+ minutes.

Afterward, dry thoroughly and keep very warm! Pay special attention to keeping the head warm if hair is wet.

3. Anoint

Anoint the womb, heart center, and crown of the head with a drop of frankincense essential oil (1/3 of a drop each) to seal, close, and protect.

All of the above together are deeply:

Warming to the womb and body, relaxing, rebuilding, revitalizing, balancing to the hormones, soothing to sore muscles, supportive of nervous system regulation, help with the processing of emotions and birth experiences, grounding and stabilizing, supportive of oxytocin production, support embodiment and reconnection after birth, nourishing to the tissues, and so much more.

Alterations:

You can omit ingredients as you see fit, if inaccessible, etc.

Safety notes:

  • Avoid massage until cleared by your doctor if you have a cesarean incision

  • Avoid bath soaks until cleared by your doctor or midwife if you have stitches or a cesarean incision (can do a bucket pour bath or foot soak instead)

  • Keep temperatures warm (not excessively hot)

  • Use very small amounts of essential oils

  • Do not use if you are sensitive to or allergic to any of the ingredients

  • Consult your primary care provider if you have medical conditions or complications or if you take medication

Sourcing & links:

I’ve added links to most of the ingredients so you can see what you’re looking for. The Banyan Botanicals links are affiliate links, the others I have no association with. You can get 15% off your Banyan Botanicals order with discount code: ROSEWATER15

Want to learn more?

This type of care was never meant to be rare.

Throughout history, postpartum rituals like this were a way of life, rooted in the plants of the land and a deep understanding of the postpartum body.

That’s exactly what I teach inside The Art of New Mother Care.

Learn more
 
Sarva