After growing a baby for nine months and then the hours spent birthing that baby, suddenly it is over, the baby in arms, the empty space inside where once resided little one and placenta. The blood stream is flooded with extra cell debris, and de-animated proteins which must be processed by the immune system. The organs have to shift back into place. The uterus is undergoing involution. The breasts are producing milk.
There is a sudden endocrine shift that takes place around day three. Estrogen production is now replaced by prolactin. The milk comes in and the tears may flow.
All is as it should be.
This time of great sensitivity and open heartedness.
You may hear other women discussing their day three experiences, that is because there is something quite normal, quite common about these changes.
What our culture has turned its back on is what tribal cultures experienced as life passages, times of upheaval and great change. SACRED times. Times to be honored, not avoided or rushed. Expectations are to birth your baby and get back in the race as soon as possible to avoid lost productivity.
Many cultures honor and cherish the postpartum time. These first few days or weeks are when subtle connections are being made on many levels. This is when mom and baby begin to establish and coincide their innate rhythms and psychic connections with baby on the outside of the mother, yet still very much a part of her aura for the first year or so.
Day three is a sacred day, the mom has opened her body and spirit wide to allow this baby to enter this earth, now there is a closing that must take place. Day three is NOT the day to go shopping. Day three is NOT the day to have a lot of visitors. Day three is the day to relax, drink tea, eat nourishing food, and be pampered.
The Amish are a good example of healthy postpartum time. They hire a girl to come and do the household chores and care for the other children. The mom stays in bed and takes it easy for ten days.
There are other cultures that encourage restful postpartum as the belief is that it impacts regeneration and longevity.
Some women will take six weeks as sacred time, staying home, limiting visitors. At the end of this
time, re-entering the world with the new little one in tow, one can carry Sacred into the world.
TIPS FOR POSTPARTUM HEALTH:
Essential oils, lavender is very calming, use as aromatherapy oil
Herbal teas, such as chamomile or sleepy time are helpful, you can make a strong infusion using 2 or 3 tea bags
Herbal tinctures: Motherwort, Valerian, Passion flower all relaxing and calming
Rescue Remedy is a nice, calming homeopathic remedy
Chocolate
Baths with postpartum herbs or epsom salt
Stay hydrated
Eat nourishing foods, homemade soups are easily digested and loaded with nutrients.
Protein and/or green drinks are helpful at this time, quick nutrients that bypass digestion.
Minimize distractions, visitors, tv
Hold Sacred Space
BREATHE, when one feels overwhelmed, often slow and deep breathing is a very good way to help move into a parasympathetic response, from a sympathetic or fight or flight response.
REST, REST, REST
Massage with a sensitive massage therapist would be helpful
Hire a postpartum doula.
Ask for what you need, don't assume people know what you need.
It's ok if you feel sad and are crying, there is much going on metabolically and biochemically right now, don't attach anything to your sadness, just observe it and let it pass through you. Your body, heart, and spirit has been opened wide.
Remember, postpartum is six weeks, don't expect too much too soon from yourself.
The problem is not Day Three, the problem is our misunderstanding of what Day Three is really about.
Blessings on your Day Three!
These are only suggestions and not to be construed as giving medical or other advice, these suggestions are purely for educational purposes.
