At over 5000 years old, Ayurveda is the oldest health science in existan. The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge), translating to “knowledge of life”. Ayurveda believes that disease is due to an imbalance in our body, mind, spirit, and environment, and encourages achieving balance and harmony with nutrition, herbs and botanicals, restful sleep, exercise, stress management and activities that promote mindfulness.

The well-being of new mothers is at the heart of the centuries old practice of Ayurveda. The “science of life”, or Ayurveda, offers a holistic set of guidelines on caring for new mothers and restoring the delicate balance of energies within the postpartum body. Ayurveda holds that the first forty days postpartum will shape the next forty years of her life. Research continually tells us that this first 40 days after birth has lifelong health impacts if neglected, but with a proper recovery period, a woman can easily rebalance and fully step into her new role.

The pillars of postpartum is Ayurveda are extended rest, warmth, body care, herbal support and nutrition, which I achieve with:

-Abhyanga oil body treatments

-farm style herbal foot bath

-warm, easily digestible, nutrient-dense, nourishing meals, milks and teas

-herbs in the form of hand-made teas and tinctures to promote healing, support mood and optimize lactation

-a grounding, loving and calm energy

The postpartum body goes through a lot in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. In addition to childbirth, there is significant physiological depletion (micro and macronutrient insufficiencies) that occurs in pregnancy, leaving mothers running a deficit even before entering labor. Postpartum depletion results from the maternal body sending the necessary nutrients to the baby in utero even if at the mother’s expense, and continues as we give our babies our life-giving breastmilk.

Nourishment in the days and weeks after pregnancy and childbirth becomes mission critical to no only bring the body back to baseline, but help us h e a l, support our mood, support digestion and optimize our breastmilk. Warmth, healthy fats, protein, mico-nutrients and fiber are the heart of every meal.

Think organic whole vegetables, ghee, well-sourced salmon, fresh and soaked legumes and beans, soaked dates, whole grains, stewed fruits and nuts and seeds. Warm and grounding dishes of soups, stews and kitchari. Snacks of stewed and spiced fruit, soaked nuts and seeds, goji berries and dates. Warming drinks of spiced milk, turmeric and ashwaganda lattes and fresh herbal teas.

You will find warming spices in Ayurvedic dishes such as cardamom, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. A selection of herbs in the form of teas and tonics nourish us with essential vitamins and minerals,  heal common postpartum ailments, optimize milk supply and support emotional well being.

Some client favorite dishes are:

*Nepali rice porridge with cardamom, ginger and cinnamon, topped with dates, goji berries and seeds

*sweet potato and mung bean kitchari

*red lentil coconut curry soup

*creamy apricot, sweet potato and carrot soup with coconut cream

*apples and pears stewed in raw honey and warming spices, topped with nuts and seeds

*nut milk boiled and blended with dates, ghee and delicious spices makes for a comforting, creamy and nourishing drink

Regardless if this is your first or fourth baby, this period of time, also referred to as the fourth trimester, is a major milestone and transition for yourself, your body and your whole family.

A Postpartum Doula provides physical a emotional support, practical support within the home, and education to the whole family.

As a postpartum Doula, Ash primarily focuses on caring for the mother. While the infant is a priority, caring for the mother’s emotional and physical well-being allows for her cup to be filled so that she can care for and bond with her baby in a way that will have positive, lasting impact on her health and the well-being of the whole family.

Whether this is your first or subsequent baby, every single mother and family can benefit from a Postpartum Doula.

A PPD is there to support the mother and the whole family- to rest, heal, bond with baby, help practically around the home and support the family in transitioning into their new roles.

In addition, studies have shown that:

-90% of moms are not prepared for the postpartum period

-1 in 4 Mom’s struggle with postpartum mood disorders

-80% of moms do not meet their breast-feeding goals.

Having a Postpartum Doula has been shown to significantly lowers these statistics.

A postpartum Doula can begin working as soon as you are ready to have them in your home. Most families benefit from having their Doula arrive to their home within a few days of giving birth, as this is the start of some of the most crucial time.

When working with me, you have the option to decide to have me begin in a small but impactful way in the weeks leading up to your birth. I offer food prep for the first day postpartum, postpartum 1:1 education and preparation class, in-home visits to help optimize the home, mother’s room and nursery, and more.

The amount of time of postpartum doula spends in your home is going to depend on what both parties are comfortable with. Some routine practices allow for Postpartum Doulas to be in and out the door in three hours effectively. Others with more services offered may need more time.

In addition to newborn care, lactation support and practical help around the home (dishes, laundry and tidying), I offer support in the form of Abhyanga oil treatments for mom and baby, herbal baths, foot soaks, daily beautiful meal preparation. These practices take time and I personally like to spend 4 hours per day supporting you.