Case in W. Australia, heavy blood loss, cont.

[Guest guest]

Ysha,

 

I'm scribing for Julia while she's feeding Harriet:

 

We are in Western Australia and Julia might have come across that person

studying Ayurveda and AyurDoula, but can't remember where exactly.

 

Julia has a slight fever and infection and wondering if she should avoid hot

spices etc or advice in this situation?

 

Harriet wants to feed more than every two yours, is it ok to feed her this often

or should we still hold out for the two hour mark?

 

We used essential oils from your recommendation for indegestion for Harriet to

great success.

 

Julia said this morning that the chai ilbought to her in hospital was so vety

important for her recovery and tasted like the best food she's ever had.

 

Julia has been a bit down today as the events of the birth continue to be talked

through. We are unlikely to be allowed a home birth with the program next time.

She feels her energy is on herself and not enough towards the baby.

 

Many many thanks for your support during this time,

 

Dylan

 

Dear Dylan and Julia -

 

I'm glad to hear from you and apologize for the few hours delay. Please feed

Harriet as often as she wants to nurse right now, and after about 2 weeks is the

time to lean into the 2 hour gap. Note that at 10 days most babies are right on

target with their first growth spurt, and will be more demanding, so take extra

care those few days of Julia also.

 

It is natural for Julia's attention to feel divided, it is good she is not

ignoring this experience, and natural for her attention and energy to be inward.

Help her to honor this. It is such a blessing you are by her side. This is a

good time for you and other family or near and dear ones to be with Harriet so

that Julia can rest more, perhaps meditate, and honor her mother-body to gain

strength. It is totally natural right now, and it also is likely that some

extra support herbally when the fever goes down will be very valuable. Do you

have access to ayurvedic herbs and, ideally, and ayurvedic practitioner there?

Perhaps we can begin the process so she has them as soon as possible. If you

have any chyavan prash she can begin taking a good spoonful a couple times a

day, not only for blood and immune support but also for amalaki's benefits to

the mind.

 

Yes, it is sad to know the uterine condition will impair a future homebirth; I'm

sure the heart is heavy in multiple ways, in spite of the joy of a baby in arms.

The good news is, the emotions and mind will respond most quickly to taking care

of the vata and trauma in her body, I think you may be surprised; even honoring

the fact that the blood loss and trauma has been considerable.

 

Can you warm some sesame oil and gently apply it to her limbs, back, breasts,

head, feet, something like the self massage sequence on my website? Be extra

gentle - just full palm long strokes the weight of your hand, a soothing no

pressure but full contact just now, and circular strokes on the joints. Avoid

pressure on her belly and any other caveats the doc or midwife will give. Keep

her warm with extra towels, no drafts even in really warm room, and use a hand

towel to hot steam treat and wipe the areas afterwards - she is probably still

on a nurses' sponge bath, right? If fever is continuing, just apply, don't

massage.

 

There is commonly what is called " milk fever " when the milk is coming in for a

few days. Are we past that? Milk fever is a low fever; is there any guidance

from your primary health practitioner what may be going on? If it were me, I'd

be taking the organic essential oils from Young Living in capsules for

antibiotic/antiviral support, and I'll look for some information to attach

before signing out. If she continues with the fever or it is high, peppermint

oil, a few drops on the feet but not near Harriet, is very helpful to bring down

a fever. Some find chamomile does the job, and more gently at this time is

good.

 

If you have access to the ayurvedic herb called guduchi, this is the time to

take it in herbal tea infusion, 1/2 tsp/cup 2-4 X per day. Can be mixed with

CCF or fennel-fenugreek. I would see how a cup or two of strong fenugreek tea

feels actually, given it's special benefits for fever, helping the uterus

sometimes to release any retained fragment, and lactation support. I would be

adding 1/4 tsp brahmi to this. Let me know?

 

Dietary, I would also probably continue with ghee or macadamia nut oil, and agni

supportive spices. I said probably as we don't have a full discussion about

Julia and I can't see her, but this is what I would do in your shoes based on

what I know of your situation. If she does not feel good with the panchaloka

type spices, you can reduce or lean into more middle of the road ones like

cumin, fennel, dill, coriander. Agni still needs attention. Depending upon

the nature of the fever, she can favor more vegetable soups and maybe quinoa for

a couple days, less dairy, rice, wheat and sweet taste. My guess is the garlic

chutney will still be valuable, it is so immune supportive. Stewed dried and

fresh fruits are excellent for iron and for sweet taste and fine with low fever.

 

If her lochia (bleeding) has diminished some and she is not still in window of

risk for increased bleeding, you might serve the tahini milk recipe in her

cookbook instead - it is rich in readily available minerals, fats, protein and a

little immediate energy carbs; but only if bleeding is much lighter. I have

under a naturopath's guidance later postpartum fasted on it with a nursing baby

when I had the flu and congestion, but it is important to pay close attention to

all details of her condition involved. How many days postpartum are we now?

Otherwise, almond milk with saffron will be more suitable, and yes, warm temp.

 

OH - I'm not sure what went in the chai you brought her, but if it is about half

milk, half water and with lots of spices, or more milk if it feels to her

beneficial, I'd continue this considering her response. And add a teaspoon of

ghee to it when served. There are actually recipes with all hot milk using

1/4-1/2 tsp turmeric, or ginger, or one with a clove of sliced garlic, all with

pinches of cardamom added and boiled a bit with a little water to strengthen the

herbal influence, which are actually used for immune and respiratory congestion

supports. Since the cow's milk also is serotonergic, this is helping her

emotions and the extreme vata from the trauma as well as from childbirth.

 

So happy to hear your results with Harriet's tummy and the essential oil. Julia

may need it too - how is her appetite, digestion and elimination now? I'm

attaching a questionnaire which will help us focus in on keys for her progress,

if you will speak to these things in our conversation now. There is an

excellent oil blend called Trauma Life, I love it. Or I would be using some

homeopathic Rescue Remedy - wonderful benefits.

 

Honestly, if it were me and I could afford it, I would be taking a blend of

essential oils in capsule internally, especially with helichrysum. This is more

detail than I can writeup at this time and involves some conversation; feel free

to make a time to talk tomorrow if you want to, on the phone.

 

Keep up the conversation - little things can make such a big difference right

now! Many blessings are without a doubt, yours even at this challenging time.

 

Love,

 

Ysha

[Guest guest]

Ysha, that was a beautiful, thorough and sensitive answer you gave re: Julia.

Your knowledge mixed with intuition and delicacy are becoming ever sharper.

 

Vicky York, IBCLC, CPD

Postpartum Care Services

www.vickyyorkdoula.com

 

 

references: www.ikarma.com/user/vmyork

 

 

 

 

________________________________

ayurdoula <AyurDoulas

ayurveda

Mon, March 22, 2010 11:05:10 PM

PerinatalAyurveda forum Re: Case in W. Australia, heavy blood loss,

cont.

 

 

Ysha,

 

I'm scribing for Julia while she's feeding Harriet:

 

We are in Western Australia and Julia might have come across that person

studying Ayurveda and AyurDoula, but can't remember where exactly.

 

Julia has a slight fever and infection and wondering if she should avoid hot

spices etc or advice in this situation?

 

Harriet wants to feed more than every two yours, is it ok to feed her this often

or should we still hold out for the two hour mark?

 

We used essential oils from your recommendation for indegestion for Harriet to

great success.

 

Julia said this morning that the chai ilbought to her in hospital was so vety

important for her recovery and tasted like the best food she's ever had.

 

Julia has been a bit down today as the events of the birth continue to be talked

through. We are unlikely to be allowed a home birth with the program next time.

She feels her energy is on herself and not enough towards the baby.

 

Many many thanks for your support during this time,

 

Dylan

 

Dear Dylan and Julia -

 

I'm glad to hear from you and apologize for the few hours delay. Please feed

Harriet as often as she wants to nurse right now, and after about 2 weeks is the

time to lean into the 2 hour gap. Note that at 10 days most babies are right on

target with their first growth spurt, and will be more demanding, so take extra

care those few days of Julia also.

 

It is natural for Julia's attention to feel divided, it is good she is not

ignoring this experience, and natural for her attention and energy to be inward.

Help her to honor this. It is such a blessing you are by her side. This is a

good time for you and other family or near and dear ones to be with Harriet so

that Julia can rest more, perhaps meditate, and honor her mother-body to gain

strength. It is totally natural right now, and it also is likely that some

extra support herbally when the fever goes down will be very valuable. Do you

have access to ayurvedic herbs and, ideally, and ayurvedic practitioner there?

Perhaps we can begin the process so she has them as soon as possible. If you

have any chyavan prash she can begin taking a good spoonful a couple times a

day, not only for blood and immune support but also for amalaki's benefits to

the mind.

 

Yes, it is sad to know the uterine condition will impair a future homebirth; I'm

sure the heart is heavy in multiple ways, in spite of the joy of a baby in arms.

The good news is, the emotions and mind will respond most quickly to taking care

of the vata and trauma in her body, I think you may be surprised; even honoring

the fact that the blood loss and trauma has been considerable.

 

Can you warm some sesame oil and gently apply it to her limbs, back, breasts,

head, feet, something like the self massage sequence on my website? Be extra

gentle - just full palm long strokes the weight of your hand, a soothing no

pressure but full contact just now, and circular strokes on the joints. Avoid

pressure on her belly and any other caveats the doc or midwife will give. Keep

her warm with extra towels, no drafts even in really warm room, and use a hand

towel to hot steam treat and wipe the areas afterwards - she is probably still

on a nurses' sponge bath, right? If fever is continuing, just apply, don't

massage.

 

There is commonly what is called " milk fever " when the milk is coming in for a

few days. Are we past that? Milk fever is a low fever; is there any guidance

from your primary health practitioner what may be going on? If it were me, I'd

be taking the organic essential oils from Young Living in capsules for

antibiotic/antivira l support, and I'll look for some information to attach

before signing out. If she continues with the fever or it is high, peppermint

oil, a few drops on the feet but not near Harriet, is very helpful to bring down

a fever. Some find chamomile does the job, and more gently at this time is

good.

 

If you have access to the ayurvedic herb called guduchi, this is the time to

take it in herbal tea infusion, 1/2 tsp/cup 2-4 X per day. Can be mixed with

CCF or fennel-fenugreek. I would see how a cup or two of strong fenugreek tea

feels actually, given it's special benefits for fever, helping the uterus

sometimes to release any retained fragment, and lactation support. I would be

adding 1/4 tsp brahmi to this. Let me know?

 

Dietary, I would also probably continue with ghee or macadamia nut oil, and agni

supportive spices. I said probably as we don't have a full discussion about

Julia and I can't see her, but this is what I would do in your shoes based on

what I know of your situation. If she does not feel good with the panchaloka

type spices, you can reduce or lean into more middle of the road ones like

cumin, fennel, dill, coriander. Agni still needs attention. Depending upon

the nature of the fever, she can favor more vegetable soups and maybe quinoa for

a couple days, less dairy, rice, wheat and sweet taste. My guess is the garlic

chutney will still be valuable, it is so immune supportive. Stewed dried and

fresh fruits are excellent for iron and for sweet taste and fine with low fever.

 

If her lochia (bleeding) has diminished some and she is not still in window of

risk for increased bleeding, you might serve the tahini milk recipe in her

cookbook instead - it is rich in readily available minerals, fats, protein and a

little immediate energy carbs; but only if bleeding is much lighter. I have

under a naturopath's guidance later postpartum fasted on it with a nursing baby

when I had the flu and congestion, but it is important to pay close attention to

all details of her condition involved. How many days postpartum are we now?

Otherwise, almond milk with saffron will be more suitable, and yes, warm temp.

 

OH - I'm not sure what went in the chai you brought her, but if it is about half

milk, half water and with lots of spices, or more milk if it feels to her

beneficial, I'd continue this considering her response. And add a teaspoon of

ghee to it when served. There are actually recipes with all hot milk using

1/4-1/2 tsp turmeric, or ginger, or one with a clove of sliced garlic, all with

pinches of cardamom added and boiled a bit with a little water to strengthen the

herbal influence, which are actually used for immune and respiratory congestion

supports. Since the cow's milk also is serotonergic, this is helping her

emotions and the extreme vata from the trauma as well as from childbirth.

 

So happy to hear your results with Harriet's tummy and the essential oil. Julia

may need it too - how is her appetite, digestion and elimination now? I'm

attaching a questionnaire which will help us focus in on keys for her progress,

if you will speak to these things in our conversation now. There is an

excellent oil blend called Trauma Life, I love it. Or I would be using some

homeopathic Rescue Remedy - wonderful benefits.

 

Honestly, if it were me and I could afford it, I would be taking a blend of

essential oils in capsule internally, especially with helichrysum. This is more

detail than I can writeup at this time and involves some conversation; feel free

to make a time to talk tomorrow if you want to, on the phone.

 

Keep up the conversation - little things can make such a big difference right

now! Many blessings are without a doubt, yours even at this challenging time.

 

Love,

 

Ysha

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Ysha, do you know how to make a homemade chai tea? May one could make a

concentration of it and freeze it in cubes or something, then pull it out of the

freezer and put in a cup, add milk and heat it. What all would you put in it for

the postpartum mother.

It's so expensive in the store.

 

Vicky York, IBCLC, CPD

Postpartum Care Services

www.vickyyorkdoula.com

 

 

references: www.ikarma.com/user/vmyork

 

 

 

 

________________________________

ayurdoula <AyurDoulas

ayurveda

Mon, March 22, 2010 11:05:10 PM

PerinatalAyurveda forum Re: Case in W. Australia, heavy blood loss,

cont.

 

 

Ysha,

 

I'm scribing for Julia while she's feeding Harriet:

 

We are in Western Australia and Julia might have come across that person

studying Ayurveda and AyurDoula, but can't remember where exactly.

 

Julia has a slight fever and infection and wondering if she should avoid hot

spices etc or advice in this situation?

 

Harriet wants to feed more than every two yours, is it ok to feed her this often

or should we still hold out for the two hour mark?

 

We used essential oils from your recommendation for indegestion for Harriet to

great success.

 

Julia said this morning that the chai ilbought to her in hospital was so vety

important for her recovery and tasted like the best food she's ever had.

 

Julia has been a bit down today as the events of the birth continue to be talked

through. We are unlikely to be allowed a home birth with the program next time.

She feels her energy is on herself and not enough towards the baby.

 

Many many thanks for your support during this time,

 

Dylan

 

Dear Dylan and Julia -

 

I'm glad to hear from you and apologize for the few hours delay. Please feed

Harriet as often as she wants to nurse right now, and after about 2 weeks is the

time to lean into the 2 hour gap. Note that at 10 days most babies are right on

target with their first growth spurt, and will be more demanding, so take extra

care those few days of Julia also.

 

It is natural for Julia's attention to feel divided, it is good she is not

ignoring this experience, and natural for her attention and energy to be inward.

Help her to honor this. It is such a blessing you are by her side. This is a

good time for you and other family or near and dear ones to be with Harriet so

that Julia can rest more, perhaps meditate, and honor her mother-body to gain

strength. It is totally natural right now, and it also is likely that some

extra support herbally when the fever goes down will be very valuable. Do you

have access to ayurvedic herbs and, ideally, and ayurvedic practitioner there?

Perhaps we can begin the process so she has them as soon as possible. If you

have any chyavan prash she can begin taking a good spoonful a couple times a

day, not only for blood and immune support but also for amalaki's benefits to

the mind.

 

Yes, it is sad to know the uterine condition will impair a future homebirth; I'm

sure the heart is heavy in multiple ways, in spite of the joy of a baby in arms.

The good news is, the emotions and mind will respond most quickly to taking care

of the vata and trauma in her body, I think you may be surprised; even honoring

the fact that the blood loss and trauma has been considerable.

 

Can you warm some sesame oil and gently apply it to her limbs, back, breasts,

head, feet, something like the self massage sequence on my website? Be extra

gentle - just full palm long strokes the weight of your hand, a soothing no

pressure but full contact just now, and circular strokes on the joints. Avoid

pressure on her belly and any other caveats the doc or midwife will give. Keep

her warm with extra towels, no drafts even in really warm room, and use a hand

towel to hot steam treat and wipe the areas afterwards - she is probably still

on a nurses' sponge bath, right? If fever is continuing, just apply, don't

massage.

 

There is commonly what is called " milk fever " when the milk is coming in for a

few days. Are we past that? Milk fever is a low fever; is there any guidance

from your primary health practitioner what may be going on? If it were me, I'd

be taking the organic essential oils from Young Living in capsules for

antibiotic/antivira l support, and I'll look for some information to attach

before signing out. If she continues with the fever or it is high, peppermint

oil, a few drops on the feet but not near Harriet, is very helpful to bring down

a fever. Some find chamomile does the job, and more gently at this time is

good.

 

If you have access to the ayurvedic herb called guduchi, this is the time to

take it in herbal tea infusion, 1/2 tsp/cup 2-4 X per day. Can be mixed with

CCF or fennel-fenugreek. I would see how a cup or two of strong fenugreek tea

feels actually, given it's special benefits for fever, helping the uterus

sometimes to release any retained fragment, and lactation support. I would be

adding 1/4 tsp brahmi to this. Let me know?

 

Dietary, I would also probably continue with ghee or macadamia nut oil, and agni

supportive spices. I said probably as we don't have a full discussion about

Julia and I can't see her, but this is what I would do in your shoes based on

what I know of your situation. If she does not feel good with the panchaloka

type spices, you can reduce or lean into more middle of the road ones like

cumin, fennel, dill, coriander. Agni still needs attention. Depending upon

the nature of the fever, she can favor more vegetable soups and maybe quinoa for

a couple days, less dairy, rice, wheat and sweet taste. My guess is the garlic

chutney will still be valuable, it is so immune supportive. Stewed dried and

fresh fruits are excellent for iron and for sweet taste and fine with low fever.

 

If her lochia (bleeding) has diminished some and she is not still in window of

risk for increased bleeding, you might serve the tahini milk recipe in her

cookbook instead - it is rich in readily available minerals, fats, protein and a

little immediate energy carbs; but only if bleeding is much lighter. I have

under a naturopath's guidance later postpartum fasted on it with a nursing baby

when I had the flu and congestion, but it is important to pay close attention to

all details of her condition involved. How many days postpartum are we now?

Otherwise, almond milk with saffron will be more suitable, and yes, warm temp.

 

OH - I'm not sure what went in the chai you brought her, but if it is about half

milk, half water and with lots of spices, or more milk if it feels to her

beneficial, I'd continue this considering her response. And add a teaspoon of

ghee to it when served. There are actually recipes with all hot milk using

1/4-1/2 tsp turmeric, or ginger, or one with a clove of sliced garlic, all with

pinches of cardamom added and boiled a bit with a little water to strengthen the

herbal influence, which are actually used for immune and respiratory congestion

supports. Since the cow's milk also is serotonergic, this is helping her

emotions and the extreme vata from the trauma as well as from childbirth.

 

So happy to hear your results with Harriet's tummy and the essential oil. Julia

may need it too - how is her appetite, digestion and elimination now? I'm

attaching a questionnaire which will help us focus in on keys for her progress,

if you will speak to these things in our conversation now. There is an

excellent oil blend called Trauma Life, I love it. Or I would be using some

homeopathic Rescue Remedy - wonderful benefits.

 

Honestly, if it were me and I could afford it, I would be taking a blend of

essential oils in capsule internally, especially with helichrysum. This is more

detail than I can writeup at this time and involves some conversation; feel free

to make a time to talk tomorrow if you want to, on the phone.

 

Keep up the conversation - little things can make such a big difference right

now! Many blessings are without a doubt, yours even at this challenging time.

 

Love,

 

Ysha

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Dear Vicky -

 

Though I rarely use a recipe for chai, there are recipes Julia's family and

friends probably called on, and some principles you can use, and many good

recipes. For postpartum mums, we don't need the caffeine, and for quick and

easy you can use something like Yogi Tea's India Spice tea or often I'll use a

masala spice powder designed for tea rather than vegetables - 1/2 tsp per cup or

steeped in a little water filling with milk to boil, or a more traditional chai

recipe has 1/2 water and half milk. Sweeten to taste, just avoiding cooking

with honey.

 

I can't really recommend the freezer method - not only is it more work but

freezing and warming adds vata to the effect, our prime target to reduce after

birth. As Julia is in Australia and they didn't respond to that direct

question, they may be calling chai the hot spiced milk tonic in the postpartum

cookbook or something from a shoppe - either will be so soothing and supportive

actually. My recs for her to maybe to halve the water or reduce the spices used

was because of our dance around not increasing pitta any more than we have to

due to it's ability to increase risk of more bleeding - in spite of need to

support the immediate postpartum always low agni (digestive abilities).

 

It is a delicate issue and I'm quite curious how our vaidya friends would have

handled it. Maybe continuing with chitrak? So my spicing adjustments for her

foods and drinks are designed to as much as possible increase agni w/o side

effects to increase bleeding, still a risk for her.

 

Note that milk has cooling effect also w/o the spices, though still vata

pacifying, so both heating it and adding seasonings help digest it. AND note

that just " heating it " is what most people will do, yet w/o boiling the milk it

is much less digestible. Then you are back to having to handle many of the

common milk issues.

 

I agree, store bought chai is expensive. And tamasic, being how many weeks old,

and often has the toxic pasteurized honey added and inorganic ingredients. So

though technically dried herbs are more tamasic than fresh, they are not in same

league as packaged premade teas or soups, and the herbal tea bags or powders can

be gently simmered 5-10 minutes in hot water then brought back to boil briefly

with the milk to properly prepare.

 

My local bulk herb store, and the Ayurvedic Institute offer a delicious not too

spicy tea masala. I also have 3 or 4 cookbooks with recipes to blend your own

which I intend to compare when I have time and ingredients all together - does

anyone else have a favorite?

 

When I throw it together w/o measuring, I get out the fresh or dry ginger

(usually a few thin slices), cinnamon sticks, cardamom seeds, black peppercorns,

whole cloves, fennel and fenugreek seeds, or maybe even anise and I've used a

bay leaf at Dr. Shrestha's suggestion - also delicious with the rest of the

spices.

 

Often a few soaked saffron threads are added at the end for considerable benefit

postpartum if she has some. If she has not used milk for a while or is worried

about her or baby's allergies, we just make a small amount to start, and also

add some turmeric for it's antihistamine and antimucous effects, though all the

spices help with the latter. All this is typed up more orderly in the cookbook!

 

If she is very pitta or first trimester pregnancy or in hot summer sometimes, we

will use just a little cardamom and soak a few saffron threads to add when done

instead. Pitta also loves rosewater, rose petals, or rose petal jam added, or

licorice if no HBP or water retention is happening.

 

I often add licorice stick to the spices, or powder for excellent taste and it's

harmonizing effects - and boil these things together for a while in a little

water, then add the milk and bring back to boil. I nearly always sweeten it for

postpartum mothers and add a tsp of ghee before serving. The oleation therapy

goes into just about everything. I use a lighter organic sugar or agave

usually, or honey at the table, or some mothers like barley malt or brown rice

syrup. Succanat, rapadura, molasses and jaggery can easily curdle the milk with

the souring effect of the iron in them.

 

If I want real chai, I'll steep the black or green tea in with the hot water

when spices are well infused, then bring back to boil briefly with the added

milk so as not to turn the tea too astringent. (Cooking them in milk tends to

coat the tea leaves and spices with milk protein and reduce their release of

flavors.)

 

Great question - Definitely start with the simple, and as you get to know what

you want, or she wants, and the effects of the spices, you can be more trusting

of your creativity. The black pepper even a little, really is an important part

of most chai mixes.

 

Thank you for your comment in other post - sometimes we doubt ourselves you

know? Hey, a little request/reminder to delete the repeat excess posts.

 

Enjoy!

Ysha

 

> Ysha, do you know how to make a homemade chai tea? May one could make a

concentration of it and freeze it in cubes or something, then pull it out of the

freezer and put in a cup, add milk and heat it. What all would you put in it for

the postpartum mother.

> It's so expensive in the store.

>

> Vicky York, IBCLC, CPD

> www.vickyyorkdoula.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Ysha,

 

It's Julia here, I'm up and about again, and recovering surprisingly quickly. No

doubt to all the excellent food and drinks my family have been making for me

upon your advice.

 

The birth itself was wonderful, very easy and very quick, but the bleeding

afterwards has really knocked me around. Mostly emotionally, because it was a

very frightening experience. Harriet, our beautiful daughter, is in perfect

health. Dylan and my family have all been taking wonderful care of me. And the

midwives on our homebirth program have been exceptional at helping me debrief

about what happened. It was a very unusual birth in many ways. It has been an

interesting experience for me bonding with Harriet, as I didn't hardly get to

meet her for about fourteen hours after she was born. Even then I was not strong

enough to hold her, though we did manage a couple of feeds. I'm sure the amount

of jaggary in the chai my family brought me attributed to her blood sugar level

being high enough for the pedeatricians to let her off top up formula feeds.

 

My Ayurvedic doctor is on the other side of Australia, but I do have some

dashmoolarishtam and dhawantharam thailam from him already. I'm really enjoying

garlic, but the pepper in the garlic chutney recipe feels too hot for me. Also

catches in my throat a bit. We are going to make another batch of garlic chutney

without the pepper. Fennel Fennugreek tea is going down very well too and I keep

a thermos by my rocking chair. Feels much more nutritive than water. I also have

chyawanprash and a herbal iron tonic.

 

I'm still getting over some of the fear. I have to watch my bleeding and

temparature in case of a secondary hemmorage, though all looks good at this

stage. And they said there is a risk it may happen again next time I have a

baby. I think it will take me a long time to feel ready to deal with that.

 

Dyan gave me and Harriet a massage this morning and it was very reviving. He's

also booked an Ayurvedic massage home visit for me in a couple fo days.

 

I was very healthy before all of this and have excellent support now, so I'm

sure my recovery will continue to surprise me. Every day I feel so much better.

It's hard to believe it's only been a week!

 

Harriet is beautiful and healthy, putting on weight despite the fact that I

dropped all my pregnancy weight instantly. My digestion is good, but not strong

appetite. I eat small regular meals and plenty of spices. Elimination is good.

Harriets digestion seems good. She throws up a little milk immediately after a

feed, but I don't think it's a problem, do you?

 

I've been taking rescue remedy too, wonderful stuff!

 

Just thought you might be interested to hear that despite missing a few early

feeds and having general aneasthetic for post natal surgery I could express

colostrum for my baby as soon as I came too, and my milk came in within about 40

hours. I'm sure Ayurvedic supports must have helped with this.

 

The best things to have brought to me in hospital were:

• Chai

• fennel fennugreek tea, I could ask the nurses to mix it with boiling water in

one of the hospital insulated jugs that usually keeps the ice water cold.

• dried fruit, could be mixed with boiling water for stewed fruit

• ghee and jaggary, to be added to porridge or other cereal for breakfast

My family brought me all my meals in hospital, but I found I could request soup

and rice from the hospital menu for most meals. I'm so happy to be home!

 

Feel free to share my experiences. I am more than happy to share whenever I have

a minute.

 

Julia

 

Dearest Julia -

 

Thank you so much for sharing al this detail. It is clear you are making wise

choices and use of all the information we have from Ayurveda, and I'm glad to

hear you have dashmolarishtam. I'm not familiar with that tailam, is it for

massage? So fortunate Dylan and your family are all so supportive, yea! So I

take it you are fully nursing now, or still in transition for Harriet? Is your

fever down now?

 

Yes, listen to what works for you with the spices. Your weather - the end of

pitta season, or going into cold yet? THe garlic chutney may serve with partial

on the pepper also, maybe 1/3 or 1/4 the recipe amount. You will know how the

no pepper feels, Im sure still delicious! This is a recipe that Ayurvedic chef

and beautiful young Indian woman named Aparna Khonalkar,

www.themistressofspice.com researched in her travels in India as a tradition

among mothers and grandmothers for postpartum, and shared with me. If you have

pippali, I'd be adding some instead of black pepper even after preparing, as it

is so good for agni on multiple levels without being as harsh as black pepper.

 

AS far as a little reflux, try nursing her in more quiet and attentive setting

if possible, burping a couple times midstream, and yes, attending to a little

more time in between may already be suitable, at your wise observation of her

cues. I take it, again, that this is breast milk. Make shure whe is not taking

air in and pushing it all out the long way. Sometimes it also helps to nurse

her at an angle with feet lower, to let gravity help the air come out easily and

not all at once. The other thing many mothers find helps is, since letdown is

so intensive babies often gulp air with milk. Release her latch with your

finger and press your forearm over your nipple for a few seconds to slow the

letdown. Then she can nurse without taking in too much at once and confusing

her system. Usually these things take care of it with breast fed babies,

particularly when you are eating so wisely. Let me know if it does? (Formula

is harder to digest, more gas producing, and takes longer also).

 

Thank you again also for blessing other forum members with your experience.

 

Love,

Ysha

 

> Ysha,

> I'm scribing for Julia while she's feeding Harriet: