Postpartum Sleep

• Sleep or self-care when baby sleeps. 
• Skin to skin is an imperative during the first 6 months, and in particular if baby is stressed, overstimulated or catches a cold. 
• Keep baby close for sleeping - next to you, on you, near you, in the same room... these are all forms of safe co-sleeping, done for thousands of years in all cultures and are extremely beneficial for both mother and baby nervous system. Here is an article on the Imperative to NOT Sleep Train your Baby. 
• Swaddle a fussy or restless baby to calm and soothe. Use natural fiber cloth. Here are some swaddling videos 
• Make your sleeping area non-toxic. Here's more. 

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Mama Massage

Mama massage is an intrinsic part of Ayurveda postpartum. If you can have an Ayurdoula visit your home for massages, that is ideal. Traditionally, mother would receive an oil massage 3x a day postpartum from her mother or mother in law! But to adapt to modern life, you can take 10 minutes, after your bath or shower to self-massage. Sesame oil is ideal, because it penetrates all the tissues, however, for a high-pitta {heat} Mama, or in hot and humid season or environment, sunflower oil or coconut is also good. I highly recommend you purchase this postpartum massage oil. ​

• Do in a warm environment. 
• Take a shower or bath first, then follow with your oil massage. Warm the oil while you are bathing. 
• Warm the oil by pouring oil into a small vessel submerged in a larger vessel of hot water.  
• Long strokes on limbs
• Circular strokes on joints
• Firm but gentle pressure - this is not deep tissue
• Rhythmic, warming movement. 
• Remove excess oil with a towel. 
• Wrap belly if desired, and take a nap if possible! 

Mama Belly-Binding 

You can learn to do belly wrapping in the classical way, or you can use a modern ready-made wrap. This is a classical practice done in traditional cultures to support the involution process of the uterus postpartum. It will return your belly and internal organs back to pre-baby position and integrity. Many women suffer lifetime of gas, vata imbalance, digestive sensitivity, and a loose belly because of a poor postpartum period. In spite of hollywood junk, this is NOT about how you look, but primarily about healing your body inside. I just find it much simpler to purchase one! Like the Postpartum Panty or Leonisa Boy Short. 

You can keep your belly wrapped throughout the day, or for one hour per day postpartum, starting around day 3-4, and continuing as long as you like, I recommend throughout the 6 weeks postpartum. 

Baby Massage

Powerfully builds healthy tissue and protects the brain and nervous system for baby. Gives a lifetime gift of nourishment. Wonderful daily, or even if only every few days after a bath. Use warmed sunflower or jojoba oil on baby's sensitive skin. I love Motherlove birth and baby massage oil. In hot climates, or baby's with pitta-reactive skin, coconut oil is recommended. Oil massaging baby 

• Nourishes baby and promotes growth
• Calms nervous system
• Builds brain tissue
• Relaxes a fussy or anxious baby
• Protects baby from colds and flus {however if your baby does get sick, forgo oil massages until she is better}

Here is a CLASSIC baby oil massage done in India - INTENSE! It takes a long time and is usually done by a mother or mother in law - this would be way too much work for postpartum Mama!

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Here is me massaging my baby - a much shorter and gentler version. The point is to do it. Our baby would not stay still for any more than a 10 minute massage, so we kept it simple. You'll see

• Warm environment - I have a space heater nearby and warm towels around. 
• Long loving strokes on limbs
• Circular strokes on joints
• 9 clockwise circle strokes on belly
• Firm but gentle pressure, to get the oil to penetrate the layers of skin {each layer of skin represents a layer of tissuse}
• Starting with the head
• Remove excess oil with a soft, organic towel after massage. 
• Diaper, dress and swaddle baby after massage for a nice nap. 
• Baby should never be hungry, uncomfortable, or anxious during a massage. Nurse first. 
• Do not massage baby if she has a cold or flu