Nourishing the vigilant mother
The mother without a village runs on fight or flight full time.
Constantly vigilant. Night and day.
Sleeping with ears open to whimpers.
Eyes watching for nuances in behaviours that signal that something is a fraction off within one of her young.
Counting in her head when out… head count 1,2,3… phew. Still here.
Guiding and directing and redirecting.
From negotiating the juice, to preparing said juice… to cleaning up spilling of said juice… it cycles back to a nurturing conversation… about juice.
The work is never ending.
It can be nerve fraying.
To nurture the mother… it is clear she needs care.
But does the village provide?
In the absence of a village we can no longer play victim.
We nurture the mother by honouring ourselves.
What’s important to you, dear one?
How do you want to live this life?
Decide what you need and make the space.
Communicate with your children, yes even your babies that mummy needs a minute.
It will do them well to watch you slow down and serve self.
Start with a cup and some herbs.
I recommend some adaptogenic herbs to help soothe those nerves and give us the strength of adaptability…
Before the motherhood burnout of chronic stress, depleted nutritional reserves and lack of sleep becomes adrenal fatigue.
ASHWAGANDA (Withania somnifera)
Soothing anxieties and great for building milk supply this is a beautiful herb to nourish the mother. Add the powdered form to smoothies or warm in some coconut milk with a touch of honey for a beautifully grounding drink.
TULSI (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Also known as Holy Basil this herb has historically been used for depression and shown to support balance of cortisol levels, a beautiful tea to calm your day, or grow your own to add to your cooking.
ROSEROOT (Rhodiola Rosea)
A favourite of mine this herb is said to support alert focus and memory while reducing fatigue and depressed states. You can make a tea from the dried herb or add powder to a warm coconut milk drink, smoothies or even add to bliss balls.
LICORICE (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
This sweet herb makes a beautiful after dinner tea to not only support those adrenals but ceases the need to reach for something to satisfy the sweet tooth.
All breastfeeding safe when you research your dosage and much more serving to your system than that extra coffee in your day… but check with your health practitioner that they are safe for your individual circumstances.
So slow down mumma and honour yourself with a moment to enjoy some of these restorative herbs.
Dania xx