As modern life becomes increasingly hectic, tiresome, and disconnected from nature, many women are seeking ways to reconnect with the natural world. With their true essence.
Especially Mothers.
Mothers often experience physical and emotional depletion due to the demands and physical toll of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, as well as the emotional demands of caring for a child. Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and limited opportunities for self-care can also contribute to depletion.
I’ve been thinking more about “Regenerative Motherhood” as a philosophy that encourages women to embrace their innate connection to nature, while using it to promote sustainable living, improve maternal health, and support healthy child development.
The full circle.
Let me elaborate on how we can achieve this…
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Embracing the Seasons of Life
Regenerative motherhood encourages women to embrace the natural cycles of life. By embracing these cycles, women can find peace in the knowledge that they are part of a larger cycle of life and can learn to work with their bodies rather than against them. One way is through embracing our menstrual cycles. This can involve practices such as tracking menstrual cycles, understanding the different phases of the menstrual cycle, and honoring the body’s need for rest and nutrition during different phases of your cycle. We can further understand the cycles of a woman’s life from adolescence, matrescence, to menopause. Our bodies are tend to be depleted of different nutrients during these “eclipses” in a woman’s life. The more we understand them, the more we can nourish ourselves accordingly.
I talk more in depth about this is my newsletter “Humm”. Here is the link to subscribe for more details.http://intuitive parents.substack.com
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Creating Sustainable Habits
Sustainability is a key aspect of regenerative motherhood. By adopting sustainable habits, such as reducing waste, choosing eco-friendly products, and supporting local and organic agriculture, women can contribute to a healthier planet for their children to inherit. Additionally, creating sustainable habits during the early days of motherhood is crucial for a woman’s recovery and overall well-being. Rest is essential during this time, and new mothers should aim to sleep when possible (ideally another caregiver providing support), and take naps throughout the day as needed. Prioritizing self-care, such as taking warm baths or showers, eating nourishing meals, and practicing gentle stretching exercises, can also help new mothers recover their energy and promote overall well-being. I emphasize that support is so crucial for this, as many mothers are not supported in the ways they should be during this crucial period. This should not be a privilege that only a few enjoy. EVERY mother needs support. Period.
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Honoring the Body and Mind
Regenerative motherhood recognizes that a healthy mind and body are essential to a fulfilling life. It encourages women to take care of their physical and emotional health through practices such as yoga, meditation, and natural therapies. This can bring a sense of peace and harmony to women’s lives, while also recognizing the importance of pelvic floor physical therapy in maintaining optimal health and recovery during the postpartum period.
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Nurturing Mother-Child Connections
Regenerative motherhood recognizes the unique bond between mother and child and encourages women to nurture this connection. By practicing empowering childbirth and breastfeeding (with support), women can promote healthy mother-child relationships that will last a lifetime. The Mother-Child Connection can be enhanced by physical closeness of the mother, baby wearing, and skin to skin.
Additionally, seeking out early intervention physical therapy for children with developmental delays and neuromuscular disabilities can help nurture this bond, as it promotes healthy growth and development in children. We encourage this relationship by having parents actively engaged in physical therapy.
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Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity
Regenerative motherhood recognizes that all women are unique and encourages the celebration of diversity and inclusivity. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, women can find peace in knowing that they are part of a supportive community that celebrates their differences and shares their values, while also recognizing the importance of supportive health professionals where needed (i.e. pediatric or pelvic floor physical therapy).
Regenerative motherhood offers a holistic approach to motherhood that embraces nature, sustainability, and healthy living, while also recognizing the importance of seeking out the appropriate medical care, such as pelvic floor physical therapy and early intervention physical therapy, and community support when needed. By adopting these practices, women can find peace in knowing that they are part of a larger cycle of life and are doing their part to create a healthier world for their children. Creating sustainable habits during the early days of motherhood, such as prioritizing rest and self-care, can help new mothers recover their energy and promote overall well-being.
