Post Partum Nourishment

  In supporting Natural Medicine Week I would like to weave you a story.

   Quite co-incidentally it was two years ago this week I was witness to the most beautiful and profound moment as my youngest grandson was born peacefully into this world. Quietly, safely in the comfort of my daughters lounge room at a planned homebirth.

    I have so many memories of this day. The room was calm, the light dim. There were fairy lights strung around the room, music in the background. I remember at some point in time I think everyone present was humming along, I clearly remember quite a bit of Missy Higgins.

    There is a wonderful photo, my daughter resting on the edge of the birthpool, her husband sitting on the floor beside her and the Midwives sitting on the lounge drinking tea. Their nearly 4 year old played with his toys on the floor and at one stage the cat walked past unconcerned. It really was a family affair.

    After the birth, while my daughter was resting, I got busy in the kitchen cooking a nourishing post partum soup for her. Something easy to heat up and sip at any time, no thought required. 

     Like the atmosphere and the music that day, the smell of this soup takes me back into that room, every time. One of the Midwives commented on how good it smelled and what a practical idea. 

I include this recipe here.  It's a variation on a soup I often prepare for my Post Partum mothers.The ingredients simple but so nourishing for those early days. The ham hock with all it's gelatinous goodness, the ginger to warm, the fresh vegetables and barley for recovery and milk production. 

I hope you can feel the love, ENJOY!