Welcome to the Holistic Approach for Postpartum Care Intensive!
In this six-part intensive, Herbal Academy team herbalists Lindsey Feldpausch, RH(AHG), Heather Wood Buzzard, (MA), Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz, Shona Richter MacDougall RH(AHG), Alison Birks, RH(AHG), and doula Jovan Sage delve into many areas of physiological, mental, and emotional support during the postpartum phase. We thoroughly explore the challenges and rewards of the postpartum period, offering safe, simple, and effective strategies to support both those who are/will be postpartum themselves or herbalists supporting postpartum clients.
Session 1 | Introduction
The postpartum phase is full of complexities as hormones change and all aspects of the body are impacted. This session defines and investigates what the postpartum period includes, what physiological and other changes it may bring with it, and why it is important to support those holistically. We honor the postpartum period by introducing traditions from across the globe, including wisdom from the postpartum tradition of La Cuarentena, a sacred Indigenous practice from Felicia Ruiz’s own culture.
Session 2 | Nutrition and Self Care
Supporting a foundation of health with nutritive, nourishing herbs is key to avoiding the depletion that can come along with the postpartum time. This session hones in on safe and effective ways to use food, herbs, and lifestyle changes to support the overall health of the birthing mother, including several delicious recipes.
Session 3 | Common Concerns
In this session, we cover herbal and lifestyle supports for many of the most common physical and mental health scenarios that occur throughout the postpartum period, ranging from recovering from tearing during birth to postpartum anxiety. The postpartum phase is greatly enhanced by using herbs and gentle strategies to promote the recovery and well-being of the birthing parent.
Session 4 | Herbal Support for Baby
We dive into a number of safe and gentle herbs and how to use them in simple preparations to support newborns and babies. Integrating herbs like chamomile and calendula into baby’s routine for everything from bathtime to feeding time is a time-honored tradition that new parents will find supportive and enriching.
Session 5 | Lactation Support
In this session, we address how herbs and simple lifestyle shifts can enhance the breastfeeding journey. When lactation is part of the postpartum period, it may be accompanied by a number of challenges, many of which herbal preparations can support and ease. In addition to herbs, we provide guidance and resources for reaching out for additional support for the range of concerns that may arise with lactation and nursing.
Session 6 | Additional Resources
This session includes a wealth of online and book-based information from trusted resources in the postpartum community, organized to correspond with each session of this Intensive, to provide additional support and learning around this important life stage.
Let’s learn about and celebrate “the fourth trimester”!
