Postpartum
Ayurvedic postpartum treatment
During the Ayurvedic postpartum treatment, we will start by drinking tea and talk a little about how you and your family are doing. In the intense postpartum period, it can be beneficial to take a moment to feel and express how you feel.
Next, we begin with an extensive Ayurvedic postpartum massage. We start with a relaxing foot bath while I massage your head, neck, and shoulders. Then, with attention and gentle touch, I massage your entire body with warm sesame oil. The massage has a healing and relaxing effect, contributing to your physical and emotional recovery after childbirth. It's a moment to settle into your body, feel your emotions, and recharge. After the massage, you'll continue to lie down restfully before taking a shower. In the meantime, I'll prepare a warm cup of tea and an Ayurvedic snack for you.
Practical Information:
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Location: I can come to your home for postpartum treatments starting from the first week after childbirth.
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For the massage, it's important to have a quiet space at home where the massage table can be set up with ample room (at least about 2 by 3 meters) and can be heated to a comfortable temperature (about 23 degrees).
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It's also important to have someone present who can take care of your baby while you receive the massage and any additional treatments, such as abdominal binding or a sit/steam bath.
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If you're breastfeeding, we'll schedule the massage as best as possible between feedings. If your baby needs to feed during the session, we'll make space for that.
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Duration: +/- 2,5 hours
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Cost: €185 (Includes a pre- and post-session discussion, setup, and cleanup. Excludes travel and parking expenses.)
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Postpartum Packages: If you'd like to receive multiple postpartum treatments at home, you can choose from two different packages. Depending on your needs, we tailor the sessions to provide the best possible support for your recovery.
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Postpartum Package I: Three Ayurvedic postpartum treatments at home (3 sessions of +/- 2,5 hours, €525).
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Postpartum Package II: Six Ayurvedic postpartum treatments at home (6 sessions of +/- 2,5 hours, €1050).
Herbal sitz bath - vaginal steam bath
As a complement to the Ayurvedic postpartum treatment, you can receive an herbal sitz bath or vaginal steam bath with healing herbs to promote the recovery of your uterus and perineum. The herbs are tailored to what is needed for your physical recovery at that moment (such as hemorrhoids, inflammation, constipation).
Experience immediate relief from the warm water or steam and feel the warmth from within!
Practical Information:
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A sitz bath can be done from the first week after childbirth.
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A steam bath is often too intense in the first week after childbirth and can only be done once any stitches have dissolved and bleeding has stopped.
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I will bring all the necessary items for a sitz bath or vaginal steam bath.
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Only available in combination with the Ayurvedic postpartum treatment.
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Duration: 30 minutes
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Cost: €35
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Belly Binding
In many different cultures, the postpartum woman's belly is wrapped with a cloth or scarf after childbirth. In the Netherlands, we also have the tradition of the 'sluitlaken' (closing sheet). Belly binding can give you a protective and supported feeling, providing both physical and emotional support. There are different ways to bind your belly, and depending on your needs, I can teach you how to bind your belly in various ways and with different materials.
The benefits of belly binding:
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It helps your organs return to their original positions.
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It aids in blood drainage, reducing the duration of postpartum bleeding.
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It supports the shrinking of the uterus and your back, abdominal, and pelvic floor muscles.
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It can reduce the feeling of 'emptiness' in your belly.
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It stimulates and supports good posture.
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It keeps you warm and provides a sense of security.
Practical Information:
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Only available in combination with the Ayurvedic postpartum treatment.
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Duration: 30 minutes
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Cost: €35
Creating a postpartum plan
Similar to a birth plan, you can also create a postpartum plan outlining your preferences for the postpartum period (the first six weeks after childbirth). By preparing for your postpartum period in advance, you increase the likelihood of having a positive experience, especially if the delivery went differently than expected or when the kraamzorg leaves after eight days.
With my knowledge of the postpartum period, including perinatal psychology, Infant Mental Health, and Ayurveda, along with in-depth questions and practical experience, I'm here to assist you in developing a postpartum plan.
Topics covered include:
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Information about the physical, mental, and emotional changes that new mothers and fathers may experience.
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Exploring what is important for you during the postpartum period, including considerations for postpartum visitors, communication between partners, self-care, and seeking help from your support network.
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Information on the importance of rest, warmth, and support in the postpartum period to facilitate proper recovery and a loving connection with your baby.
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Ayurvedic dietary advice for the postpartum period.
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Tips on breastfeeding (not a substitute for lactation consulting).
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Practical assistance in setting up a 'meal train' after childbirth, where family and friends contribute meals.
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Planning for any postpartum treatments or support.
Practical information:
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It is preferable to create a postpartum plan together with your partner, if you have one.
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The session can take place at your home or via Zoom if you live farther away.
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After the session, you will receive all documents containing information, dietary advice, recipes, etc.
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Duration: 60 minutes
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Cost*: €50 (excluding travel and parking expenses, includes Ayurvedic snack)
*If you know other expecting parents who would like to prepare for their postpartum period, contact me for the option to do this in a group setting at a lower rate.