By Su Bowerman B.S., MSc | Director Ayurveda Mother and Infant
Are you, or have been a new mother or father? Remember:
Post-partum depression is on the rise. Why?
Enter Ami, ‘Ayurveda Mother and Infant’ programmes. The ancient health system of India, called Ayurveda, has profound solutions to these age-old challenges of the post-partum period of time. In fact, this period of 42 days after birth has a profound influence on both the mother and baby for the next 42 years. It is called the Sacred Window. Why?
The first six weeks of an infant’s life and the first 6 weeks after birth offer an opportunity for tremendous growth and integration, to set new homeostasis balance points in every system, hormonal, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, digestive, etc. If not handled properly, the health and well-being of the baby and mother will suffer long term consequences. But it is a very delicate time, one that modern medicine does not understand well, which is why it is called the black hole of medicine by Western Doctors.
However, for thousands of years all over the world, indigenous populations seem to understand and have common practices which bring the mother back to balance and help support the developing newborn, often better than what is offered by our current allopathic medical system. These common practices include the same principles that Ami brings to your home with a post-partum Doula / caregiver / practitioner or with a Do- It- Yourself guided programme, DRROM:
I have been privileged to have been given this programme after the birth of both my children and I know firsthand how invaluable it feels to go through it. I felt like a Queen being taken care of like this for having brought our two children into the world, coddled by delicious, warming, nutritious food and massage, and loved / pampered by my husband who provided this support for me, my new baby and our family.
I have also been privy to see how this programme works for thousands of women of different walks of life and ethnicities as I have given this Ayurveda Post-Partum programme across three continents over the past 40 years. I see worry and anxiety diminish, milk flow come in abundance, mother and baby settle into a sustainable routine, abrasive communication gaps smooth into understanding and support, and the bonds of love develop between the newborn, mother, father and other family members.
What could be more heart-warming than to see a time of turmoil, chaos and high stress transform into a harmonious, loving, supportive window of sacred space for all involved? This is the blessing of Ami, and why I continue to do what I do.
The world really needs this knowledge. Communities need this wisdom to support new families. It is a group effort, a supportive network, a many faceted approach that is required to help grow a new baby and its family. But, once understood how, it is simple. That is why there is the old saying, “It takes a community to raise a child.”
I end with this quote from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living
“Women are the backbone of any society. The role of women in the development of a society is paramount. Actually, it is the only criterion that determines whether a society is solid and harmonious or not. Also, a corruption-free society can emerge only when women are given due consideration, due respect and importance. In terms of building character and integrity, women can do a better job. They were born to be leaders.”
With hope in my heart for our future generations to live in great health and joy!
Su Bowerman B.S., M.S
co-founder of Ami
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