Holistic tips to prepare for childbirth
By Eline – holistic practice Dandelien
This week, Eline Flux-van den Bosch writes for our blog about holistic tips for preparing for childbirth. As an Ayurvedic therapist, reiki practitioner, and specialist in pregnancy massage, she shares her valuable insights and experiences. Eline, mother of Jan (born in 2015), twins Toon & Lea (born in 2017), and Amélie (born in 2023), wrote a pregnancy and postpartum journal filled with Ayurvedic wisdom during her last pregnancy. This blog offers practical tips and advice that she herself has found invaluable.
How can you best prepare for childbirth? Practical matters are often the first thing on your mind, but Ayurveda looks at it differently. This holistic healing method from India views childbirth as a very special experience where you, as a woman, become a mother (again). There are several ways to support your body in the lead-up to labor.
Grounding
In the last trimester, it's incredibly important to ground yourself, to connect with your baby, and to sink into your body. So much movement takes place during birth, and this can only happen if you're present in your body.
You can connect with your body and baby by giving yourself a massage, or by booking one with a specialist – specialized in pregnancy massage.
Ayurveda favors warm oil massages: abhyanga. This massage calms your nervous system and creates a protective layer between you and the outside world. It stimulates your lymphatic system, boosts immunity and circulation, lubricates joints (great for back pain), and promotes relaxation.
You can find a how-to for abhyanga in the pregnancy and postpartum diary. You can also focus on your breathing.
Give yourself a moment for yourself every day to connect with your body, heart, and baby. Consciously place your hands on your belly and ask yourself how you feel. You can also ask how your baby is doing; when you focus on that, an answer will naturally emerge. Another fun way to connect is through affirmation cards. It's wonderful to write down these intimate moments and reread them later.
Power supply
Raspberry leaf tea is a nutrient-rich uterine tonic that strengthens the uterus and is said to support a natural birth with minimal bleeding. Drink several cups a day towards the end of your pregnancy.
Dates - it's recommended to eat six dates a day during the last month of labor. These support labor and have a strong oxytocin-like effect on your body. They also provide strength during labor and are a natural source of sugar that gives you energy. These delicious date balls (bliss balls) are an easy way to get them in.
Bliss Balls Recipe
This is a basic recipe. Feel free to use whatever nuts you like. I also always add Ayurvedic herbs and various spices (like cinnamon, gingerbread spices, or cardamom).
What do you need?
- 40 g mixed nuts
- 200g pitted dates
- 2 tbsp raw cacao powder
- 1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
- 4 tbsp coconut flakes
Let's get started!
Soak the dates for a few hours beforehand to make them easier to digest. Coarsely chop the nuts in a food processor with the ghee (or coconut oil) and cocoa. Then add the dates and blend until smooth. With damp hands (you can grease them with your chosen oil), form the balls and roll them in the grated coconut.
Store them in the fridge and enjoy!
Pressure points
If you are past your due date, from week 41 onwards you can stimulate certain marma points to induce labour.
Marma points are energy points where you apply pressure for a certain period of time to get your body moving. Therapists who provide pregnancy massages or doulas can often help you with this. It's best to wait and see when you and your baby are ready, but sometimes it can be helpful to have this as a backup.
About Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a holistic healing system that originated in India. It has been practiced worldwide for over 5,000 years and is recognized as one of the oldest health sciences in existence.
It assumes that we and everything around us are composed of the five elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth. It teaches us how to use the power of nature to live a healthy and happy life. Ayurveda offers nutritional and lifestyle recommendations so you can take good care of yourself during pregnancy, when trying to conceive, and afterward.
Would you like to know more about Eline?
- For more information, visit her website: Eline | Ayurveda Reiki Pregnancy Yoga .
- Also, don't forget to follow her on Instagram for the latest updates and inspiring content: @dandelien.ayurveda .
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