The healing power of good nutrition
My Mum is an angel. Eighteen days after giving birth to Elijah and I managed to fulfil my intention of taking Elijah to Herm yesterday as part of Ewan's annual birthday celebration tradition. Admittedly I didn't make it all the way to Belvoir Bay and I didn't manage to swim in the sea, but that is because I messed up the boat tickets rather than lacking in energy.
So it seems that a combination of iron tablets and an iron rich diet really does work. Eighteen days after the birth and it is like a switch has been flicked. Not to say that I am fully back to my usual energy levels, but at least I have the energy to gently exercise again and - apparently - have much more colour in my face. Hooray!
Mum has been preparing all our meals since the birth, a real joy because not only have I had zero energy nor time for cooking, but because my Mum is a champion cook and has been producing some wonderfully healing meals. In fact I do believe E is dreading me cooking again as he feels it has been like eating in a restaurant every night with such variety and quality dishes. I am more concerned that I won't continue healing as much as I have done this past few weeks. Thank you Mum.
I am sure there is a little further to go, but it is quite incredible what one can achieve through diet, rest and water alone. Iron rich foods mean lots of pumpkin seeds, dried apricots, spinach, quality dark 85-90% chocolate, quality red meat, eggs, pulses, watercress and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Plus some nettle tea!
As for Elijah, well we are both learning together. He is putting on weight and almost making up for lost time as he is munching on my breasts very regularly now. We are still getting sleep - anything between 4 to 7 hours a night - but there is a lot more regular feeding happening in between.
I love it, this being a mummy malarkey. It is simply wonderful. And I have finally slowed down and accepted that life has indeed changed and I can't rush around quite as much as I may have done in the past. And that is fine - as I was reminded by the angel card I pulled earlier - because you are more likely to notice the every day miracles if you slow down. So already Elijah has taught me so much.
I am practicing Yoga where I can to help to strengthen the pelvic floor and generally help with healing and keeping the energy and spirits high. There have been a few emotional outbursts these last few weeks but generally that has arisen as I have been unintentionally battling with what is, rather than accepting it and making peace.
Last weekend we took Elijah to the beach for the first time and while we left him snuggly on the beach, E and I immersed ourselves in the sea. Gosh it was cold. I figured it would be good fir the scar although annoyingly it was still too early on in the recovery process to swim.
Last week was frustrating as I started to get sick of being in the house all the time, or simply going to the shop during the day. Friday that changed and I got to go and talk yoga and pregnancy with the wonderful JKT on Radio Guernsey. Thank you Jen, a pleasure as always.
And then of course yesterday we took Elijah to Herm for his first outing off Island. Aside from feeding - first time public feeding in a rather packed Mermaid, Elijah got shy first! - he slept for most of the trip, so refreshing to get some fresh air, go walking and spending time with our friends. Hoorah for the healing power of nature and laughter with friends,
So these really are very blessed times. Such an opportunity to learn so much about myself and the patterns which no longer serve, and of course to understand and experience this concept of unconditional love for one's child and the way the world reflects back at you with new eyes. Thank you dear Elijah, my teacher indeed.
Off to try a swim and indulge in some quality dark chocolate - any excuse huh!
With much gratitude
x