MOTHER MUSINGS ~ FROM A MOTHER NATUROPATH with Renee Dyson-Holland
Naturopathic Tips for Long-Term Well-being
Motherhood is utterly magical, transformative and like nothing else, however personally, my journey came with a lot of darkness amongst the light. IT. ALMOST. BROKE. ME. Rose coloured glasses – shattered (along with my ego) BUT, this ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ was my initiation, and turned into my soul work.
Here are my 6 TOP TIPS:
1. Embrace the Nervous System
2. Mum-nesium
3. Ashwagandha
4. Supported Self-Care
5. Breath
6. Slow Down
1. Embracing the Nervous System: Restoring Balance and Resilience
As mothers, we carry immense responsibilities, and it’s crucial to prioritize our nervous system health. Drawing upon my naturopathic expertise, I’ve discovered that restoring balance and resilience in the nervous system is key to managing stress, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall mental and emotional well-being. We talk a LOT about Yoga Nidra in the clinic ~ I love recommending this mum-hack to tired mamas – the invitation is to do this guided meditation practice daily ~ prioritising this during times of sleep deprivation and stress (hello errry day #mumlyfe). 30-45mins is equivalent to roughly 4hrs sleep (Zzzzzzzzzzzzz) Extra: if done earlier in the day as it will improve your night time sleep (who doesn’t need that – but hey, also just getting it done is a major win).
2. A Vital Nutrient for Mothers: Magnesium (aka Mum-nesium)
One of my top recommendations for mothers is incorporating magnesium into their daily routines. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a pivotal role in supporting the nervous system, promoting relaxation, and reducing anxiety. From my experience, magnesium supplementation, along with magnesium-rich foods, has proven to be highly beneficial for mothers. It helps them navigate the demands of motherhood with greater ease and grace, allowing them to experience increased vitality and overall well-being. I say, take it in all the ways (orally, topically, immersion via a delicious warm Epsom salt bath (bonus points if candles, essential oils and peace and quiet are involved… but hey a foot bath is usually the easiest to find for most of us mummas. So dust off that foot spa, or any kind of bucket, chuck in a heaped cup full of good quality Epsom salts and soak for 10-20 mins. Extra: ~ This is something I do at home WITH my daughter. Her cute little feet splashing alongside mine is lush, its deeply nourishing and connecting for us both as we reflect on our day, its modelling good self-care to her, and it sends her off to the land of Nod much faster (WIN WIN).
3. Ashwagandha: Harnessing the Power of Nature
In my practice, I have discovered the incredible benefits of Ashwagandha. It is an Ayurvedic herb, that holds tremendous benefits specifically for mothers. It acts as an adaptogen, helping mothers manage stress and providing a sense of calm amidst the challenges of motherhood. This powerful herb supports hormonal balance, aiding in postpartum recovery and balancing mood. Additionally, ashwagandha boosts energy levels, combating fatigue and promoting vitality. Its immune-boosting properties strengthen the body’s defences, while its ability to promote restful sleep ensures mothers can recharge and rejuvenate… HELLO – what doesn’t this herb do?! With ashwagandha, mothers can find the support they need to navigate the joys and demands of motherhood with resilience, more ease and grace. I often recommend incorporating Ashwagandha into herbal teas, or tinctures as part of supporting mothers’ wellbeing. Extra: I add this to my coffee (alongside other medicinal mushrooms) or make bliss balls that are both delicious and restorative (let me know if you want the recipe).
4. Self-Care: Prioritising Our Well-being
As mothers, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of caring for others while neglecting our own needs. However, I firmly believe that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. I encourage mothers to carve out dedicated time for themselves, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Engaging in simple yet effective self-care practices, such as mindfulness, nurturing hobbies, and setting boundaries, can have a profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By nourishing ourselves, we become better equipped to care for our families and find joy in the journey of motherhood. Happily Ever Mom-ents!
5. Breathwork: Cultivating Inner Calm
Breathing is a powerful tool that we often take for granted. I’ve witnessed the transformative effects of breathwork techniques in mothers’ lives. By harnessing the power of our breath, we can reduce stress, increase energy levels, and promote deep relaxation. Incorporating breathwork into our daily routines allows us to cultivate inner calm, improve mental clarity, and find a sense of peace amidst the chaos of motherhood. A simple BOX breath (in 4, hold 4, out 4 is easy to reach for in the eye of the storm) Extra: my personal favourite is ‘The physiological sigh, also known as the “sigh of relief,” bringing some sound to our breath (do it in the mum office aka the car – no one will judge there) and perhaps add some gentle movement or humming to really unravel the nerves (hello self soothing).
6. Slowing Down: Embracing the Present Moment
In a world that glorifies busyness, I advocate for the art of slowing down. Motherhood is a journey to be savoured, and by embracing the present moment, we can truly appreciate its joys and challenges. I encourage mothers to create space for stillness, engage in mindful activities with their children, and find balance between productivity and rest. Slowing down allows us to reconnect with our sensuality and embrace the profound rhythm shift that comes with motherhood. Sensuality is not limited to the physical realm; it encompasses the full spectrum of our senses and the deep connection we have with ourselves and our surroundings. We often find ourselves caught up in the constant demands of our roles, leaving little room for self-expression and sensual experiences. However, by intentionally slowing down and creating space for sensuality, we can tap into a wellspring of joy, creativity, and self-discovery.
For me, it’s the little things, like filling my home with fresh flowers for my eyes to delight, the smell of rose geranium and starting my day with a warm drink, feet bare on the grass, sun caressing my face and noticing the morning dew kissing the leaves around my garden… and watching my silkie chickens of course – giving me all kinds of Cluckfulness (it’s actually a thing, look it up).
As a mother and naturopath, I am deeply committed to supporting mothers on their journey of self-care and well-being. Nurturing mothers not only benefits their individual health but also has a profound impact on the entire family, society and dare I say it… the WORLD! Bias much 😉
A book I once read, about the Power of Manifestation, had a chapter on signs from the universe that communicates when you’re “on purpose”. I picked rainbows – today I saw a rainbow and writing this confirms that I am in fact, exactly where I am meant to be.
Supporting Mothers is a great honour and privilege. If you found this helpful and interesting I would love to hear from you, and if you would like to work with me, follow the links 🙂
