Practice and Service in Sedona

Mira and I have been working on a 42-day menu that will facilitate community members cooking for new moms.

We have had the opportunity to put this into practice with Mica, Lisa and Calvin's little one, born March 23, in an inflatable pool in their living room. Lisa gave birth on her own, squatting, and caught her own baby.

Lisa went through the 7 Centers training and both have been wanting to eat with more consciousness of ayurveda. They have been very receptive and appreciative to the information and food. A perfect family for this service.

3/25
Mira and I first visited the family on the 25th. Lisa reported feeling very out of her body, she couldn't be out of bed 10 minutes without feeling lightheaded. She had been eating mostly raw foods, salmon and the night before, craving iron and protein, a steak.

Dylan had prepared sweet rice pudding and almond milk.

I offered a mamma's massage and to demo baby massage.

3/26
I prepared a simple kitchari, sweet beets, carrots and chard, almond date shake, dashamool concoction.

I arrived at 3:30, stayed 1 hour. Warmed food, did some dishes.

Having reviewed the infant massage section, I read that infant massage should not be performed until the umbilical cord has fallen off.

3/27
I prepared food again, at her home (Calvin worked today) nearly the same menu. Lisa reported feeling more grounded immediately after eating yesterday. She appreciates the vata tea and ordered dashamool online.

I stayed for three hours. Great conversations about our bodies parallelling the earth; about holding sacred space for the bright being being born these days, how they're the ones who will tip the scale of consciousness to love.

We did pranayama while breasfeeding. Reviewed massage and exercise (without baby).

YSHA--CAN YOU PLEASE ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING:

When is it appropriate to begin infant massage? After cord has fallen?

Lisa is concerned with her tear--what is the word for this--wants to prevent infection.
She is considering putting ice on it. My gut says no to this, what do you say?
Where in our Level I materials is this addressed?
What herbs and oils are recommended for applying/bathing?

What about essential oils for the umbilical cord??
Is it ok to bathe baby with cord still attached?

Any advice for hiccoughs? I understand they are quite normal...what is your explanation for/solution to?

What would you say to eating chocolate? (all in moderation?....)

Andrea