Thriving Postpartum: Embracing the Indigenous Wisdom of La Cuarentena

(Paperback)

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From ancestral healing expert Panquetzani comes traditional Indigenous wisdom for helping women thrive in, rather than merely survive, the postpartum experience. Though we now have more resources for ancestral birthing and self-care practices than ever, postpartum care is still largely stuck in an outdated, patriarchal paradigm that fails to serve mothers and newborns. "Slowing down, recovering fully, and giving your baby the best start isn't a privilege-it's a basic human need," says Panquetzani, a leading expert in Indigenous health care for women. In Thriving Postpartum, she shares the sacred ritual of la cuarentena (or quarantine) that honors, nurtures, and empowers a birthing person's transition into their new life. Here, you'll find guidance on: . Herbal recipes and 25 yerbas for postpartum healing . Newborn and immediate postpartum care . Sacred foods in la cuarentena . Bodywork . Your emotional body in la cuarentena . Sex, pleasure, and intimacy postpartum Panquetzani teaches this 40-day journey as a spiritual rite of passage, one that has endured colonization and supported women in Mesoamerican, Mexican, and Central American communities. She shares everything you'll need-from ancestral recipes for lactation and replenishing, to prayers and somatic practices for physical, emotional, and sexual recovery. Through traditional stories and practical guidance, she also helps you engage your support network, become your own best advocate, and lay a healthy foundation for the years to come. "This wisdom has come from my familia and is a direct inheritance from our collective body of knowledge," says Panquetzani. Imparted with love, tenderness, and respect, here is an invitation to participate in a rich tradition that celebrates birth and motherhood as sacred acts of creation.

Reviews

"Thriving Postpartum is imperative to the ancestral healing of all birthing people and their families. Prioritizing Indigenous practices impacts more current social injustices than we even realize--everything from sustainability to the protection and equality of Black and Brown bodies. Pnquetzani's book is saving lives, one generation at a time." --Kehlani, activist, home birther, and award-winning singer and songwriter

"This much-needed book brings to light the important and historical knowledge of Mexican Indigenous herbal medicine for women during their postpartum time. Pnquetzani provides a rich, practical, and highly effective guide on how to care for yourself with traditional herbs, body practices, and sacred foods and recipes from her years of experience working with women and expanding on the wisdom of her abuelas. She also lovingly and unflinchingly guides BIPOC new mothers through the variety of emotions that surface during this transition into motherhood to help navigate ancestral and familial wounds, systemic oppression, and relationships and sexuality with a focus on nervous system support and regulation practices. Reading this book will make you feel like Pnquetzani is your doula guiding you along your postpartum journey, reconnecting and empowering you with your sacred heritage. This book is a reclamation and a healing for BIPOC women and a sacred gift to future generations." --Alisa Vitti, functional nutrition and women's hormone expert, author of WomanCode and In the FLO, creator of the Cycle Syncing(R) Method, and founder of FLOliving.com

"Thriving Postpartum is such a gift to all women and babies everywhere. I almost wish I could have another baby just so I could use Pnquetzani's services and have her light surrounding me and my baby." --Ricki Lake, award-winning actor, TV host, and producer of The Business of Being Born and The Business of Birth Control

"It's a soulful ode to the wisdom of tradition." - Publishers Weekly

Author Bio

Panquetzani comes from a matriarchal family of folk healers from the valley of Mexico (Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlaxcala), La Comarca Lagunera (Durango and Coahuila), and Zacatecas. As a traditional herbalist, healer, and birth keeper, Panquetzani has touched over 3,000 wombs and bellies. Through her platform, Indigemama: Ancestral Healing, she has taught over 100 live, in-person intensives and trainings on womb wellness. She lives in California. For more, visit indigemama.com.