Nurture Your Womb: Celebrating Women’s History Month with Self-Care
At Sweet Bee, we are passionate about empowering women at every stage of their motherhood journeys. So, naturally, Women’s History Month is an exciting time for us to build awareness about how all women can actively participate in their own health regimens. To commemorate this month’s celebration of women, I’m here to get you thinking about an often overlooked – but very crucial – part of your holistic wellness: caring for your womb.
This month, help your reproductive system help you! As always, I’ve got your back with some practical, actionable tips for you to show her some love:
Strengthen your uterus with red raspberry leaf tea
In my experience, not many people think about the uterus as a muscle; but it is, in fact, a muscular organ! That means that, as with any other muscle, building strength in your uterus can contribute to its overall functioning. However, strengthening the muscle fibers in your womb can be as simple as a sip of tea. I regularly recommend red raspberry leaf tea to expecting mothers to support their labor process. Yet, while red raspberry tea is known for its benefits during pregnancy, its qualities aid the uterus in its multiple functions, even for those who aren’t pregnant. A cozy cup strengthens the uterine muscle fibers that contract to push out a baby or expel the uterine lining.
With that in mind, I highly recommend that you add red raspberry leaf to your tea rotation, especially in preparation for that time of the month.
Manage stress and support muscular functioning through breathwork
We all recognize that breathing is a vital component of staying alive, yet many of us in the US have developed chronically poor breathing habits as a result of a largely sedentary lifestyle. Consequently, we often neglect to take deep breaths that are necessary to oxygenate our muscles and regulate our nervous systems. In encouraging news, there is a growing awareness of how breathwork can counteract issues such as anxiety and improve overall well-being. However, do not overlook the benefits of breathwork for enhancing uterine function!
The uterus operates more efficiently when in a relaxed state, which is admittedly difficult to come by in our high-stress society. The bad news? When you’re in fight or flight mode, the body deprioritizes the uterus to a secondary role and restricts its ability to function optimally in favor of other organs. However, the good news is that breathwork is a practical self-care practice that can help manage stress and restore oxygen flow to your uterus. Here’s a tip to try this month: Upon waking, place your feet firmly on the ground with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Then, consciously fill your lungs with air, allowing your abdomen to expand fully. This practice not only aids in stress management but also yields significant payoff for anyone who adopts it consistently.
Reframe your menstrual cycle as the vital sign that it is!
Have you ever been taught that your menstrual cycle is your fifth vital sign? Culturally, periods are often regarded as a monthly nuisance and sometimes as a debilitating process that can disrupt daily life. However, just as urine color can indicate hydration levels and chest tightness can signify cardiovascular events, how you experience your period is an extremely important indicator of your health. Let's give our monthly cycle the respect it deserves. Pay attention and take note of your experience throughout your cycle, including your sleep patterns. Also, observe your bleeding patterns, such as color and clotting.
Moreover, I strongly recommend addressing any concerns as promptly as you would for other organ systems. Seek the expertise of a healthcare practitioner if you notice anything unusual. We recognize marginalized communities often have healthcare experiences that feel brusque and unsupported due to the influence of biases and prejudices. However, rest assured that there are professionals who will support you. I suggest reaching out to your trusted network to find a provider with whom you feel comfortable partnering on your health journey. Furthermore, I and other health advocates who prioritize reproductive justice and engage BIPOC practitioners are also available to support you on your journey.
