Cyclical Bodies: Menstruation, Rest and Postpartum Healing
Image: From ‘The Golden Month’ photo series by Yasmin Ganley & Greta Van der Star
I have been reflecting lately on how to honour and practice rest before parenthood – more specifically, how people who menstruate can honour their cyclical bodes and how this intersects with postpartum rest and healing.
One way of preparing for postpartum – as someone who menstruates – is to start bringing more awareness to your own cyclical rhythms, moods and energy. Whether it be on a macro or micro level, within each menstrual cycle their lies the opportunity to consider your needs in that moment – and to notice any emerging patterns.
To honour your cyclical body before pregnancy, is to allow yourself to show up (for you, for you relationships, for you children) with more intentionality in your postpartum. It’s certainly something to consider.
Sitting with the following prompts (small seeds for you to tend to) may help reframe how people who menstruate – and those that love them – prepare for postpartum.
What practices are supportive during your follicular, ovulation, luteal and menstrual phases?
What is your relationship with asking for help when you need it? How does it feel to ask for what you need?
Are you listening to your body and honouring your energy levels?
How might you practice and explore your relationship with rest? Where can you create more space for rest?
What feels nurturing and what doesn’t? How does this change throughout your cycle?
How are other people showing up for you (or not) during your cycle?
Our bodies hold so much wisdom. The practice of learning and listening to what your body is telling you with these subtle – or not so subtle – emotional and physical shifts is potent.
02.12.2021
