Birthing With Love ~ Mama Circle

Healthy Recipes and Pregnany Prep for Holistic-Minded Mama's

Erica Chidi’s Father (a prestigious medical doctor) started calling her by her nickname Nne when she was just a wee child. Nne which means mother in the Igbo tongue, is the perfect moniker for the light filled Erica whose lyrical laugh is contagious. Erica has been midwifing or taking care of others her whole life, and after visiting her in her charming Venice bungalow, I can see how nurturing others flows from Erica like a fluid river. Erica’s site and services on The Mama Circle include recipes and preparing meals for mamas to be, doula support, birth prep, lactation support, postpartum support and more. On our visit Erica and I spoke about the importance of having expectant mothers eat healthy, and why doulas can help the whole process go smoothly and beautifully. Erica has studied extensively in hospitals and also as a chef so she is versed in all a new mama needs. I know I could have used a doula the two times I birthed, and even though I tried to stay in my nest for 40 days after the births, having someone help me prepare the meals and give me guidance would have been a treasure. I remember bringing home the placenta and burying it under my fruit tree in my garden which is an old Native American custom. I think if I were to birth today I would have Erica prepare the placenta into capsules. More and more there are studies on how taking a bit of the placenta will replenish the mother and help prevent postpartum blues. More on that in the interview with the nurturing goddess Erica below:

For more natural and holistic health tips see The Local Rose.

1) I so wish I had a doula when I birthed my daughters. Please tell my readers how this can make all the difference when expecting.
A doula can be so many things to a expectant women — a guide, a teacher and that person who holds the space for her and her partner as they transition into this new phase of their lives. Birth doulas, provide non-medical labor support. They educate and support their clients during their pregnancy and are in the room with them as they labor helping them stay calm and get into the most optimal positions for an easeful labor. Having the unconditional and knowledgeable support of a doula can lift the energetics of a women’s birth experience and statisitcally has been shown to reduce the need for interventions.

2) What are three basics an expectant mother should try to do?
Slow down and try to find a bit of space in your busy schedule. Take a digital detox, take long baths ( with lavender and neroli essential oils) and try and sneak in a nap or two or get Your body is working hard growing your babe, so it’s important to continuously replenish your energy stalls
Flow, moving your body at least three times per week will help calm your mind and create more energy. Walking, yoga, dancing and swimming are all beautiful options. Birth requires endurance so gently increasing your muscle tone and strength, will help support your body during labor.
Communicate, transitioning into motherhood can bring up many emotions, you’ll find yourself negotiating new emotions and experiences. Share those shifts with their partner, a therapist, doula or someone they love and trust. Keeping everything inside fuels more unrest. Sharing emotional stressors can give you perspective, freeing you up and allowing you to drop back into the beauty of your life.

3) I know most cultures try to keep baby and mama home for 40 days after the delivery. How do you feel about this?
It’s a wonderful practice that allows the mama and babe get lots of rest and focus on bonding with each other. The more a new mama can rest and restore in the first few weeks after birth, the quicker her healing period will be. If 40 days feels like too long, even just a week or two of uninterrupted time at home will do a world of good.

4) If a mother can’t breast feed of some reason what would you recommend? What other than formula could they give the baby?
For connivence, I would recommend that a mama opt for an organic formula, like Earth’s Best or Baby’s Only. However, If a mama is up to it, she can also make her own organic formula. The Westin A Price Foundation, has a fantastic baby formula recipe  and you can buy a pre assembled ingredient kit from Radiant Life.

5) How do you feel about keeping the placenta after birth to take as a supplement?
The placenta is a vital organ and the hearth of pregnancy, producing many important hormones. Once it’s delivered during birth, that hormone–rich reservoir is depleted. This rapid hormone depletion is the catalyst of the “baby blues” that most women experience during the first three to five days after birth. By consuming the placenta a new mama can take back some of the nutrients and hormones that were lost during birth.There are numerous benefits. Women who consume their placenta report a quicker recovery period, increased energy, improved mood — even an absence of the “baby blues” and a boost in their milk supply. I’ve also had some clients notice improvement in their hair, skin and nails.

6) Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
I see The Mama Circle having a space in Los Angeles and helping more women prepare and transition into motherhood with confidence, awareness and community. I would also like to help to improve maternal health outcomes on a local and global level. I also see myself as mother, hopefully with one or two little beings around me, teaching me and showing me a new and deeper way to love and live.

7) What’s your beauty secret?
Oil cleansing, I haven’t used soap in my beauty routine for about three years and my skin is in the best condition it’s ever been. I also incorporate a lot of fat into my diet, I try and have at least a teaspoon spoon of ghee and coconut oil daily, usually in my coffee.

8) Do you have a mantra or motto you live by?
“Ask for what you need.”

9) You seem so grounded and present do you have a favorite go to book that has been a great resource?
Yes, The Women Who Runs With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, It’s been a constant companion and it has guided me through many challenging times. It’s packed with deep wisdoms about love, the divine femininity and life.

10) What is your joy?
I find deep joy in my work, because my work is being with and helping women and the people they love. However, as I prepare to get married, I find my most joyful moments are spent with my fiancé Jordy, holding space for each other, and planning our life together nourishes my soul.

Erica’s Super Grain Super Soaked Cereal Recipe:

On my visit Erica made me a nurturing tea using red raspberry leaf, rose and chamomile. We also had the most incredible cereal which was reminiscent of my favorite Europena Bircher Museli; but this one is presoaked and made with super grains so even healthier.

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 1/2 cup millet
• 1/4 cup flaxseeds
• 1 cup medjool dates
• 1 cup of turkish apricots
• 1/2 cup of raw almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon of himalayan sea salt
• 1 apple (pink lady or honey crisp)
• 4 cups whole milk or milk alternative (almond or cashew milk) — plus extra to loosen
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or agave
• 1 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses
• 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Fresh seasonal berries

Method:
Mix steel cut oats, chia, millet, flaxseed, salt. Roughly chop dates, apricots and almonds and mix in with grains. Grate apple and mix in with grains and other fruit.Pour over milk to cover. Stir in maple syrup, molasses and vanilla extract.

The next morning the grains will have swelled and might be a little thick, so make sure to loosen it with a little milk. Serve up a portion, top with fresh berries and eat.

Leftover porridge: cover with enough milk to top and leave to continue soaking, until your next meal.