Aóhtoksóoki (Blackfeet), or Yarrow, can be found all across Turtle Island. It is one of the first flowers to bloom in the Spring, beckoning the rest of its plant relatives out of winter hibernation and to bloom anew. This is similar to the way that our Indigenous Relatives need support and uplifting as they begin a new chapter of their mental health journey by welcoming a baby earth-side. In these lessons, we will cover topics around the interconnectedness of Indigenous Emotional Wellness and fertility, birth, and early postpartum. This includes breastfeeding (including protective factors), birth story processing, mindful birthing, and adapting to change.
The čhaŋšíŋšiŋla (Lakota), or Compass Plant, is known for its bright yellow flowers and wide leaves that orient themselves along the north-south axis of the sun, which provides a natural compass for Prairie Communities when traveling in the dark. PMADs, mental health, and neurodivergence can oftentimes feel like you are lost in the dark and need guidance towards wellness. These lessons will center around challenges that new parents face on their mental health journeys, including intrusive thoughts, pre-existing mood and anxiety disorders, baby blues, substance use disorders, stigma, and much more.
Nectar is hummingbirds’ favorite food. They have grown to rely on humans to put feeders in their yards while also still finding nectar in flowers. In these lessons, we will be focusing on lactation, food, and nutrition for the whole family. Nectar Lessons also help families reclaim and maintain food sovereignty and ancestral food practices.
The Nanåso (CHamoru), or Fan Flower, is considered an important plant to the Indigenous communities of the Pacific Islands. All parts of the plant are used-- the young leaves are pounded and the juice is squeezed into babies’ mouths to increase their appetite. This natural remedy reminds us that we already have the tools within us to provide and care for our babies. Lessons within this topic will cover cultural connectedness while transitioning into parenthood, the differences between bonding and attachment, raising a secure child, asking for and receiving help, going from one child to two/multiple, grounding practices, and more.
Pamutuq (Iñupiaq), or Fireweed, is one of the first plants to grow back after a wildfire, transforming the burnt land with its vibrant magenta and bright green colors. Fireweed can mirror the journey of grief in that we can emerge from deep loss with bright resilience and renewal. Its blossoms remind us that, even in the aftermath of devastation, beauty and life can return. Lessons within this topic will cover the loss of a pregnancy, abortion, still birth, parenting after the loss of a parent or loved one, choosing adoption, and many more.
The ʻŌhiʻa Lehua (Kānaka Maoli/Native Hawaiian) is one of the first plants after Pele’s lava flow, which is an act of clearing, change, and new creation similar to pregnancy and birth. In this transition, our Indigenous parents/ caregivers encounter growth and conflict around their own identity and views of self. These lessons will center around the Pilimakua Department’s core theme of Caregiver Mindfulness & Self Compassion, and explore topics related to maintaining one’s own identity and sense of self during a time of major transition. These include physical autonomy and body changes during and after pregnancy, body image acceptance, nurturing yourself in both body and mind, and the benefits of grounding practices.
The Tagimoucia (Fijian) is a sacred flower endemic to the Fijian Island of Taveuni. Legend says that the flower represents the tears of a young woman who was forbidden by her father to marry the man she loved and instead was forced to marry a prince. She refused, and ran up into the jungle. Desperate and tired, she collapsed. As she wept, her tears became the Tagimoucia flower-- a reminder for her lost love. These lessons will focus on establishing healthy boundaries between partners while parenting, keeping romance and intimacy in relationships after welcoming baby, safeguarding your relationship, communication skills between parents, domestic violence, and fostering healthy connections.
