Nurture Knot

Mothers in East Asia, such as Korea, China, and Japan, have a special culture of postpartum care after giving birth. This is a form of care recognised by Korean society that exempts mothers from responsibility for various roles such as housework, family care, or childcare, which they had before giving birth, and that the family takes care of the mother so that the mother can concentrate on her physical and psychological recovery with the child born.

Nutrition is important for postpartum care, which is to provide nutrients necessary for health recovery and breastfeeding food package for postpartum nutritional intake are necessary for Korean mothers for several reasons.

Nutritional supplementation: After childbirth, a mother’s body needs a lot of energy and nutrients for recovery and breastfeeding. Food aid kits for nutritional intake help mothers to consume enough of the necessary nutrients.

Convenience: Mothers in postpartum care need to focus on rest and recovery, so it is difficult to devote a lot of time to preparing food. Food aid kits help mothers to easily prepare and consume healthy meals.

The north of India typically sees lower status among women compared to the south, with higher fertility rates, increased infant and child mortality, and elevated ratios of female to male infant mortality. To ensure the optimal well-being of women postpartum, promoting autonomy is crucial.

Alongside delivering essential nutrients through care packages, it is equally vital to offer comprehensive information and facilitate access to resources concerning women's autonomy in financial matters, childcare services, and the ability to seek healthcare for both the mother and baby outside the home, such as at medical facilities.

In North India, particularly in areas like West Bengal, various food superstitions prevail, including the preference for dry foods and the restriction of water intake. However, these superstitions can be detrimental as they deprive women of the necessary hydration required for producing breast milk. Additionally, the avoidance of cold foods poses challenges in encouraging new mothers to consume hydrating fruits and vegetables. To address this issue, food parcels should include fruits and vegetables that can be prepared into warm soups, ensuring both hydration and adherence to cultural beliefs.

Insights from my mom and grandmom, their experiences during pregnancy and recovery, what to avoid, what they were told to avoid, and what they ate?

01. Papaya fruit in particular is often avoided because it is considered as a “hot food” whose consumption could lead to miscarriage. While some studies have shown that raw Papaya consumption can lead to early labour, it has been confirmed that Papaya does not result in miscarriages. In fact many doctors and scientists would agree that they are actually a good source of vitamins A, C, potassium and fiber. These nutrients are not only great for post-natal weight management but also help support the immune system making them a great choice for postpartum recovery.

02. The second most common myth is the consumption of Methi or fenugreek. It is believed that Methi can lead to early uterine contractions, indigestion, and “weird smelling baby”. While their consumption should be controlled during the pregnancy, the cuboidal seeds of the Trigonella foenum-graecum plant have powerful lactating properties as per both doctors and Ayurvedic experts.

03. The final misconception we have addressed is one regarding Moringa or Drumstick leaves. It is believed that Moringa can cause constipation, heartburn, and headaches. While the bark and roots of drumsticks contain toxic chemicals and can lead to a miscarriage, the leaves are actually a great source of iron and can increase hemoglobin count, boost immunity, maintain blood sugar levels, improve bone density, and alleviate morning sickness. (Reference) It is so good that even the United Nations recommends Moringa leaves for pregnant & nursing people.

The care package could thus include fresh fruits like papaya, papaya curries, fenugreek tea/soups, drumstick and moringa curries.

Deeply rooted in superstition, Yoruba culture thrives on rich traditions and core beliefs that shape their way of life.

Central to Yoruba values is the profound reverence for children. Embracing the adage 'ọmọbonilárajuaṣọ lọ

', which translates to 'having children is like having a covering cloth', they cherish the notion that children are the ultimate treasure, embodying wealth and prosperity.

In the realm of postpartum care, Yoruba traditions manifest in elaborate ceremonies dedicated to nurturing new mothers. Traditionally, the presence of the baby’s maternal or paternal grandmother, for a duration of approximately three months, signifies a period of devoted care. During this time, the grandmother attends to the needs of both mother and baby, affording the new mother precious moments to regain her strength and vitality.

One of the poignant rituals involves the grandmother delicately using hot water and soft fabrics to massage the postpartum mother's stomach for several weeks post-delivery, believed to aid in the body's healing process and foster a reconnection with one's postnatal self.

Additionally, the grandmother takes great care in preparing nourishing meals, ensuring the mother's well-being is paramount.

Nutrition

Yoruba culture boasts a rich culinary tradition, brimming with nourishing foods teeming with vital vitamins and minerals essential for the rejuvenation of postpartum mothers. Within this cultural tapestry, NutureKnot shines a light on key dishes commonly served in Yoruba households, offering empowering nutritional insights to guide and enlighten mothers and grandmothers alike on the art of nurturing.

Amongst these culinary treasures is "agbo," a medicinal elixir crafted from an array of herbs, plants, and roots. Rooted in tradition, agbo is revered for its variations, each tailored to address specific health concerns. While steeped in folklore, it's important to tread with discernment, as some mixes claim miraculous healing properties, including the treatment of cancers, though clinical evidence remains scant.

In the spirit of wellness, the NurtureKnot pack endeavors to demystify the myths surrounding agbo, offering instead an alternative fruit and herbal smoothie recipe brimming with beneficial nutrients. By embracing the wisdom of tradition while embracing modern nutritional insights, we embark on a journey towards holistic well-being, nurturing both body and spirit with each sip and savoured bite.

Recognising the importance of holistic postpartum care, the Nuture Knot for the Nigerian region meticulously integrates both aspects of care and nutrition. Through a thoughtfully curated selection of products, the package seeks to honour and uphold the cherished traditions of Yoruba culture, providing mothers with the essential support they deserve.

Textiles

The textile design adorning the box exudes the timeless elegance of adire, a cherished textile print intrinsic to the cultural tapestry of the Yoruba people. Distinguished by its signature blue hue, derived from the ugu leaf, adire encapsulates centuries of tradition and artistry, embodying the essence of "to tie" and "to dye" in its intricate patterns.

Delving deeper, the accompanying symbols woven into the fabric are steeped in profound significance. Rectangular shapes evoke images of compounds and community, echoing the bonds that unite us. Meanwhile, circular motifs evoke the spirit of the calabash, a symbol deeply intertwined with Yoruba culture, representing nourishment and well-being.

Crafted from lightweight cotton, the fabric's abstract design lends itself to versatility and ease of reuse. Whether enveloping the newborn in comforting swaddles or fashioning a pouch to cradle the precious bundle, its gentle embrace ensures both practicality and style in the nurturing journey of parenthood.

Distribution

In Nigerian tradition, new mothers historically observed a 40-day period of postpartum seclusion. During this time, a pack like NutureKnot could typically be given to a grandmother or a trusted female figure in the community from the hosptial, adding credibility to its purpose.

While not all births occur in hospitals, Nigeria's strong religious affiliations provide alternative avenues for community support. Churches and mosques often play a central role in celebrations and support networks. It's common for family and friends to visit the new mother, with religious leaders sometimes making house calls to offer blessings.

Recognizing Nigeria's economic diversity, NutureKnot offers two pricing tiers. The lower price includes raw materials without branding, catering to those with limited disposable income. The higher price features branded products, appealing to those expecting a touch of luxury. This approach ensures accessibility and quality for all mothers, regardless of their financial circumstances.