TWU Celebrates Indigenous Milk Medicine Week

Staff from Tewa Women United’s Reproductive Justice team and Wellness Coordinator Pilar Trujillo made plant medicine remedies to honor and uplift Indigenous Milk Medicine Week in August. As part of the Towa Bi Woh / Barrio Remedios project, Pilar is growing plant medicines in Chimayo and sustainably harvesting wild medicines to make remedios for the herbal library, our doula clients, program participants, and the community in general. The nursing support remedios will be given to our doula clients and to those in need.

Nursing Support glycerite contains fennel seed and milky oats grown by Pilar. Fennel seeds are a traditional remedy in many cultures for increasing milk supply. Milky oats support the nursing parent in two ways: they can help increase milk supply over time, and they promote a healthy response to stress and support the nervous system.

Nursing Tea blend contains rose hips harvested at the Espanola Healing Foods Oasis, lavender, nettles, oat straw and raspberry leaf grown by Pilar. Rose hips are an excellent source of Vitamin C that is easily absorbed by the body and helps support nursing parents. Nettles are high in vitamins A, C, K, calcium, potassium and iron, all which help to nourish a nursing body. Oat straw is rich in calcium and magnesium and can help support milk supply as well as stress response. Raspberry leaf helps support hormonal balance, increase milk supply, and is also nutrient-rich. Lavender can help to ease symptoms and feelings of stress and anxiety in a gentle way.

We source our plant medicines in an ethical way by growing them locally, getting donations from local herbalists and gardeners, and sustainable wild-harvesting. Some of the plants used are native to North America, and some have been introduced and might be naturalized in the region.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not medical advice, we are not doctors. If you are concerned about your breast milk supply or your baby’s health, always seek help from a health care provider. Lactation consultants, breastfeeding counsellors, specialist nurses like child health nurses or doctors can also help with any breastfeeding questions or concerns you may have. The NM Breastfeeding Taskforce is also a great resource for information and support.