Sometimes, life presents you with opportunities that you don’t fully grasp until you’re standing right in the middle of them. When an English production company reached out, they had one request, could I create a ceremony for a father-to-be? They had found my postpartum Mother Roasting offerings and my work with La Cerrada, the Closing of the Bones Ceremony, a sacred ritual for mothers transitioning out of their fourth trimester here in Los Angeles. But this time, the focus was different. This wasn’t about a mother; it was about a man who wanted~needed~to mark his transition into fatherhood in a meaningful way. That was all I knew going in. No other details. No backstory. No names. But what spoke to my heart was this: Here was a man, fully willing to step into something ceremonial to help cross the bridge of resistance between who he had been and who he was becoming. That alone was enough for me to say yes. I designed a ceremony that would guide him into fatherhood. The crew flew in from London to shoot this episode with me here in Sherman Oaks, California.We began with a labyrinth walk, allowing him to reflect on what he was leaving behind. He then released those parts of himself in a fire ritual, making space for the father he was stepping into. Finally, he and his own father entered our sacred space prepared, where I led them on a shamanic journey, wrapped in rebozos from Antima Textiles from Oaxaca, held in the rhythmic heartbeat of the drum. What I didn’t know until much later was that the father-to-be and his own father were actually well-known comedians with a hugely popular Netflix series, Travel with My Father. I had no idea. None whatsoever! Which, in hindsight, made for the most organic, lighthearted, and joy-filled ceremony I could have ever imagined. It wasn’t until after filming that my eldest son, who records music in London casually dropped, “Wait… you did a ceremony for Jack Whitehall and his dad, oh this outta be good?!” Cue my post-ceremony Oh. My. God. moment. And my first thought? Dear Universe, please don’t let me be edited into some LA woo-woo stereotype! 🤣🤣🤣 Thankfully, while much of the ritual didn’t make the final cut, what was captured was something truly special. You can catch it in the very first episode of Fatherhood with My Father, where Jack steps into this deeply personal, yet hilariously heartfelt, rite of passage. This entire experience made me realize just how much we are missing when it comes to supporting men in their journey to fatherhood. We expect them to just show up, but emotional readiness, identity shifts, and the unspoken fears that come with this transformation are rarely acknowledged. Being a mother to four adult men... I want to change that. This ceremony was just the beginning. I want to expand it into something larger, a dedicated offering for fathers (or groups of fathers) who are standing at this threshold, unsure of what’s next but ready to explore, relate, and prepare. Because whether you’re a first-time dad or navigating fears of repeating past cycles, you deserve a space to process, release, and step in with clarity and purpose. Let’s start the conversation Papa.....
In Los Angeles twelve years ago, I gathered with a circle of wise women to hold space for my dearest of dear sisters preparing to birth her daughter into this world. It was a Blessingway filled with love, intention, and deep reverence for the journey ahead. A Salt bowl infused with prayers, wishes, and blessings for this baby girl, woven with the collective wisdom of those present.
And now, all these years later, I found myself standing in the presence of that very child ~Naleʻa, not just as the baby once cradled in our circles but as a young girl who had grown up within them. From the very beginning, she sat among women, absorbing their stories, their wisdom, their way of moving through life. She became my little apprentice, eagerly assisting me in creating ceremony, carefully setting up the center altar, and listening with a quiet attentiveness that revealed her deep respect for the sacred. Always willing to learn the ways of women, she honored the rituals of those before her. But on this day, it was her turn. Her day to be honored. Her day to step fully onto the sacred path of maidenhood, surrounded by the love and support of those who had witnessed her journey from the very beginning. This weekend, we gathered once again, this time to honor her first blood, her first moon, her Sacred Menarche. We sat in a circle, a sisterhood of generations, weaving her into the lineage of women before her. We held a salt bowl of intentions, infused with the very same infused salts from her mother’s Blessingway, carrying the echoes of those early prayers. Each of us added our own blessings into the salt, whispering words of wisdom and protection for her journey ahead. To guide her into this next chapter, we shared the tale of Vasilisa the Great, a story of courage, trust, and the deep wisdom of intuition. We spoke of the inner seasons of the menstrual cycle, how our bodies ebb and flow with the moon, and how to track the rhythms of her own cycle. The moon, our ancient timekeeper became her compass, a guide to understanding her body’s wisdom. With loving hands, I washed her feet with blue cornmeal, honoring the sacred path she now walks. She was adorned with words of empowerment, affirmations of strength, grace, and beauty. We crafted a flower crown, each participant adding a bloom, symbolizing the collective love and support that surrounds her. And as the final touch, she left behind a piece of her childhood her beloved little bunny, marking her transition from girl to maiden, witnessed by all who came to celebrate her. One of the most moving moments of the ceremony was when Naleʻa and her mother, Kahiliana, stood together and recited a poem, a shared expression of love, gratitude, and the passing of wisdom from mother to daughter. This was followed by a cord-cutting ceremony, a sacred act of shifting their bond from mother-and-child to mother-and-maiden, honoring both the deep connection they share and the new independence blossoming within Naleʻa. This was not just a ceremony; it was a remembering, a reclaiming of what it means to honor our daughters as they step into their power. It was a sacred weaving of past, present, and future, a reminder that our rites of passage are meant to be held in community, in love, and in deep reverence. Naleʻa, may you walk boldly on this red path, always listening to the voice of your own wild, wise heart. You are held. You are seen. You are loved. For those of you interested in creating beautiful menarche ceremony for the maiden's in your life, I invite you to check out my online course Sacred Menarche below. ![]() Womb Healing: The Sacred Return to Feminine Wisdom There was a time when women knew their bodies. We knew how to listen to the pulse of our womb, how to honor its cycles, how to clear what was stagnant, and how to call in what we desired. We gathered under the moon, whispered secrets of herbal wisdom, and passed down the knowing. Then came the forgetting. The sterilized hospitals, the cold speculums, the hush-hush about our blood, our pleasure, our power. We were told to disconnect from our wombs, from our cycles, from the medicine we always had. And now, here we are. A generation of women with painful cycles, bodies full of trauma we never released, numbness where passion should be, and diagnoses that tell us our bodies are broken. But here’s what they don’t tell you: Your womb is not broken. She is just waiting for you to come back to her. What is Womb Healing? Womb healing is not just about steaming your yoni, drinking teas, or rubbing oils into your belly (though those are delicious and powerful tools). It’s about remembering—coming home to the ancient ways that women have used for centuries to restore their bodies, emotions, and spirits. Whether done in a quiet moment at home or guided by a healer, womb healing is about reconnecting with your root, your creative fire, your intuitive knowing. It’s about peeling back the layers of shame, exhaustion, and disconnect and learning to speak with your womb again. My Story: When My Womb Spoke, I Had to Listen I grew up with fairly easy menstrual cycles. I tracked my moon time religiously, knowing which phase the moon was in when my blood would come. My cycle felt like a rhythm I could trust, a quiet knowing between my body and the cosmos. Then, in my late 40s, everything changed. I was diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia, my womb was literally hardening. Each month, my body was making less and less progesterone. My cycles were no longer flowing with ease. I was holding something. More than just hormones, my womb was screaming at me. I was at the end of a 21-year marriage that I had not yet let myself fully grieve. I wasn’t admitting that it was over. But my body knew. My womb was saying: NO MORE. I was rejecting my partner on a cellular level. The energy between us had died, and my body was manifesting it. The body always keeps score. So, I knew my healing would not come from a prescription. I turned to my intuition. I began deep womb healing practices, not just for my reproductive health, but for my spiritual and emotional survival.
It was not just my marriage that was ending, it was the death of my cycles as I entered a new phase of womanhood. And I had to honor it, not fight it. My body had spoken. I had finally listened. Why Do We Need This? Look at the Numbers Let’s be real for a second. Our grandmothers didn’t have 1 in 8 women struggling with infertility (CDC, 2025). They weren’t walking around with bacterial vaginosis affecting 1 in 3 women or feeling like painful sex was just something to "live with." We are carrying the weight of generations of suppression, stress, processed foods, overmedication, and deep-seated trauma. And it’s showing up in our bodies.
And yet, instead of being taught how to heal, we are given birth control, surgeries, and synthetic hormones. But what if the answer has been with us all along? The Return of Womb Healing: What Women are Reclaiming More and more women are turning away from quick fixes and returning to what our ancestors always knew. How Do We Begin? We begin with listening. The womb is always speaking. Through cramps, through discomfort, through dreams and sensations. The question is: are you listening? This is your invitation to return. To warm your womb, to reconnect, to honor the sacred portal that brought life to this world. Western medicine may have forgotten. But we did not. And neither did your womb. 🌙 It’s time to remember. If you feel called to reconnect with your womb, release stored trauma, or nourish yourself in the sacred way our ancestors did, I am here to hold space for you. I offer personalized womb healing services in the comfort of your home or in my intimate Womb Tent, where you can experience: 🌿 Yoni Steaming Rituals – Tailored herbal blends to support your healing, whether for postpartum care, cycle balance, or emotional release. 🌀 Womb Massage & Healing Touch – A deeply soothing practice to increase circulation, clear stagnation, and honor your body’s wisdom. 🔥 Ceremonial Energy Clearing – Using obsidian tools, hawk medicine, and guided visualization to remove blockages and restore balance. 💛 Sacred Menopause & Postpartum Support – Honoring life transitions with warmth, wisdom, and ancient practices. I serve the greater Los Angeles area, including South Bay, Ventura, and the San Gabriel Valley. Whether you are in your maiden, mother, or wise woman phase, this womb healing is for you. Ready to Begin? Reach out to book your private womb healing session or to learn more about how these ancient traditions can support your journey. Your womb is waiting. 💛 With love & warmth, Tnah Louise Nourishing Your Postpartum Journey:
Birth unfolds as a sacred rite, a ceremonial passage where the birthing person embarks on a profound journey of emergence. This journey involves the magical act of unveiling both body and heart, creating a passage for new life to enter. Yet, this ceremonial unfolding doesn't conclude with the baby's arrival, it's a continuum. In the aftermath of birth, the birthing person stands at a crossroads where raw vulnerability converges with primal strength. Through the embrace of warm and nurturing foods, a silent synergy is awakened, one that honors the new mother's journey and invites her to reclaim her internal harmony and balance. In reverence to this sacred cycle, the practice of nourishing the postpartum mother is my calling and within the following posts here in this blog, I will share a tapestry of global wisdom, weaving together diverse cultural traditions in celebration of the postpartum journey. The common thread that binds these cultures is the recognition of the sanctity of the 42-day postpartum (fourth trimester) phase. Through cherished recipes and time-honored rituals, I seek the world traveling through ancient lands to learn from the wise birth workers who teach about their culture which imparts its unique contribution to the mosaic of postpartum care and harmonious exchange of flavors + traditions I offer. With every dish I prepare, I embrace the collective wisdom that unites cultures in the shared pursuit of new mothers' well-being. Postpartum Nourishment from Morocco During my travels in Marrakesh, Morocco, in 2018, I was blessed to learn some of the their birth traditions, and like many eastern countries, postpartum healing is deeply rooted in the belief that the body requires warmth, balance, and replenishment to recover from the physical and emotional demands of childbirth. Harira is a beloved Moroccan soup, often enjoyed during Ramadan to break the fast, but it is also commonly served to nourish postpartum mothers. It is a hearty and warming soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and a blend of fragrant spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger. Harira is deeply valued in Moroccan postpartum traditions because it is rich in protein, iron, and warming spices, which are believed to aid in restoring the mother’s energy, improving circulation, and supporting digestion after childbirth. This soup is crafted to ground and nurture the mother, enveloping her in warmth and care. It’s not just a dish....it’s a healing ritual in a bowl, embodying love! This gentle yet flavorful dish is more than a meal, it is a balm for the soul and body, embodying the rich wisdom of Moroccan postpartum traditions. I hope it nourishes you and your loved ones on your journey of healing and renewal. Here is the recipe to try for yourself. Mild Harira Recipe Ingredients:
Stay tuned for more postpartum recipes and rituals from around the globe. My Journey to Motherhood: Giving Birth to My Firstborn Roméo at 22, from Los Angeles to Costa Rica1/23/2025 At 22 years old, I embarked on the greatest adventure of my life, giving birth to my first son in the enchanting and untamed beauty of Costa Rica. Moving sight unseen to a small fisherman’s village on the Nicoya Peninsula, I left behind the fast-paced world of fashion as a model agent and traded it for the simplicity of barefoot days, humid nights, and the rhythm of the ocean. I was three months pregnant, newly in love, and utterly unprepared, but my heart sang with the possibility of something extraordinary.
Montezuma, with its dirt roads, a single village phone, and its vibrant yet simple way of life, became my home. We ran a lively open-air restaurant called Muy Nice, where world music filled the air and locals gathered to dance under the stars. I slowly acclimated to my new life, learning to embrace the natural flow of things. From the heat to the bugs, and even to the absence of the comforts I had once known, everything about this life demanded surrender and trust. During my pregnancy, I dreamt of giving birth in a serene brook, or on magical land under the care of a wise community. Those dreams shifted, as life often does, to a beachside property owned by an incredible family living like modern-day Swiss Family Robinson. With my partner, my dearest friend Luciana, and the strength of my own instincts, I prepared to welcome my child into this world. Luciana was my anchor. Though she had no children of her own, she radiated strength and became my unwavering support. Together, we found the perfect name for my child one sunny day as we bumped along in a jeep. Roméo, she declared, rolling the R with her unmistakable British-meets-Latin flair. It was perfect. My son was destined to carry a name full of poetry and love. The night Roméo was born was a dance of chaos and magic. Under the light of a full moon, my water broke just as my partner and friend had ventured to the local disco for the full moon party. With no phones and the urgency of labor building, fate intervened as a car passed by. I flagged the driver down, and word was sent. Soon, my team was by my side, packing me up for the bumpy moonlit journey to the land where I would give birth. Labor was relentless. I walked for hours, pacing up and down stairs to the sea, feeling the ebb and flow of each contraction like the waves I had grown to love. Birth is a pain unlike any other, it stretches you to the brink, then grants you a fleeting reprieve before pulling you back into the depths. I held on, trusting the rhythm of my body and the wisdom deep within me. After ten hours of labor, beneath that luminous moon, I brought my 8.9-pound hunk of love into the world. Roméo was born alongside a colt and a litter of kittens—new life spilling into the night like a blessing from the heavens. We did it. And now, thirty years later, as I look at the man Roméo has become, I am struck by the wonder of that night. Life has a way of weaving together pain, beauty, and love in ways that leave us awestruck. Giving birth to him in such wild, untamed circumstances taught me that motherhood is an ocean, both fierce and nurturing, unpredictable and constant. Roméo’s arrival was the first chapter of a love story that would change me forever. As I reflect on that night, I carry the gratitude for every contraction, every choice, and every soul who walked alongside me on that moonlit path. Roméo, you were my firstborn, my great initiation, and the one who showed me what it means to surrender to the flow of life. Thank you for choosing me. Photos credited to Antama Textiles The rebozo is a traditional Mexican shawl that has been cherished for generations due to its beauty, versatility, and cultural significance. This simple yet powerful tool is a testament to the wisdom of traditional practices that continue to nurture mothers and babies alike. From pregnancy and labor to baby-wearing postpartum, the rebozo is a multi-functional treasure every mother should know about. Uses During Pregnancy During pregnancy, the rebozo becomes a gentle supporter. Mexican midwives and birth practitioners often use it to help ease discomfort, improve alignment, and promote relaxation. The fabric is used to gently to cradle the belly, relieving tension in the lower back and abdomen. This practice can also help encourage optimal fetal positioning, making it a valuable ally as the baby grows and prepares for birth. Easing Discomfort in the Pelvis: The manteada is the basic rebozo movement, rocking the mother back and forth in the hammock of the rebozo. "Manteada" means a rocking or sifting motion. This technique is ideal for women in later pregnancy to alleviate back pain, relax the nervous system, ease the ligaments of the uterus, and allow more room in the pelvis. Rebozo in Labor In labor, the rebozo transforms into a supportive guide. It can be used to:
Its ability to gently stretch, cradle, or support a laboring mother makes the rebozo an indispensable tool for a smoother birthing experience. The Rebozo as an Extension of Ourselves
Birth is not something to be saved from but to be experienced and embraced. Baby-Wearing Postpartum After the baby is born, the rebozo takes on yet another role, a secure and stylish baby carrier. Handwoven for durability and comfort, the rebozo is perfect for:
Its soft yet sturdy weave ensures that both mother and baby feel supported, creating an intimate cocoon of love and security. Why I Work With Antama Textiles For the past eight years, I have had the honor of purchasing all my rebozos from Antama Textiles, a remarkable company that Anna has grown with her family in based in Oaxaca, Mexico. Antama is more than just a textile company; it is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Every cotton rebozo they create is hand-loomed with love and care, dyed with natural pigments like in the images above reflecting a deep respect for tradition and the artisans who bring these pieces to life. The level of consciousness placed into their work is why I chose to align my practice with Antama. Their commitment to ethical practices and environmental stewardship resonates deeply with my values. Each rebozo carries a story, a connection to the land, and a touch of the artisan’s heart. I encourage you to visit their website and learn more about their inspiring approach to preserving this cherished tradition. They invest 10% of their gains back into their community. A Timeless Tradition for Modern Mothers The rebozo is more than a piece of fabric, it is a symbol of care, connection, and culture. Its versatility ensures that it remains a beloved companion through all stages of motherhood, offering physical support and emotional comfort. Whether you are pregnant, in labor, or navigating life with a newborn, the rebozo has something to offer. Explore the beauty and utility of this timeless tradition, and join me in celebrating the artistry of Antama Textiles, whose rebozos honor both the past and the future of motherhood. Discover the magic of the rebozo, a tool as beautiful as it is practical.I offer Antama rebozos at my online store, and offer additional manteada services in the Los Angeles area. The placenta is often referred to as the "forgotten chakra," a sacred organ that not only nourishes life in the womb but holds profound spiritual, emotional, and physical significance. In her groundbreaking book Placenta: The Forgotten Chakra, Robin Lim illuminates the placenta's ancient role across cultures and traditions. This vital organ is seen as more than just an afterthought in many parts of the world, it is revered as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.
Placenta Reverence Across CulturesIn Bali, where Robin Lim practices, the placenta is considered the baby’s twin and is ceremonially honored with a burial ritual to symbolize the connection between the child and the earth. In many Indigenous cultures, the placenta is treated as the guardian spirit of the newborn. Across Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia, it is common to bury the placenta under a tree as a way to bless the child with long life and protection. Last fall, I had the chance to meet Robin Lim in person at her birthing center, Bumi Sehat, in Bali. Witnessing firsthand how the Balinese honor the placenta in such a beautiful and sacred way was profoundly inspiring. Their rituals not only celebrate new life but also create a sense of community and deep respect for the baby's journey into the world. However, in the U.S., where the culture around birth can feel more clinical and isolated, many mothers face a vastly different postpartum experience. Postpartum depression affects approximately 80% of new mothers to some degree, with a more severe form, postpartum mood disorders, impacting around 10-15%. This stark reality makes it all the more important to explore natural ways to support healing. Placenta encapsulation offers an empowering choice for mothers to reclaim their postpartum well-being by harnessing the nutrients and hormones their bodies created to nourish them. The Hidden Value of Placentas in Modern Medicine In America, placentas are highly sought after by pharmaceutical companies due to their rich stem cell content. Each placenta contains a valuable concentration of stem cells that can be used for regenerative medicine and medical research. The value of a single placenta can be as high as $50,000. These stem cells are at the forefront of groundbreaking treatments, emphasizing the placenta’s role as a source of healing. While many placentas are discarded after birth, this knowledge underscores the immense power each placenta holds. I have witnessed firsthand how transformative the placenta can be. One mother I worked with, who had experienced debilitating seizures, found her symptoms stopped entirely after using her placenta postpartum. This powerful testament shows that the placenta is more than just an organ, it is a potent source of healing and restoration. Why Placenta Encapsulation? In the modern postpartum world, placenta encapsulation has emerged as a meaningful way to honor and utilize the nutrients and hormones contained within the placenta. Rather than discarding this incredible organ, mothers can choose to reintegrate its powerful properties back into their bodies. Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation Placenta encapsulation offers a natural way to support postpartum recovery and can help with stem cell rejuvenation along with the following:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the placenta is known as zi he che and is considered a powerful remedy for restoring qi (vital energy). TCM practitioners have used dried and ground placenta for centuries to address conditions such as fatigue, insufficient lactation, anemia, and hormonal imbalances. The placenta is believed to replenish the blood and strengthen the body's essence, making it an essential part of postpartum care. TCM preparations may include placenta powder added to broths or herbal teas, providing a deeply nourishing way to rebuild the body after childbirth. These remedies emphasize warming the body and replenishing the energy lost during labor. Keepsake Creations with the Umbilical Cord In addition to placenta encapsulation, I also offer unique keepsake services using the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord represents the life-giving connection between mother and baby, and I honor its significance by creating beautiful, meaningful mementos, including:
My Experience: 14 Years of Placenta Care in Los Angeles Over the past 14 years, I have worked with countless postpartum mothers in Los Angeles, creating custom placenta capsules that support their healing journey. I bring intention and care to every step of the process, ensuring that the placenta is handled with reverence and prepared in a safe and sanitary environment. Every placenta holds a unique energy, reflecting the mother’s experience and strength. I have witnessed firsthand how encapsulation can be a transformative part of postpartum recovery. Mothers often share how their energy levels improve, their emotional resilience increases, and they feel more grounded as they navigate the fourth trimester. In the world of postpartum care, there are few traditions as enduring and effective as Bengkung belly binding. I have dedicated over 14 years to mastering this sacred practice, refining it to meet the needs of modern mothers while honoring the ancient wisdom from which it originates. A Craft Rooted in Tradition Each of my 17-foot belly binds is crafted with intention in Los Angeles, using organic cotton sourced for its purity and comfort. The interior is lined with soft flannel, designed to protect the bind from oils and stains caused by the specially formulated heating paste I import directly from Malaysia. This thoughtful touch not only extends the life of the bind but enhances the overall postpartum experience, making the ritual of binding more seamless and enjoyable. The Importance of Belly Binding After Birth Belly binding serves as more than a physical support—it is an emotional embrace that aids the body's recovery after the incredible journey of birth. Here are just a few of its key benefits:
Many second-time mothers I have worked with often share how profoundly different their postpartum recovery feels when they incorporate belly binding compared to their first experiences. Their feedback speaks to the holistic benefits that go beyond the physical, creating a deep sense of empowerment and connection. A Unique Approach to Postpartum Healing What sets me apart from other belly binding specialists in Los Angeles is my integrative approach. I blend traditional Bengkung belly binding with complementary healing techniques:
Supporting Mothers Through Their Postpartum Journey Belly binding is more than a physical practice—it’s a sacred invitation to slow down, honor your body, and embrace the profound transition into motherhood. Whether you are a first-time mother or navigating your second, third, or fourth postpartum experience, my commitment is to support your healing process with care, reverence, and expertise. By combining time-honored traditions with modern convenience, I offer each mother a deeply personalized and nurturing experience. When you choose to work with me, you’re choosing a practitioner who is as dedicated to your recovery as you are to your newborn’s well-being.
To book your session or learn more about my postpartum mother roasting services, use the contact page to reach out and book your session. Let’s create a postpartum experience rooted in care, comfort, and cultural wisdom that has stood the test of time. |
Los Angeles Postpartum Doula ~ Mother Roaster
Tnah Louise This blog is an extension of my work, a sacred place to share nourishing recipes, wellness tips, and heartfelt reflections on motherhood and healing. I will also be sharing updates about my offerings, workshops, and ceremonies that foster community and connection. Whether you are here for inspiration, education, or soulful guidance, I hope this space feels like a warm embrace. ArchivesCategories |