Mothers are trusted by God, because souls are entrusted in their care. To realise this is to realise the crucial role that mothers play in the lives of their children. She has great influence over them, which is why mothers need to exercise wisdom and righteousness throughout the days of her life— a task that can be quite daunting. But motherhood comes with this great responsibility.
In my case, I wouldn’t be alive if not for my Mother. As some of you know, I suffered from a deadly duo of Meningitis and Typhoid when I was 7. My fever went up to 108 degrees fahrenheit and wouldn’t come down. I recall lying on a huge block of ice half unconscious. Doctors had lost any hope of my survival and there was panic and eventually, resignation in the room. Guess who did not give up? Yes, my Mother. I credit her with my revival – the power of her love, fervent prayers and moving every mountain she could. She stayed up many nights and tended to me only like a Mother can. Miraculously I survived and gradually regained my health. This is just one of the many episodes of ill-health that plagued me in my childhood. Ma was always by my side restoring me back to health. For that and much much more, I salute you, love you and am in forever gratitude to you Ma.
What I do today as a Nutritionist, a Peak Health Coach and Trainer is borne out of that experience.
A mother has to do so much to ensure her child’s physical, cognitive and emotional development and well being that involves providing the right environment for the child’s healthy development, instilling trust and security, unconditionally loving and caring, being thoughtful and sensitive, always keeping a positive attitude, teaching family bonding, modelling the behaviour she wants to see and at times, even tough love to instil discipline. All of the above requires pure selflessness, sacrifice and utter devotion. This Herculean task can be undertaken only by a powerful being – a Mother – the embodiment of Shakti – the primordial cosmic energy.
My two cents to all the Mothers and Mothers to be out there to ensure thriving health for their child for life –
* as much as possible, opt for a natural child birth
* breast feed the child for a minimum of 2 and if possible, up to 3 years
* make wise choices in nourishing your body during pregnancy
* feed your child top nutrition during her/his formative years
* keep the baby away from medication as much as you can, especially antibiotics
All of the above help to form a thriving Gut micro-biome in the child which forms the basis of life long health and well-being. It is imperative that wanna be mothers keep learning about this and other aspects of theirs and their child’s health.
My salute to all the Mothers out there. Not just today, but every day we are in awe of you and have nothing but Love and Gratitude for you.
A Mother is a Nurturer, just like the Earth. In fact, in the Inca mythology, they revere a Goddess called Pachamama, or Mother Earth. On this day, I honour all the wonderful Mothers out there. She who bears a divine role not only in our lives, but also in our society and in the world.
To your Peak Health,
Warun Mehta
