Hola amigos! Ivette Navarro here, a Nutrition Specialist, Doula and Earthyvette founder.
Growing up in San Diego, the land of the Kumeyaay people, always felt a little magical.
Field trips to Mission Trails, museums filled with history, and the whispers of the past always sparked my curiosity.
Learning about the Kumeyaay people, the original inhabitants of what is now called the city of San Diego, was especially fascinating.
Wisdom Woven in the Landscape:
One memory that always stuck with me was a visit to a Kumeyaay village replica at a museum.
Our guide, an elder with a warm smile and eyes that held stories, explained how they used local plants for everything – food, medicine, even ceremonies.
Showed us a fragrant bush called “chaparral” and explained how a tea made from its leaves could soothe a tummy ache [1].
It was like nature’s own pharmacy, right there from the backyard.
Caring for New Mothers:
The Kumeyaay people also had beautiful traditions around welcoming new life. After childbirth, new mothers were encouraged to rest and heal.
Imagine comfy blankets under the shade of a majestic oak tree, the gentle breeze whispering through the leaves, and the calming sounds of nature lulling mama and baby to sleep.
This focus on rest and self-care is something I still hold dear today –
it’s such a natural way to support a new mama’s well-being.
Food for New Beginnings:
The Kumeyaay diet emphasized fresh, local foods – fish from the sparkling Pacific, juicy berries from the rolling hills, and colorful vegetables bursting with life.
These foods, packed with essential nutrients, nourished both mama and baby during this special time [2].
A Journey of Learning:
Even though I wasn’t raised Kumeyaay, their traditions have left a lasting impression on me.
It’s a constant reminder of the deep connection between people and the land, and the importance of honoring the wisdom of those who came before us.
My journey of learning about the Kumeyaay people is far from over, but their legacy of love, care, and connection with nature inspires me every day.
Earthyvette embraces this spirit of honoring tradition. Whether it’s using natural remedies, prioritizing rest, or nourishing your body with healthy foods, there are so many ways to celebrate new life with love and care.
¡Felicidades! (Congratulations!) to all the mamas out there.
Want to learn more about the Kumeyaay people? Check out the resources below!
Article Sources:
- San Diego Natural History Museum. (n.d.). Kumeyaay Ethnobotany. [https://mtrp.org/visitor-center/]
- Wilken, B. (2012). Ethnobotany of Baja California’s Kumeyaay Indians: A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of San Diego State Univ https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/pds/ceqa/JVR/AdminRecord/IncorporatedByReference/Appendices/Appendix-E—Cultural-Resources-Report/Wilken%202012_Ethnobotany%20of%20Baja%20California.pdf
- Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. https://viejasbandofkumeyaay.org/viejas-community/kumeyaay-history/California State University, Bakersfield. (n.d.). Unit 3.2: Kumeyaay Indian Student Reader [PDF].