Birthing and the Earth Element

Thoughts on Birthing and the Earth Element in Chinese Medicine

When a woman is pregnant, her baby lives and grows within a sac of water for around 9 moons. During birth, however, there is a pivotal moment: the baby transitions from a life of water (Kidney/Bladder) to one of Earth (Spleen/Stomach). This transition is monumental, not only for the baby’s physical survival but also for their emotional and spiritual connection to the Earth element.

How we are birthed must have an effect on our connection to this element. The way we enter the world can influence how we come to relate to the Earth and all it represents, nourishment, support, and grounding. Yet, I often wonder: how are most babies received into Earth? It makes me sad to think that so many come into this world drugged and rushed, instead of being received with pure awe and reverence.

(Of course, I’m not saying that medical interventions are never necessary; there are times when they absolutely are. But, it saddens me that these interventions have become so common)

So many people today struggle with imbalances in the Earth element. But could this be because we are so disconnected from the relationship of giving and receiving from the Earth, the mother energy? If we understand Earth as the foundation of life, perhaps our collective struggle with imbalances in this element points to a larger, deeper disconnection from the Earth itself.

In Chinese Medicine, the Earth element is responsible for the transformation and transportation of nutrients. It’s how we digest life, food, experiences, emotions, and life lessons. The Earth element represents our ability to nourish and to be nourished. When this element is imbalanced, it can lead to excessive worry, excessive sympathy, or thinking too much about others. Physically, it might show up as digestive issues, brain fog, fatigue, and can lead to conditions like anemia, low iron, IBS, or food intolerances. These issues are alarmingly common.

Emotional Resilience and the Earth Element

Emotional resilience is essentially the ability to stay steady in the face of challenges. This strength is deeply connected to the Earth element. A balanced Earth allows us to stay rooted, to receive support from the Earth itself, and to transform life’s difficulties into growth. When the Earth element is weak, we may feel more prone to emotional instability or over-sensitivity. We might swing between worrying about everyone else and neglecting our own emotional needs. In these cases, Earth imbalance can manifest as physical symptoms like digestive issues, low energy, or a sense of being ‘untethered.’ Rebuilding a strong connection with the Earth can help regain emotional stability and resilience, fostering a deeper sense of inner peace.

The Role of the Mother in Supporting the Earth Element

To truly nurture a child’s connection to the Earth element, we must also look at how the mother is supported. In the early postpartum period, a mother's ability to care for her child deeply depends on how nourished and grounded she feels. After childbirth, it is crucial for mothers to be given the time and space to rest, heal, and restore their own connection to the Earth. When a mother receives the care she needs, through rest, warmth, nourishment, and emotional support, she is more able to provide the same for her child. Without these vital supports, a mother may struggle with exhaustion, emotional instability, or an inability to fully nurture her baby. This imbalance can create a cycle of depletion, where both the mother and the child lack the foundational grounding energy that the Earth element provides.

Mothers, especially in those early months, need to feel deeply supported by their community, whether through family, friends, or other caregivers. As the Earth element governs digestion and the ability to transform experiences, when a mother is overwhelmed or depleted, it can affect her capacity to digest not only food but the emotional and physical demands of motherhood. The more supported a mother is in her journey, the more stable her Earth element will remain, which in turn will directly and positively influence her child’s development. By prioritizing the mother’s needs for nourishment and care, we can help create a healthier foundation for both mother and child that will last throughout life.

The impacts of birth affect every single person and are probably one of the biggest and most effective ways we can create a change in future health.