Nurturing your post-natal health
Gentle & nourishing post-natal care
The recovery period after birth is as important for your wellbeing as it is for your newest addition to the family! It can be tricky to think about really looking after yourself when there's a tiny human who needs you - like all the time!
Many different health practices through the ages promote a time of deep, deep healing after birth. In Chinese Medicine, it’s called the Golden Month.
We've distilled some of this ancient wisdom into 4 easy ways to help you recover and feel good after birth.
Keep Warm!
It’s very important for both you and your baby to stay warm in the weeks after birth. Warmth helps with healing and reduces pain. Don’t forget that your body is particularly susceptible to the cold at this time.
In China (and increasingly, here in Australia) a technique called ‘Mother Warming’ is performed around five days post-birth.
This warming of the body is achieved with a technique called Moxibustion. A lit cigar-like stick of the herb Mugwort is held over the skin at a comfortable distance and passed up and down along the midline of the abdomen and lower back.
This technique offers intense warmth and nourishment, and can be combined with Acupuncture for stronger results.
Rest
In Western cultures women are often praised for getting back on their feet quickly after childbirth; heading back to work after only a short time off or even being back at the gym a month later!
This is not healthy. Instead, praise should be given for going slowly and taking care of yourself at this time.
Overexertion and stress can increase adrenalin and cortisol in the body. These hormones can inhibit the production of oxytocin, which is vital after pregnancy. Oxytocin helps produce contractions that stop the bleeding, initiates milk let down and produces feelings of calm and connection.
More rest = calmer feelings.
Keep Check Emotionally
Make sure to keep a close check on how you are feeling emotionally.
If you have any history of depression, it’s best to talk to your midwife before birth about a post-natal depression plan (just in case!).
Acupuncture is a great way to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol to help you feel grounded when things seem overwhelming.
If you are not sure if you have a mild case of the baby blues or something more serious call PANDA, (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) at any time. They have lots of incredible resources and support, especially about coping with a newborn during the stress of COVID-19.
Nutrition
Meeting your nutritional needs post-birth is really important for your health, energy, and baby!
Continue taking the multivitamin supplements that you took throughout your pregnancy.
Chinese Herbal Medicine can be GREAT for giving your body the extra boost it needs. These needs may differ significantly from what you were taking pre-pregnancy, so always discuss these changes in a consult. We have both in-person AND online consultations available here.
Make sure you are eating warm, (healing) meals with lots of protein and vegetables - your body has additional nutrition needs at this time.
Two of our favourite post-birth nutritional powerhouse foods are:
The Cantonese postpartum recovery dish of Pork knuckles and ginger stew. This dish keeps the mother warm and gives her strength. All the ingredients are fortifying and it contains high amounts of vinegar, which helps with circulation. THIS IS DELICIOUS!!
https://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/pork-knuckle-and-ginger-stew
Another postpartum nutritional superfood is the Pakistani/Indian super-food Panjeeri. Panjeeri is a sweet and nourishing delight packed with warming ingredients to strengthen the body and aid in lactation.
It's really easy to make and google has some great recipes (or if you'd like that awesome goodness already made up, we know an amazing lady who makes it herself! - Contact us)
