Post Partum Recovery

Post partum recovery in Chinese medicine: A time-honored tradition

Post partum recovery is an important time for new mothers, filled with both the joys of welcoming a new life and the challenges of recovery.  

Many new mums who we have supported through a fertility journey and labour induction support, benefit from extra support once all the excitement is passed!

What are some of the common issues new parents face post partum?

A big change occurs in your body once your baby is born. When the placenta leaves the uterus, it is no longer able to provide the extra hormones that gave your body a boost.

In addition, fatigue, lack of rest, stress, and under-nourishment can result in a host of issues including:

• Post partum hair loss ( or alopecia)
• Post partum thyroiditis
• Post partum bleeding 
• Tearing and C-section recovery
• Prolapse
• Post natal depression and mood swings
• Night sweats and difficulty sleeping
• Lactation issues

Chinese medicine and acupuncture may support with the pain and stress of the above conditions, and may be able to help you regain balance in your system.

How is post partum recovery viewed in Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long recognized the significance of this period, offering a comprehensive approach to care that emphasises rest, nourishment, and the restoration of the body’s vital energy.

Rooted in thousands of years of wisdom, TCM practices provide invaluable support to mothers as they navigate the postpartum period. 

In TCM, the six weeks following childbirth are referred to as “Chan Ru,” a term that translates to “childbirth” and “cotton mattress.”  

This phrase encapsulates the essence of the postpartum period—softness, warmth, and protection. It underscores the importance of providing the new mother with the rest and care she needs to recover fully.  

Central to this recovery is the practice of “Zuo Yuezi,” or “sitting out the month.” Traditionally, new mothers were encouraged to spend 30-40 days at home, away from the stresses of daily life, to focus solely on replenishing their energy reserves.  

While a month of seclusion may not be practical for everyone in today’s fast-paced world, the principles behind Zuo Yuezi remain relevant and can be adapted to modern life. 

For millennia, TCM has provided a holistic approach to postnatal care, incorporating dietary and lifestyle advice, known as “Yang Sheng,” as well as specific treatments like Chinese herbal medicine, Moxibustion, and Acupuncture.  

According to TCM theory, childbirth leaves the mother’s Qi (vital energy) and blood depleted, making her more susceptible to cold and other imbalances. The primary focus during the postnatal period is to restore the balance of Qi and blood, ensuring the mother’s body is warm, nourished, and strong enough to care for her newborn. 

 

Mother warming: A gentle, restorative practice 

A supportive TCM treatment during the postnatal recovery period is “Mother Warming.”  

Mother warming is considered an important part of post partum recovery in Chinese medicine theory.

This non-invasive and deeply relaxing treatment uses Moxibustion, a therapy that involves the burning of mugwort—a medicinal herb—to warm specific acupuncture points on the lower back and abdomen.  

The gentle heat from Moxibustion helps to replenish Energy (Qi) and blood, dispel cold, and support the body’s healing process. Mother Warming is typically applied in the week or two following childbirth and can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the mother. By restoring warmth and energy to the body, this treatment aids in a smoother and more comfortable recovery. 

We may also incorporate some gentle acupuncture into your reigeme after the first two weeks, to help support your stress, pain and overall recovery.

 

The role of Chinese herbal medicine in post partum recovery 

In addition to Moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine can play an important role in postnatal care. Chinese herbs are carefully selected to address the unique needs of the post-partum recovery period, focusing on nourishing Qi and blood, supporting the nervous system, and promoting overall recovery.  

Herbal formulas are often customised by a TCM practitioner to meet the specific needs of each mother. These formulas are designed to be gentle, whilst working synergistically to promote healing and restore the body’s natural balance.  

Incorporating Chinese herbs into postnatal care can impact the recovery process with the intention of providing mothers with the strength and vitality they need to care for themselves and their new baby. 

 

Nourishing the body: The importance of dietary therapy 

Dietary therapy is another cornerstone of TCM’s approach to post partum recovery care. In TCM, food is considered medicine, and the right diet can play a pivotal role in supporting recovery.  

The focus is on consuming warm, easily digestible foods that nourish the body and restore strength. Warm, well-cooked meals such as broths, soups, stews, root vegetables, and medicinal rice porridge (known as Congee) are particularly recommended.  

These foods are not only easy on the digestive system but also help to support the body’s energy levels and encourage the production of Qi and blood. 

Congee is a traditional dish that exemplifies the TCM approach to postnatal nutrition. Made from rice or barley, this slow-cooked porridge is incredibly nourishing and can be customized with various ingredients to enhance its therapeutic benefits.  

Common additions include red dates, goji berries, fresh ginger, sesame seeds, mushrooms, and adzuki beans, all of which are known in TCM to nourish Qi and blood. 

 

Post natal recipe: Congee with mushrooms 

Here’s a simple yet nourishing recipe for Mushroom Congee, perfect for postnatal recovery. This dish is not only warming and comforting but also packed with ingredients that support digestion and boost energy. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup jasmine or broken rice 

• 9 cups vegetable stock, chicken stock, or water 

• Sea salt to taste 

• 5 button mushrooms 

• 5 Swiss brown mushrooms 

• 3 oyster mushrooms 

• 1 dried shiitake mushroom 

• 3 dried wood ear mushrooms 

• Olive oil for sautéing 

• Pickled ginger, chives, soy sauce, or tamari for garnish 

 

Instructions: 

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly, then drain and place in a slow cooker or heavy-based saucepan. Add the 9 cups of liquid and sea salt, stirring to combine. If using a slow cooker, set the heat to low and cook for 6-8 hours or overnight. If using a saucepan, simmer on the stove for up to four hours until the rice is soft and the congee has a soupy consistency. 

1. Soak the dried shiitake and wood ear mushrooms in warm water for 10 minutes until soft, then chop finely. Slice the button and Swiss brown mushrooms and tear the oyster mushrooms into small pieces. Sauté all the mushrooms in olive oil for several minutes until tender. 
2. Serve the congee topped with the sautéed mushroom mix, pickled ginger, and chives. Add soy sauce or tamari to taste. 

For some more wonderful post natal recipes, check out the great book, “The First Forty Days”, by Heng Ou.

 

Embracing tradition in modern postnatal care 

While the pace of modern life may not always allow for a full Zuo Yuezi experience, integrating elements of this time-honored tradition into postnatal care can be profoundly beneficial.  

Whether through the restorative practice of Mother Warming, the actions of Chinese herbs, or the nourishment provided by carefully selected foods, TCM offers a wealth of support to new mothers in their recovery journey. 

By embracing these ancient practices, new mothers can find balance and strength in the weeks following childbirth, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and joys of motherhood ahead.  

 

How can you get started with post partum recovery?

You may be pregnant and beginning to think about the best way to aid your recovery process after your baby is born.

Or perhaps you are already deep in the post natal experience, and know you need some help.

Any time is a good time to begin planning your post partum recovery process. We may begin with a simple complimentary phonecall, to find out what exactly it is you need support with. From there we can offer in-clinic or remote support, depending on what you need most.

At Qi Medicine Women’s health, fertility and pregnancy are our areas of expertise, so we know we will have something to support you at any stage.

Book online here or phone the clinic on (03) 8394 7665 to begin your post-partum recovery plan today.

 

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Qi Medicine acupuncture in Moonee Ponds: Find us on Google maps here:

The clinic is located at Suite 4, Level 1, 151 Pascoe Vale Rd, Moonee Ponds. (Please ensure you take the ground floor elevator to reach us or level one.)

We provide post partum recovery care Melbourne to the North Western suburbs of Melbourne and are close to Highpoint. Qi Medicine acupuncture is minutes away from Ascot Vale, Essendon, Avondale Heights, Maribyrnong, and Brunswick West. We also service many clients with acupuncture and Chinese medicine in Travancore, Flemington, Aberfeldie, Maidstone, and we are just 10 km from Melbourne city.

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