Nurturing the mother in the postpartum period
The postpartum period is an essential time for nourishing and nurturing the new mother. At this time there is (understandably) alot of attention on baby, but after almost 10 months of pregnancy and the labor of birth, this is an essential time to focus our attention on the new mother as well. Chinese and other East Asian cultures have historically held this time as an important period of confinement, where community surround the new mother and tend to her with the goal of deeply nourishing her body. We could learn something from this!
From a Chinese medicine perspective, the pregnancy and birthing process consumes many of our vital resources, including our Qi (energy) and blood. Many women can end up carrying blood, Qi and Yin deficiencies after pregnancy and birth that lead to problems later in life, such as menopausal symptoms or issues with future fertility. Therefore, it is during this window of time that it is most important to nurture the new mother to prevent this. Chinese Medicine has many tools we can use for this purpose, and I enjoy supporting women in the clinic during this time. I wanted to share with you what I do in the clinic to nurture new mothers, and a few things you can do at home. So whether you are a new mum or mum to be (send this to your support network), or you are the support network, let’s explore how Chinese medicine supports the new mother in the postpartum period.
Moxibustion (moxa):
This ancient technique involves the burning of a herb called Ai Ye (mugwort) on the surface of the skin. This allows heat and the oils from the heated herb to penetrate into the body, nourishing the blood and warming the meridians. Moxa is important for stimulating the bodies immune system and increasing production of both red and white blood cells. During the postpartum period this is essential for helping the new mother rebuild her resources and defend against any pathogens for herself and for baby.
One technique I use for the postpartum period is applied 5 days after birth where I apply moxa to the lower abdomen and lower back. This facilitates the closing of the meridians that open during birth, preventing the entry of cold, and supports the repositioning of the reproductive organs and pelvis. I also like to teach my patients at home moxa therapy that they can apply to themselves between sessions to help strengthen and warm their body.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture has the goal of regulating and balancing the body. After pregnancy and labour, the body can need a little assistance to get back into balance. Acupuncture acts on the nervous and hormonal systems, regulating them and addressing any imbalances. Acupuncture treatment is also incredibly calming on the mind and can tend to the heart during what is often an emotional period. I like to see patients weekly after birth as I find it can help with facilitating milk production, strengthen their energy and I can also tend to baby if needed using Shonishin (see my blog on children’s acupuncture here!). I like to teach my patients at home acupressure they can do for themselves and for their babies to regulate and balance between sessions.
Cooking:
One of the best ways you can nourish the new mum in your life is in the kitchen. I love sharing Chinese Medicine wisdom through food, and Heng Ou has written a wonderful book called “the first forty days” detailing recipes for the postpartum period that incorporate Chinese Medicine principles and ingredients. Here is one of my favorite postpartum recipes that I adapted from Ou’s book, adding in some Chinese herbs that are typically prescribed or eaten in the postpartum period.
Postpartum herbal soup
Ingredients:
1kg organic chicken – whole or parts
½ onion
5cm knob of fresh ginger unpeeled
3 carrots peeled and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons dried goji berries
5 Chinese red dates (Da Zao) (you can purchase this at an Asian grocery store or come and see me in clinic for this!)
Postpartum herbs – Dang Gui 15g, Dan Shen 15g, Huang Qi 30g to nourish blood and Qi (you can purchase these from an Asian grocer or come and see me in clinic for this!)
Directions:
Rinse chicken and place in a pot. Covered with water and bring to the boil. Add onion, herbal medicine (Dang Gui, Dan Shen, Huang Qi) and ginger and reduce to medium heat. Cook for 40 minutes covered and skim any foam off the top of the pot every 10 minutes or so and discard. After 40 minutes remove the chicken and let it cool, and strain the herbal medicine, onion and ginger from the broth (making sure to retain the precious liquid). Shred the meat from the carcass and return the carcass and the broth to the pot, adding 2 cups of the shredded meat. Add carrots and red dates and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Stir in the goji berries and cook for another 15 minutes. Season with some salt and enjoy!
In the postpartum period it is also even more important to eat following Chinese Medicine principles. A few basic principles go alone way in protecting your digestive system. Drinking warm water, eating well cooked soups and stews rather than cold foods or salads and including warming spices like ginger and turmeric in your cooking are great places to start. Avoiding overly hot foods and beverages such as coffee and spicy food is also important.
The combination of nourishing food, acupuncture and moxibustion will fortify and strengthen the new mother and prepare her for all of the big and beautiful challenges that are ahead. This is an important transition period in the mothers life, physically and emotionally, (even if this isn’t her first child), so it is important to approach it with awareness and care. If you are interested in seeking any facet of this vital postpartum support come and see me in clinic!
Or you can follow me on Instagram @louie.acupuncture where I will be sharing myself making this recipe next week and making up postpartum herbal medicine packets for my patients!
With health and heart,
Rachael
References:
the first forty, days, The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Hong Ou, Amely Greeven and Marisa Belger
