Postpartum care

The postnatal period is a crucial time for women’s health. According to many traditions caring for the mother during the postpartum period is essential for her future health and can even resolve past health issues. In contrast, inadequate rest and care can lead to a myriad of problems for women, which affects not only them but also their families. Appropriate care during the postpartum period helps women build a solid foundation for motherhood, preserve and enhance their reproductive health for future children, and have an easier experience during menopause and ageing.

In Japan, traditionally new mothers stay at their maternal home for up to eight weeks after the baby is born. They are encouraged to rest and heal as much as possible and learn to take up a new role as a mother. Zou Yuezhi, which translates to “doing the month,” is a 40-day rest and recovery time in postnatal Chinese culture.

As a new mother, your most important role is to provide nurturing care for your baby. It’s understandable to want to do everything perfectly, but it’s important to remember to be patient with yourself. Motherhood is a journey that requires a great deal of surrendering control. By letting go of your expectations and giving yourself permission to make mistakes, you gain the strength and calm needed to navigate the challenges that come with caring for a newborn. It’s important to remind yourself that there’s no rush to “bounce back” from childbirth in just a few weeks. Putting too much pressure on yourself can do more harm than good. Instead, focus on taking the time you need to recover, bond with your baby, and adjust to your new role. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby and your family.

Women were considered very vulnerable during this period and were protected from undesirable energies, including emotions, and elemental energetics such as wind and cold, by rest and isolation from the community and is advised not to read or watch television, to avoid mental activities that use qi, and to conserve qi.

Childbirth and childbearing are the activities that consume the greatest amount of Jing. Many foods and herbs can replenish the lost jing, which is crucial for good health.

Nourish your body with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods. Frequent, small meals are recommended to support digestion and maintain energy throughout the day and night. Iron-rich foods are especially important to replace blood loss during birth and enhance Jing, such as dark green vegetables, lentils, beans, and organic animal protein, bone broth-based soups if you are not plant-based. Special mention is given to ginger, black sesame, black vinegar, and which are known for their nourishing properties in the postpartum period.

Low milk supply is one of the most common challenges that nursing mothers face, and it can be a very stressful experience.

• Make sure that they are consuming enough calories and nutrients to support both their own health and their baby’s growth.
• Drink plenty of water to help with milk production, as every time you nurse, your body uses water to make milk.
• Get adequate rest and make choices about where to allocate your energy and resources, and to let go of unnecessary stressors and obligations whenever possible.

Chinese Medicine regards breast milk as a surplus of both energy (qi) and blood. According to Fu Qingzhu, a renowned gynecologist from the Qing dynasty, ‘It should be understood that without qi, milk has nothing to transform it, and without blood, milk has nothing from which to be produced.’

It is important to note that while herbs can have many beneficial properties, they can also have potential risks and side effects especially when you are breastfeeding. It is strongly recommended that you consult with your own physician or healthcare provider before taking any herbs mentioned here. They can help you determine if an herb is safe and appropriate for you to take, and can also provide guidance on proper dosages and potential risks.