Postpartum Acupuncture is a support and treatment option for new mothers post-birth. It has a broad scope for helping women adjust to the new chapter of their lives which really pushes them to their limits in lack of sleep, energy and emotional resilience. Let's break down some of the ways Acupuncture could help a mother postpartum.
Acupuncture may help with:
- Postpartum support for the usual tiredness, sleep deprivation and mood swings.
- Caesarean recovery using Japanese scar treatment to help circulation and repair around the newly formed scar.
Acupuncture can alleviate common postpartum symptoms such as fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression, and hormonal imbalances. Being a new mother, there's a lot to adjust to in your new life - lack of sleep which affects concentration, causing "baby brain", low energy levels and the common stress of the demands of a newborn..."Am I doing this right?"
Additionally, acupuncture can assist with lactation issues, uterine repair, and balancing out the consequences of postpartum bleeding or Blood Deficiency.
Lactation Issues
Mastitis may be helped using points around the ribcage and breast itself. Inflammation from mastitis may be alleviated by using anti-inflammatory and heat clearing points such as LI-11. Chinese Medicine also attributes the congestion of the breast tissue as Stuck Qi. The treatment would then target moving stagnant Qi, particularly of the Liver, since the Liver's role is to "ensure smooth flow of Qi". Stress generally is also a part of the Mastitis picture, as it is very uncomfortable, painful and exhausting.
We will also mention lack of milk flow in a minute.
Uterine support & recovery
The Uterus will naturally contract as you breast feed. If you're not breast feeding, your obstetrician will have more advice to follow. As an adjunct therapy, Acupuncture can be applied locally on the lower abdomen to direct blood flow to the contracting uterus. There are pain relief points that may also be used as this process occurs to help manage any discomfort.
Acupuncture as an adjunct therapy for Postpartum Bleeding support
Midwives or doctors will advise synthetic Oxytocin to halt any excessive bleeding immediately during or after delivery. If this bleeding continues they will often advise a blood transfusion if urgent or severe.
After heavy bleeding during the birth, once you've made it home with the baby and settled in, this is a good time to consider acupuncture to help counter any patterns of blood deficiency that linger. This may be weeks or months down the track and signs to look for could be lack of milk flow, extreme fatigue, bedridden, pale sallow complexion, pale tongue or being diagnosed with anaemia. Doctors will recommend Iron tablets to support and should be regularly checking your blood work to see it improve.
Using Acupuncture as a support therapy may assist in getting you functioning on a normal levels again, normalising energy levels and reducing fatigue. However, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, including acupuncture.
To make an appointment with me on Sydney's Northern Beaches, you can BOOK ONLINE HERE today.
Nutritional Support for New Mothers
A Naturopath or Nutritionist can provide valuable guidance on postnatal dietary advice, which can help ensure optimal recovery and well-being. Some of the dietary recommendations they may suggest include:
- HYDRATION by drinking plenty of water - usually with every breast feed, as this process makes you very thirsty. Fluids such as herbal teas, bone broths any clear fluids count as water intake. If you're feeling particularly dehydrated or your bloodwork shows this, consider electrolytes and check with you GP first about use during pregnancy.
- CLEAN EATING that is rich in protein, complex carbohydrates (to help provide energy) , healthy fats (to maintain skin, help balance hormones), and fibre to combat constipation.
- Prioritise NUTRIENT DENSE FOODS such as bone broths, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Be careful of the onion family, including garlic and legumes as this may taste great to you, but create a windy baby via breast milk.
- AVOID PROCESSED FOODS, refined sugars, and excessive caffeine consumption as they can negatively impact your energy levels and overall health.
- Consume High-quality PROTEIN such as lean meats, eggs, plant-based proteins like lentils and legumes, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
- NATURAL SOURCES OF IRON + ZINC, such as dark leafy greens, red meat, shellfish, nuts, and seeds, to promote healthy blood and a strong immune system.
- SUPPLEMENT as needed with vitamins and minerals, as recommended by your Naturopath Nutritionist.
Remember, every new mother's needs are different, and it's important to work with your healthcare provider and Naturopath Nutritionist to personalise your diet plan and support your postnatal recovery.
Here are some Naturopaths I recommend on Sydney's Northern Beaches:
