Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, can play a valuable role in recovery, including managing postpartum bleeding. Nourishment and Support are at the core principles of any treatment for the new mother. Here's how Chinese Medicine approaches postpartum recovery and examples of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for postpartum bleeding, along with important precautions.
Chinese Medicine's view on Post-natal care
In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) conception, pregnancy and birth have a huge impact on the body's resources. Not that it can't recover, more that it is a natural depletion that needs to be acknowledged.
Add to that any significant issues during the birth such as haemorrhaging, loss of blood and we are looking at the effects of Blood deficiency on the post-partum mother. If there's continued or ongoing bleeding during the post-natal phase, maybe not in large amounts, but even small amounts every day can add up over time.
It's crucial to state that seeing your OBGYN or doctor is the first port of call for any ongoing bleeding after birth. Chinese Medicine can be a supportive therapy to build up the new mother's reserves and resources. Recovery, no matter how you treat it isn't an overnight fix, often requiring patience and time to feel the difference.
Chinese Medicine's approach to Postpartum Recovery
- Nourishing Blood and Qi: In Chinese Medicine, childbirth is considered a significant depletion of Qi and blood. Breastfeeding although a positive for the baby and mother if she chooses to breastfeed, is also a drain on Qi and blood. Postpartum recovery focuses on replenishing these vital substances, promoting healing in the pelvic area, and restoring energy reserves as best as possible.
- Restoring the Spleen Qi: Chinese Medicine aims to strengthen, reinforce and consolidate the Spleen. The Spleen in TCM is about blood production and transformation and transportation of fluids, including the blood. Using TCM speak, if the Spleen is weakened, it doesn't "hold the blood". Holding the blood means to hold it in place (eg uterus), where it should be and preventing it from going where it shouldn't (eg spotting or excessive bruising). From simply depletion, a woman can lose blood, or have ongoing spotting or flooding events.
Acupuncture for Postpartum Bleeding:
- Support normal Uterine restoration: Acupuncture can help with any associated abdominal pain or cramping as the Uterus returns to normal. Specific acupuncture points may be targeted to promote blood circulation, relax smooth muscle and support the body's natural healing process.
- Balancing Hormones: Acupuncture may help balance hormonal levels in the body, which can contribute to normalising postpartum bleeding patterns.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Postpartum Bleeding:
- Crucial to have Professional Guidance: It is crucial to exercise caution when taking Chinese herbal medicine postpartum, especially while breastfeeding.
- Some herbs may pass through breast milk and affect the baby's bowel movements. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner, knowledgeable in postpartum care and breastfeeding safety.
- I caution using Chinese Herbs Post partum, unless the bleeding symptoms are severe.
- Then the approach would be to use simple formulas, and gentle dosing to keep an eye on baby's wellbeing.
- Herbal Formulas: Chinese herbal formulas containing herbs such as Dong Quai (Dang Gui), Chinese Peony (Bai Shao), and Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao) may be prescribed to help build and tonify the blood and address postpartum bleeding.
Precautions and Considerations:
- Consultation with a Registered Chinese Herbalist: Always consult with a Registered Chinese Herbalist or licensed healthcare provider experienced in postpartum care before starting any herbal treatment regimen.
- Monitoring Baby's Bowel Movements: Monitor your baby's bowel movements and overall well-being while taking Chinese herbal medicine. If you notice any changes or concerns, seek medical advice promptly.
- Breastfeeding Safety: Exercise caution when taking herbs while breastfeeding, as some herbs may have contraindications or side effects for nursing mothers and infants. I highly recommend Peta Arthurson from Beaches Baby. She is a breastfeeding expert and lactation consultant.
- Individualised Treatment Plans: One size does NOT fit all. Each woman's postpartum experience is unique, and treatment plans should be tailored to individual needs, health status, and constitution.
Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, offers holistic and individualised approaches to postpartum recovery, including managing postpartum bleeding. By working closely with experienced practitioners and incorporating caution and monitoring, Chinese Medicine can contribute to a smoother and more balanced postpartum recovery journey.
More reading about Post-Partum Care:
