I would consider the post-natal period to be the 4th trimester of pregnancy. It is a crucial time when women should not only recover from childbirth, but also compensate for being pregnant for 9 months and adapt to the new demands of motherhood. It is a time when women should look after themselves and rest as much as possible. In Chinese medicine, the first 3 days post birth are considered a time of elimination. These 3 days are followed by 30 days of tonification, when the mother builds up her energy and vitality lost during pregnancy and childbirth.
Postnatal tonification treatment
“Mother warming” or “mother roasting” is a once off moxibustion treatment given 5 to 7 days after childbirth. A moxa stick (mugwort) is lit up and held over the lower abdomen and lower back to warm up these areas. Mother warming is then followed by a course of 4 or 5 weekly acupuncture treatments designed to energise new mums and help them with recovery.
Post-natal depression
The first few days after childbirth are often filled with highs and lows, with many swings between the two and the “baby blues” kicking in around day 3. These mood swings are associated with changes in hormone levels and exhaustion after pregnancy and childbirth. Acupuncture treatment at this stage consists of restoring adequate hormone levels and bringing the body and mind back into balance.
Breastfeeding
Acupuncture can help resolve many breastfeeding issues including low milk supply, engorged breasts, blocked ducts, mastitis, irritated and sore nipples.
Acupuncture is particularly effective for treating insufficient lactation. It can increase milk supply by regulating hormone levels and increasing levels of prolactin and oxytocin. An increase in milk supply can be seen as early as 24h after the initial treatment.
Acupuncture is also effective in treating blocked ducts and mastitis. Acupuncture treatments will help remove the blockage, remove the inflammation and get the milk flowing again.
Other conditions that can be helped by acupuncture include:
• Afterpains
• Persistent lochia
• Perineal discomfort
• Night sweats
• Urinary incontinence
