postpartum
This practice is generally lost from society today where the mother is expected to bounce back to her old self after birth.
After the huge toll that pregnancy and birth took on the mothers body, her blood needs to be replenished and restored through Chinese herbs.
zuoyuezi
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'Zuoyuezi' also known as 'the sitting month' is a period of rest and restoration for 30-40 days after birth.
During this time the new mother stays indoors with minimal physical exertion. She is surrounded by community to support her needs with warm nourishing food and drinks. This helps to replenish the blood lost during birth and improve milk production.
“Just as there is no warning for childbirth, there is no preparation for the sight of a first child...There should be a song for women to sing at this moment or a prayer to recite. But there is perhaps none because there are no words strong enough to name the moment”
Anita Diamant, The Red Tent
Chinese herbs can restore and
replenish these energies and help with the recovery process by:
In Chinese medicine the expulsion of the afterbirth is seen as an important part of the recovery process. This is important to prevent complications such as retained placenta, excessive bleeding or infection. Certain herbs are chosen to help clear the uterus of retained products and support postpartum healing. Sheng Hua Tang is a classic TCM formula used to promote explosion of retained placenta and disperse blood stasis. It also has a tonifying effect on the Qi and Blood.
During childbirth a woman’s Qi and Blood are significantly depleted.
Herbs are used to tonify the blood and Qi such as Shi Di Huang and Dang Gui. These herbs help to replenish the body's vital reserves, promote recovery, reducing fatigue and enhancing vitality.
These herbs also restore fluid balance, nourish the skin and nourish our yin energy which can be depleted after childbirth..
nourishing qi
& blood
In Chinese medicine breast milk is produced from the same materials that are used to make our menstrual blood, by supporting the blood production in Chinese medicine we are helping to build an abundant milk supply. Herbs are used to promote lactation and enhance milk production. Any problems that the baby has such as colic or indigestion can be treated through treating the mother and the milk supply.
promoting milk production
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The uterus has undergone major changes, afterbirth it is essential to help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy state.
Herbs are used to support the contraction of the uterus, improve blood flow and help expel any remaining lochia. This reduces the risk of infection or complications..
supporting uterine recovery
After vaginal delivery the perineumand pelvic floor need time to heal.There could be certain degrees of tears that occurred, there are specific classical formulas used for the knitting and healing of these wounds. They are typically given for 3-5 days after birth along with the formula to expel the placenta. These herbs help reduce swelling, improve circulation and support tissue regeneration.
Healing perineum & reducing inflammation
The postpartum period is a time of
emotional adjustment, many women experience mood swings, anxiety, sleep deprivation or even postpartum depression. TCM emphasises the importance of
balancing the Liver Qi and nourishing the Heart blood to support emotional wellbeing.
expelling afterbirth
balancing emotions & mental health
The SPiritual transformation from maiden to mother
The postpartum time is to honor and reconnect with self both emotionally and spiritually.
Chinese medicine recognises the importance of rest, reflection and self-care during this time, allowing the women to restore not only their bodies but spirits.
Chinese medicine helps establish a foundation of balance and vitality that carries forward to the health of her future pregnancies but also her health into menopause.
The nourishing and restorative principles that are applied in the postpartum period are tonifying Qi, replenishing Yin and improving Blood.
When women take time to heal and restore during the postpartum period, they not only recover physically from birth but also nurture their long term health and well being, ensuring a smoother and more harmonious
transition into the next phase of her life.
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How to work with me
ONLINE CLINIC: 1:1 Virtual consultations via Zoom
Chinese medicine sees each person as an individual so treatments are very personalised which is in direct contrast to Western Medicine giving one pill for each condition. It treats the mind-body-soul.
Your body has everything it needs to heal, herbal medicine helps to unblock certain pathways and bring balance for healing. You are seen as an active participant in your healing journey, together a plan is made to bring you and your life back into balance.
A questionnaire is completed online before your first consultation to look at your diagnosis through a Chinese medicine perspective.
A picture of your tongue is sent over before the first appointment, I will provide you with a video to show you how to take the best tongue pictures. This is used to see what is going on in your body and to diagnose through a Chinese medicine lens.
BBT charts, bloods results and any other tests that have been carried out via the NHS or privately are sent over before your appointment for review.
Your bloods are analysed through a Chinese and western medicine perspective.
A detailed history is taken of your health journey so far including diet, lifestyle and exercise.
The main issues that you would like help with and your treatment goals for the future are discussed.
From this consultation, looking at your tongue and blood analysis I will formulate a Chinese herbal medicine prescription that is specific for you and your individual case.
The prescription is posted off to the lab where it is made up and then posted directly to your home.
A written report detailing how to take the herbal medicine prescription will be
provided.
Additional supplements, diet and lifestyle advice will be recommended to aid the herbal medicine formula and your individual needs.
Email support will be given every 2-3 weeks to see how you are progressing in your treatment plan. We will continuously take new photos of your tongue to see the progression in your symptoms.
The herbal formula will be amended each time in response to how your body responds to treatment.
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Initial consultation
Follow up consultation
