Postpartum Recovery
Natural Remedies for Postpartum Recovery
Speed up your postpartum recovery timeline through natural treatments that heal the whole body.
Natural Postpartum Recovery
During the long months of pregnancy and the final stage of delivery you’ve experienced a lot of changes and put in hard work to keep yourself and your baby healthy. Now that you are on the other side, it’s time to focus on postpartum recovery. Recovery after birth takes time. Over the next six weeks or more, your body will be busy healing from the stresses of giving birth. We are here to help you heal faster, feel stronger, and find balance.
Our Holistic Approach to Postpartum Recovery
Recovery after birth centers mostly on healing the physical body, both inside and out. However, we know it’s also important to heal the entire self. We’ll work closely with you to speed up your physical recovery, ease any pain, and ensure you are staying emotionally and mentally healthy.
Natural Remedies for Postpartum Healing
It’s important to realize that every woman heals differently and will have a unique postpartum recovery timeline. Just like pregnancy symptoms, postpartum symptoms differ with circumstance and affect women to various degrees. However, all women need time to heal properly after giving birth. Some may require medical intervention but there are many natural remedies for postpartum healing such as acupuncture and taking certain Chinese herbs that speed up recovery and improve conditions throughout the body.
Acupuncture
Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture for Postpartum Recovery
Including acupuncture in your postpartum recovery plan is a great way to help your body heal. This natural treatment helps speed up recovery from all forms of delivery (natural, medicated, induced, and c-section) by improving circulation, promoting blood production, and reducing inflammation of the organs. Acupuncture also helps reduce pain, increase energy, improve mental health, and improve milk production.
During treatment, patients can expect to have acupuncture needles placed on the legs, abdomen, wrists, ears, and head. Results can vary based on a number of factors, however, most patients may begin to experience results within 2-4 weeks of receiving treatment. We will likely recommend combining acupuncture with Chinese herbs to maximize effectiveness
Herbs for Postpartum Recovery
Chinese herbs are a powerful, natural way to treat many physical and mental conditions, including those associated with postpartum recovery. We use Chinese herbal formulas to promote blood production, help organs recover, and help the uterus return to its pre-birth size. Herbs can also help improve breast milk production, increase energy, promote improved mood, and reduce pain.
Results can vary based on a number of factors, however, most patients may begin to experience results in 4-6 weeks. To maximize the effectiveness of a patient’s treatment, we may recommend that Chinese herbal medicine be combined with acupuncture treatments. Those that take this approach typically experience increased improvement of their symptoms, quicker results, and more sustained results.
Cupping Therapy for Postpartum Recovery
Cupping is not recommended in the weeks following the birth of your baby. Be sure to speak with your practitioner to determine when cupping would be an appropriate therapy.
Compassionate and Natural Support
Adam is Compassionate and Supportive
I had a wonderful experience working with Adam over several years as a patient. Along with providing excellent care, I found him to be compassionate and supportive as we worked to achieve my health goals. I have and will continue to recommend him as a knowledgeable and caring acupuncture provider.
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
What Is Postpartum Recovery?
Postpartum recovery is when the body is healing from giving birth. The symptoms and postpartum recovery timeline differ for each woman. During this time women will experience pain from vaginal healing (or c-section healing), vaginal discharge, contractions, mood changes, and sore breasts.
What Happens During Postpartum Recovery?
Postpartum recovery includes both physical and emotional healing. If there was a vaginal tear during birth, the area will be sore for several weeks. Recovery from a c-section will be different and will require a several-day hospital stay. There will also be vaginal discharge for several weeks as the superficial mucous membrane that lined your uterus during pregnancy sheds. The discharge and bleeding will be heavy during the first three to ten days and will then get lighter. There can also be contractions which can feel like period pains. Engorgement of the breasts can cause them to feel tender or sore. Frequent breastfeeding can help relieve this tenderness.
How Long Is Postpartum Recovery?
Postpartum recovery is at least six weeks long. Some symptoms may stop after a few days while others, like sore breasts, may take longer to resolve. This is a very personal journey and does not have a set timeline.
Is It Normal To Have a Difficult Postpartum Recovery?
Having a difficult postpartum recovery is not unusual. This is a time of serious adjustment in lifestyle and health which can be difficult to navigate and overwhelming at times. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time as well as taking care of your baby.
What Is Postpartum Preeclampsia?
Postpartum preeclampsia is a serious condition related to high blood pressure that can occur after giving birth. Typically, it occurs within a couple of days after delivery but can occur up to six weeks after the baby is born. Postpartum preeclampsia can lead to strokes, seizures, and other complications if not promptly treated.
How Common Is Postpartum Preeclampsia?
Postpartum preeclampsia is rare, occurring in around 200,000 women per year.
What Causes Postpartum Preeclampsia?
The exact cause of postpartum preeclampsia is unknown, however, you are at an increased risk of developing this condition if you have one or more of the following conditions: high blood pressure during pregnancy, obesity, family history of preeclampsia or postpartum preeclampsia, expecting multiples, being younger than 20, being older than 40, or being a type 1 or type 2 diabetic.
Does Postpartum Preeclampsia Go Away?
Postpartum preeclampsia does not go away on its own and requires immediate medical intervention.
How To Treat Postpartum Preeclampsia
A medical professional will treat postpartum preeclampsia with medication. Medication may be used to lower blood pressure, prevent seizures, and/or reduce the risk of blood clots.
How To Prepare for Postpartum Recovery
The best thing for postpartum recovery is to give yourself time to heal properly. This can be doing things at home like sitting on a pillow or using an ice pack to help with vaginal soreness, and it also means regularly checking in with your healthcare provider. This is a time of big changes so be sure to take care of yourself and ask for help.
Why Postpartum Support is Important
Postpartum support is important because this is a time filled with physical and emotional changes. Just like pregnancy, there is a lot going on. Plus, now there is a baby to take care of! Get medical support by regularly checking in with your healthcare provider. Ask your network for help with the baby or things around the house. Prioritize physical healing and mental health so you can recover and be there for your baby.
What Do You Need for Postpartum Recovery?
Postpartum recovery can be a bit different for every woman. For those recovering from a vaginal birth, there will be some soreness for several weeks. Reduce pain by sitting on a pillow or ring, cooling the area with an ice pack, pouring warm water over the perineum as you urinate, and sitting in a warm, shallow bath. Recovering from a c-section can include cleaning the wound daily, avoiding lifting objects, and avoiding rigorous exercise. You will also need pads since vaginal discharge occurs for several weeks after giving birth. Nipple cream can help soothe irritated nipples. Acupuncture treatments are also a great way to speed up postpartum recovery.
How To Speed Up Postpartum Recovery
Postpartum recovery takes time. Six to eight weeks is considered the recovery period and is needed to physically heal after giving birth. One way to promote blood production and reduce organ inflammation is regular acupuncture treatments. These treatments also help reduce pain and promote lactation.
Does Walking Help Postpartum Recovery?
Walking can help postpartum recovery and can reduce the risk of blood clots. This low-impact exercise is a great way to get back into physical activity. It can also be a great mood booster. Before taking longer walks, consult your healthcare professional.
How To Avoid Postpartum Depression
There are a few tips that you can follow to help you avoid postpartum depression. First, you should educate yourself on your risk of developing postpartum depression and discuss it with your healthcare provider. You should also know the warning signs so you can detect them early. Take care of yourself during pregnancy and postpartum by sleeping, eating well, and exercising for at least 10-15 minutes each day. Get a support system and ask for help. Reach out to medical professionals, friends, and/or support groups to find help from people who have been through this.
How Long Does It Take To Heal After Giving Birth?
The healing journey after giving birth is a very personal journey. The “recovery period” is about 6-8 weeks from giving birth, however, some women need more time to heal physically or emotionally from the impact.
How Long Should You Rest After Giving Birth?
Resting after giving birth is very important. If you underwent a c-section, you may have to spend several days recovering in the hospital. For those who had a vaginal birth, resting during the next couple of days is also important. A minimum of six weeks is needed for postpartum recovery and should be a time of healing.
How Long Do You Bleed After Giving Birth?
The superficial mucous membrane that lined your uterus during pregnancy sheds after you give birth. Vaginal discharge, made up of the membrane and blood, will be heavy and red for 3-10 days after giving birth. Then the discharge will become more watery and change from pinkish brown to yellowish white.
Can You Take a Bath After Giving Birth?
It is not recommended that you take a bath in the 4-6 weeks after giving birth. However, you can soothe vaginal soreness by taking a sitz bath. Fill your tub up with a few inches of warm water, just enough to soak your buttocks and hips. You can do this a couple of times a day at 10-minute intervals. Consult your healthcare provider before soaking in a full bath.
How Long After Birth Can You Have Sex?
There is no set waiting period for having sex after giving birth but many healthcare providers recommend waiting at least 4-6 weeks. There is also a high risk of complications in the first two weeks after giving birth. Additionally, sex during this time might be painful due to hormonal changes that can leave your vagina dry and tender. Pain is especially possible if you’re healing from an episiotomy or perineal tear.
When Do You Get Your Period After Birth?
Women start ovulating and getting their period at different rates after giving birth. Breastfeeding can prevent ovulation for 3-6 months. If you’re not breastfeeding, your period can start again in as little as four weeks. However, you can get pregnant again before your first period.
How Soon After Giving Birth Can You Get Pregnant?
You are physically able to get pregnant as soon as you start ovulating again, which could be as early as three weeks postpartum. However, it is recommended that you wait 18 months before trying to get pregnant again. Having a baby before the 12-month mark increases the odds of some complications in the following pregnancy.
What Is a Postpartum Support Belt?
A postpartum belt uses light compression to support your natural transverse abdominal when you can’t contract it yet. This support can help relieve lower back pain, improve posture, and help reduce pain in other areas.
Does Postpartum Support Belt Work?
Your body will naturally heal after giving birth but many women like the support that a postpartum belt gives. It can help reduce pain, especially in the lower back.
Can Acupuncture Help Postpartum Recovery?
Yes, acupuncture can help postpartum recovery in several ways. By promoting blood production, increasing circulation, improving hormonal function, moderating emotions, and supporting breast milk production, acupuncture can help speed up the recovery process.
How Does Acupuncture Help Postpartum Recovery?
Acupuncture increases blood production, improves circulation, and reduces organ inflammation that occurs after giving birth. Regular treatments also help reduce pain and support lactation.
Can Herbal Medicine Help with Postpartum Recovery?
Yes, herbal medicine and herbal formulas can help postpartum recovery. Like acupuncture, Chinese herbs can help promote blood production, improve circulation, and support lactation. There are also herbs that help reduce pain and improve mood.
Can Cupping Therapy Help Postpartum Recovery?
Cupping therapy is not recommended during postpartum recovery.
Is Cupping Safe Postpartum?
We do not recommend cupping therapy during postpartum recovery. Consult with your practitioner before starting cupping sessions.
What To Expect
You can expect to find a partner in your health journey.
At Transformational Acupuncture, we strive to provide a welcoming environment to each and every patient. We understand traditional healthcare can make some wary of seeking help, even if it’s for the betterment of their health. That’s why we take a holistic approach when treating each person. You will be listened to, treated with respect, and be seen as a true partner in your own health journey.
At the beginning of your treatment you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we’ll discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we’ll create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.
Your Patient Journey
At the beginning of your treatment, you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we will discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we will create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.
Learn more about your complete patient journey.
Get Started Today
Begin your holistic health journey by scheduling an appointment today. Schedule online or give us a call at (202) 297-7404.
To learn if your insurance covers acupuncture and other treatments, please fill out our short form to verify your benefits with us.
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