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Postpartum Care
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Why is postpartum care needed?
For postpartum women, their hormones and internal organs can change drastically in a short amount of time. From prenatal conditions, that cause the body to retain "excessive internal heat," to postpartum conditions, causing the body to become deficient in Qi and blood. Normally, the amount of time for women to recover is 4-6 weeks, and with proper care and treatment, the imbalances caused by birth and hormone fluctuations will be set back to post-pregnancy levels as soon as possible.
Postpartum care has 3 stages:
First stage: 1 week after delivery, since the body is still relatively hot and dry, it's unsuitable for excessive tonics
This stage mainly focuses on the discharge of lochia from the body, and to increase milk supply. A Tang Kuei & Ginger Combination of herbal soup named Sheng Hua Tang is adjusted during this period, but will not be consumed for long, since the frequency and amount depend on each woman's condition. At this stage, postpartum women's wounds have not healed yet, so their bodies still retain excessive heat. It is recommended to consume a light diet for now, with less oil and sodium, more protein, and more chicken soup, fish soup, and bone broth.
Second stage: 2-3 weeks after delivery, decide the proportion of herbs for boosting qi and blood
This stage focuses on the uterus and gastrointestinal repair. Another herbal soup, or Eight-Gem Decoction, will be consumed according to each woman's physical condition. At this stage, the wounds have healed halfway and there are fewer risks of infections. Traditionally, cuisines and dishes with sesame oil can be consumed during this stage if there are no infections or redness. If breastfeeding keeps happening at night, drop a little sesame oil on the dishes or change into camellia seed oil to increase the food fragrance.
Third stage: 3 weeks after delivery, alleviate postpartum hair loss
TCM treatment during this final stage is to recover functions of the uterus and ovaries, reduce backache, and reduce hair loss. This is the best time to consume Ten Herbs Tonic Soup, and traditionally, sesame oil chicken soup and soju chicken soup will be supplied; however, breastfeeding women may consume appropriate amounts of alcohol. For those who naturally retain "excessive internal heat," it is not recommended to consume large amounts of supplying and nourishing soups like this, it is more recommended to consume a lighter diet.