Post-Partum - After Birth
It is a widely held Chinese belief that the month immediately following delivery is a crucial time for the entire family. It is both a time when illness can occur, as exhaustion sets in, or a time when past illnesses can be cured and future diseases prevented. Because everything is so new and different during this period, it is the perfect time to begin sowing the seeds of positive change by forming healthy habits. As always, the goal of treatment during this period is to address immediate concerns such as prolonged bleeding, post partum fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, etc., while also helping to fuel the process of systemic and positive change, health, and longevity for the entire family.
Common Post Partum Conditions Treated With Acupuncture
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Mastitis
- Insufficient lactation
- Prolonged bleeding
- Sweating and Night sweats
- Urinary difficulty
- Depression
- Promote healing from incisions or stitches
A particular concern with post-partum is post-partum depression. Approximately 30% of women will experience severe post-partum depression, but it normally only lasts 36 to 48 hours. 10-20% of women will experience serious depression, which may interfere with bonding with the baby.
Acupuncture can be very effective in treating depression both during pregnancy and after.