Postpartum care is a systematic health program aimed at the physiological and psychological recovery of women after childbirth. It helps the uterus recover, repairs the birth canal tissues, prevents infections, and supports mothers in adapting to their new roles. This program includes physical rehabilitation, nutritional supplementation, and psychological support, typically lasting 6 to 8 weeks, with adjustments based on individual health conditions.
The primary goal is to reduce the risk of long-term complications such as uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence, and to develop personalized care plans through professional assessment. Modern medicine often combines traditional therapies with contemporary medical practices, such as integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture and physical therapy for comprehensive recovery.
Main categories include:
Pelvic floor muscle training activates deep muscles through Kegel exercises, with biofeedback devices enhancing training precision. Medications like Oxytocin promote uterine contractions and must be used strictly according to prescribed timing and dosage.
Suitable for women after natural or cesarean delivery, especially for conditions such as:
Also used for psychological conditions such as postpartum anxiety, sleep disturbances, or post-traumatic stress symptoms. Physicians will develop personalized plans based on bleeding volume, uterine position, and psychological assessment results.
Medication treatment requires strict adherence to timing: for example, Metronidazole for infection is used at 400mg twice daily for 7 days. Physical therapy involves 20-minute daily pelvic floor exercises, with a baseline frequency of three times per week.
Nutritional supplements recommend a daily iron intake of 27mg, primarily from red meat and dark vegetables, combined with vitamin C to enhance absorption. During breastfeeding, avoid high-mercury fish such as mackerel and swordfish.
Main benefits include:
Integrated therapies can improve mothers’ self-care ability, with 85% of participants reporting significant improvements in mobility after 6 weeks. Psychological support can reduce postpartum depression incidence by 30-40%.
Potential side effects include:
Serious Risks: Self-administered herbal remedies may prolong bleeding time; herbal use without medical approval should be avoided. If psychological therapy is not performed as scheduled, it may worsen emotional fluctuations.
Contraindications include:
Important precautions:
When combined with analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may delay wound healing; acetaminophen is recommended instead. Patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy should adjust their nutritional plans accordingly.
Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture should avoid specific acupoints, such as abdominal points that may affect wound healing. During antibiotic use, probiotics should be temporarily discontinued to prevent interference with medication efficacy.
Clinical studies show that regular pelvic floor exercises improve urinary incontinence symptoms with a success rate of 78%. Systematic reviews indicate that comprehensive therapies including psychological counseling can reduce postpartum depression rates by 42%.
Imaging examinations reveal that patients receiving physical therapy experience an average uterine involution acceleration of 5-7 days. Randomized controlled trials confirm that multi-component nutritional supplements can improve hemoglobin recovery speed by 23%.
If medication therapy is unsuitable, options include:
Alternative therapies should be combined with the primary treatment plan. For example, when using probiotics, there should be at least a 4-hour interval from antibiotic use. All alternative methods should be confirmed safe by the attending physician before implementation.
How to determine if the dosage of Chinese medicine taken during postpartum care is appropriate?
The dosage of Chinese medicine should be adjusted based on individual constitution, bleeding volume, and recovery progress. It is recommended to revisit the doctor every 3 to 5 days to evaluate symptom changes. If bleeding decreases, blood color lightens, or abdominal pain improves, the prescription can be gradually adjusted. If diarrhea or dizziness occurs after taking the medicine, notify a specialist immediately for re-evaluation.
What precautions should be taken when performing abdominal acupuncture or moxibustion?
If there is heavy bleeding within 48 hours before treatment, acupuncture or moxibustion should be temporarily halted. If postpartum cervicitis or infection is present, treat the primary condition before proceeding. Keep the room warm, avoid drafts, and do not shower within 2 hours after treatment.
Which foods should be avoided during breastfeeding to maintain milk quality?
Spicy and hot foods like Sichuan pepper and chili may cause colic in infants and should be replaced with mild, warming herbs like Astragalus and Goji berries. Caffeinated beverages (tea, coffee) should be limited to below 200mg daily to avoid affecting the baby's sleep. Blood-activating and stasis-dispelling ingredients like Angelica should be used under medical guidance.
When should I see a doctor if my menstrual cycle has not resumed within a certain period after natural childbirth?
Typically, menstrual cycles resume within 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. If there is no menstruation after 12 weeks accompanied by persistent lower abdominal pain or abnormal milk secretion, a uterine ultrasound should be performed to rule out residual placental tissue or infection. Hormonal changes during breastfeeding may delay menstruation, but regular follow-up is recommended.
Which postpartum exercises might increase the risk of uterine prolapse?
Avoid high-intensity exercises that excessively contract the pelvic floor muscles, such as deep squats with knees inward or breath-holding. Lifting weights over 5 kg or standing for long periods holding the baby may increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse. Start with Kegel exercises, gradually incorporate aquatic exercises or rehabilitation ball training, and perform under the guidance of a professional physical therapist.
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