Telemedicine allows me to consult at a distance using telecommuncations technology. As your practitioner I can evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients using this tech.
POST PARTUM CARE
In traditional Chinese medicine, the time after birth (post-partum) is seen as a cherished time period in a women’s life. There is great emphasis on the need to recover from childbirth and the changes that occurred during her months of pregnancy is . It is common practice in China to have the new mother rest for at least 30 days (sometimes as much as 100 days) during this vital time period to allow the opportunity for her blood and qi (pronounced “chee”) to be replenished through rest and nutrition. This time of recovery should never be rushed but rather appreciated and proper care should always be given.
Unfortunately, the importance of restoration and recovery after having a baby does not get enough attention in our modern day lifestyle. It is often overlooked resulting in many new mommies whom have insufficient recovery time and often lack the correct nutrients in their diets needed to restore abundant health.
Whether it is the lack of time or knowledge, this insufficient time for repair can lead to problems further down the line. The increasing need for education in this area is what led me to develop a post-partum recovery program. I designed this program so that you will have the knowledge, tools, and power to face the post-partum period head on.
Facts about the post-partum time:
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The immune system is susceptible to disease in this time period
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Blood loss from labor can lead to fatigue and poor brain function
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Post-partum depression is a very real thing, approximately 1 in every 5 women will have a maternal mental health complication
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Poor digestion and poor appetite may occur and need to be addressed for proper recovery
Your 4-6 weeks treatment protocol to re-establish your good health will include:
Acupuncture – weekly acupuncture visits for recovery, PPD/PPA support, energy, and stress reduction. Geared to reduce bleeding, sore muscles and cramping as the uterus returns to size.
Mother Warming with moxibustion – the act of warming the acupuncture meridians that are located throughout the abdomen. Warming the channels helps to invigorate your energy and speed recovery and function, reduce sore muscles and cramping and encourage milk production. This technique can be taught for in home care as well.
Herbal tonics and supplements - to rebuild the blood and energy, fill in the nutrition gap, to increase milk production, help with sleep, stabilize moods, and reduce stress.
Topical herbs – if necessary to apply to cesarean scar (beginning 6 weeks pp) to reduce scarring and promote healing.
While acupuncture and herbs are an excellent source for post-partum recovery they are not always the complete answer. You may need additional care that I cannot provide. If you suspect you are suffering from PPD/PPA please read on.
Some signs of PPD/PPA (post-partum depression/post-partum anxiety) include:
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Scary/repetitive thoughts about harm coming to themselves or their children
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Depression
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Feelings of worthlessness
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Mood swings
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Loss of appetite
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Obsessive thoughts
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Panic attacks
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Insomnia
You will not always feel like this, you are not alone and with help you can and will get better.