Mother Warming: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to Postpartum Sleep
As a doctor of Chinese medicine and childbirth educator at Beattie Street Health Studio, I'm often asked about traditional practices that can support new mothers. One such practice is "mother warming," a technique that can significantly aid sleep for new mums.
Mother warming, or "Zuo Yue Zi" in Chinese, is a postpartum care practice that involves keeping the new mother warm and protected for about a month after giving birth. This practice helps restore balance to the body and promote healing. But how does it specifically aid sleep, knowing a mother can lose up to 700 hours in the first year of her baby’s life.
1. Promotes Relaxation: The warmth from mother warming techniques, such as moxibustion, helps relax tense muscles. This physical relaxation can make it easier for new mothers to fall asleep, even in shorter windows of opportunity.
2. Improves Circulation: Better blood flow, encouraged by warming practices, can help reduce postpartum discomfort, making it easier to find a comfortable sleeping position.
3. Balances Hormones: In Chinese medicine, warmth is believed to nourish the body's Qi (energy) and blood, potentially helping to balance postpartum hormones that affect sleep patterns.
4. Reduces Anxiety: The nurturing aspect of motherwarming can have a calming effect, reducing anxiety that might otherwise keep a new mum awake.
5. Supports Milk Production: For breastfeeding mothers, warmth supports milk production, potentially leading to a more satisfied baby who sleeps for longer stretches.
At Beattie Street Health, we incorporate mother-warming techniques into our postpartum care plans. This might include teaching partners how to perform moxibustion, recommending warm foods, or providing acupuncture treatments to support the warming process.
Remember, every mother's journey is unique. While mother warming can be beneficial, it's always best to consult with one of us to ensure it's right for you. If you're interested in learning more about how traditional Chinese medicine can support your postpartum recovery and sleep, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Beattie Street Health Studio.
