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Archive for the ‘post partum’ Category

Massage Therapy In the Postpartum Period

Posted on: August 8th, 2024 by TouchStone Health

By Maggie Seegmiller, RMT

Massage therapy can be particularly beneficial during the postpartum period, offering both physical and emotional support to new parents. After childbirth, the body undergoes significant changes, including muscle tension and fatigue, as the body adjusts to the post pregnancy state. Massage therapy can help alleviate physical discomforts that are common during this time, such as back pain, sore muscles, and headaches. By increasing blood circulation and reducing muscle tension, massage can aid in healing and recovery, helping the body regain its strength and balance.

Postpartum massage can also assist with the physical strain and weariness associated with infant feeding. Many new parents experience tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back due to the repetitive nature of nursing, pumping, or bottle-feeding. Massage therapy can address these areas, relieving discomfort and improving posture, which is essential for maintaining a comfortable and sustainable feeding routine. 

In addition to the physical benefits, massage therapy can play a helpful role in supporting emotional well-being during the postpartum period. The hormonal fluctuations and sleep deprivation that occur after childbirth can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and even postpartum depression. Regular massage can help reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. This can be particularly important for new parents who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of caring for a newborn. By providing a sense of calm and well-being, massage therapy can enhance one’s ability to cope with the intense emotional challenges that can be a part of early parenthood.

By supporting both the physical and emotional aspects of postpartum recovery, massage therapy offers a holistic approach to helping new parents navigate this transformative period with greater ease.

A Naturopathic Perspective on Postpartum/Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Posted on: June 4th, 2021 by TouchStone Health

by Dr. Melanie Reidl, N.D.

The postpartum period can be a transformative, beautiful experience for new parents, however, it is not without a dark side for many. I personally experienced both the euphoric stage of new motherhood, as well as the anxious and depressed state that many women experience. 

Perinatal/postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) affect approximately 15 to 20% of new mothers. This may underestimate the prevalence of PMAD; the signs and symptoms may be missed and attributed to being a ‘normal’ part of motherhood, or, mothers may resist acknowledging the signs because of stigma or societal pressures. 

If prolonged and untreated, PMAD’s can be detrimental to maternal health and the child’s development. As such, is important that we work to improve our screening/identification and treatment approaches for this group of women. 

Naturopathic Medicine, with its emphasis on treating root causes and viewing health more holistically, is well suited to support women with PMAD’s. There are many factors or root causes that may be involved in the development of a PMAD, including but not limited to the following: personal history, family history, social support, birth experiences/trauma, stressors, nutritional status, and thyroid/hormonal factors. 

In my experience, the most overlooked factors are nutritional status, stress levels, and thyroid/hormonal imbalances. First, is not uncommon for women to be undernourished during their pregnancy and when a new baby enters the picture. She may have forgotten to take her prenatal multivitamin, have pre-existing nutrient deficiencies, or feel like she doesn’t have the time or energy to nourish herself properly.  

Elevated stress hormones are also common in this group of women. The stress hormone, cortisol, may high be due a variety of factors, including but not limited to: birth trauma, lack of support, financial challenges, relationship stress, and lack of sleep. 

Further, the risk for developing hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid) is greater in the postpartum period. Hypothyroidism may develop due to nutrient deficiencies, prolonged elevation in cortisol levels, and hormonal and immune system changes associated with pregnancy and postpartum. Hypothyroidism is a common cause of depression, anxiety, and fatigue, and must be ruled out in all cases of PMAD.

In my opinion, the treatment approach to PMAD should be collaborative in most cases. Involvement of the woman’s G.P., a Psychologist or Social Worker, and an N.D. would address several facets of the PMAD. In moderate to severe cases medication may be necessary for a period of time. Counselling or CBT is also important to develop healthy coping strategies and to re-frame negative thought patterns. 

My approach as a Naturopathic Doctor would begin with a comprehensive screening of thyroid tests and nutrient levels (ie. Vitamin B12, Iron status, Vitamin D3) in these women in order to better identify and treat any possible physiological underpinnings. Following a careful assessment of patient history and blood work, I work with women to optimize their nutritional status and provide dietary counselling, I encourage healthy lifestyle factors such as exercise, self-care, and mindfulness practices, and provide individualized nutritional or herbal supplement recommendations. 

As an ND who has seen many women with PMAD, in addition to my personal experience, I have developed a deep understanding and empathy for this group of women. They deserve a thorough assessment of their physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as an individualized treatment plan to help them cope, overcome their PMAD’s, and improve their well-being so that they can be more present mothers for their babies and be their best selves.

Mother Warming: Benefits During Post-Partum Recovery

Posted on: October 18th, 2016 by TouchStone Health

By Anna Totzke, R.Ac.

After giving birth, women are more prone to colds, flus, and fatigue because our qi (life energy) and blood is depleted and bodies are weakened after the birthing process. These depletions can affect energy levels, sleep, breast milk (quantity and quality), and overall well being.

To help with postpartum recovery, a treatment of smokeless moxibustion (a lit compressed herb called mugwort) is applied to the lower abdomen and lower back for 5-10 minutes on days 4 or 5 postpartum. It is a very simple and relaxing treatment.

Benefits of Mother Warming:

-Warms the uterus- for future healthy menstruation/fertility

-Can reduce postpartum uterine cramping

-Boosts the milk supply

-Treats and prevents prolapse

-Replenishes the Qi- which helps improve energy levels

-Nourishes the blood

-Helps promote a calm and stable state

-Helps increase iron levels during postpartum blood loss

-Is very relaxing

 

If you have any questions about Mother Warming, please feel free to contact Anna: annatotzke@gmail.com

A Naturopath Not Being Able to Breastfeed

Posted on: February 3rd, 2014 by TouchStone Health

I thought this title may bring about intrigue, as many wouldn’t envision these words going together….and if they did indeed go together, publicly speaking about it, is even more peculiar.  But this was my experience and I believe, an important one to share, as things don’t always go according to ‘plan’ and there is value in being vulnerable.

I was fortunate enough to become pregnant and had a pregnancy consistent with what many others experience.  There were certainly unique twists and turns for babe and I, but each pregnancy goes through these and on the whole, it was a good experience.  My delivery was wonderful and I was able to go through labour without an epidural due to the sheer speed of moving through contractions.  I healed easily and readily with the use of Arnica and was up and functioning really well the same day.  All was going according to ‘plan’.

Breastfeeding took a bit of getting used to, but I was prepared that it could take 4-6 weeks to get this thing figured out and was committed to that.  I loved it and felt my babe and I had figured out a latch that worked.  Again, all was going according to ‘plan’ and then she was weighed on Day 2 and had lost 10 ounces.  I kept things up, but as she was continually losing.  Sometimes it was an ounce a day, so intervention was necessary.

Every resource you can imagine was brought in to increase my milk supply that has helped so many of the people I work with: herbs, drugs, meditation, relaxation, lactation consultants, blood work and analysis, every breastfeeding pillow imaginable…but I didn’t have enough milk…I didn’t have much at all to give my babe.  The amounts of formula continually needed to be increased to get her filling enough diapers and by week 8, and 2 rounds of plugged ducts and a case of mastitis, I was done.  It was like my body was yelling at me to stop what wasn’t working and I finally listened.

So, why share this story?  For some, there was an easy solution here, as we live in a place where formula and breastmilk banks are readily available to ensure babes are nourished when breast milk isn’t an option.  And, I was fortunate to have a babe, which some are not, so why speak about this?

Why I am writing this is to remind us all that sharing our imperfections doesn’t make us weaker…but empowers those around us to be real and feel comfortable.

We live in a world where we want others to believe we have it all together, that things are going perfectly and according to our ‘plan’.

But this is rarely or ever the case.

I am a Naturopath who couldn’t get my breasts to make enough milk to nourish my baby.  That was my experience.  Do I wish I tried harder and longer to make it work?  Absolutely.  Sometimes, daily.   And when comments are shared or looks are given when I pull out a bottle, they reinforce the judgment that already exists inside of me.  The interesting thing is most people have no idea how powerful these statements or expressions can be.  I’ve heard too many stories where people are asked why they don’t have children, or why they only have one, or why they don’t breastfeed, or why they don’t use this particular formula, or sleep train, or use cloth diapers, or, or, or.  And this is just scraping the surface of fertility/childrearing…it exists in every domain.  There is enough pressure out there to look like we have it all perfectly together, so why not ease up on each other and ourselves?

Being vulnerable and honest has always been helpful for me and my hope is, helpful for others too.  If a naturopath can share that she couldn’t breastfeed, hopefully that empowers someone else to share something they are going through.

When life doesn’t go according to ‘plan’…try sharing your experience and if you are connected with good people that you trust, you may find them beginning to become more vulnerable with you…reminding us all to be kinder and more compassionate.  It’s much more enjoyable living that way.

Amanda Cressman, ND

564-572 Weber Street North, Unit 3A
Waterloo, Ontario
N2L5C6