Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding – these are some of the incredible things that a woman’s body can do. They are also profoundly depleting, as any mother will readily attest. Unfortunately, we often don’t recognize just how challenging the postpartum recovery process is. Some women are expected to be back to work just a few weeks after giving birth. And even if one has the luxury of not working for several months or longer, there is no guarantee that the recovery is smooth or complete. Some women may experience shifts in mood or feel more tired than usual during the postpartum phase.

Moreover, breastfeeding is an additional energetic demand on a woman’s body that is further exacerbated by the fact that babies often don’t respect a mother’s need for a good night’s sleep.

It is important for all women to take postpartum recovery seriously. Proper rest and diet are essential. But there are times when these basic measures don’t seem sufficient. That’s when I suggest that women consider some herbal medicine solutions to help facilitate this process. The DAO Labs PostPartum Bundle is designed to support emotional well-being and physical recovery during the early stages of motherhood. All women go through profound hormonal shifts during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. There is also significant blood loss during delivery and the immediate postpartum period. Moreover, breastfeeding is an additional energetic demand on a woman’s body that is further exacerbated by the fact that babies often don’t respect a mother’s need for a good night’s sleep.

In Chinese medicine, a new mother is often considered to be Qi and Blood deficient as a result of all these physical demands on her body. Mental Tranquility and Four Substance are two excellent formulas to help with postpartum recovery since these formulas are traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support balance and overall wellness during the postpartum phase. Each formula is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine principles and may support different aspects of overall well-being in the early stages of motherhood. For example, Mental Tranquility is traditionally used to promote a sense of calm and inner harmony. Four Substance is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help maintain energy and nourish the body following periods of exertion.

Because each woman’s situation can vary, you might want to consult a local acupuncturist on how to best use these formulas. A general regimen that may apply to many women would be to first give one’s body adequate time to rest and recover after childbirth. Some women may choose to incorporate these formulas proactively to support their emotional and physical wellness during the early postpartum phase. Simply take one dose of Four Substance in the morning and one dose of Mental Tranquility in the evening.

Dr. Eric Karchmer is a practicing Chinese medical doctor, medical anthropologist, and co-founder and Chief Doctor of Chinese Medicine for DAO Labs. From 1995-2000, Eric studied at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and today is both a licensed acupuncturist and professor at Appalachian State University. Eric can be reached at drkarchmer@mydaolabs.com.