Postpartum Depression Is More Common Than You Think, Here’s How The Chines Practice of One Month Sitting Can Help

Don’t ignore or feel shame if you are experiencing postpartum depression. 1 in 7 women are affected.

In Asian and Chinese culture tradition is to have a rest period postpartum. This is referred to as one month of sitting or “Zuo Yue Zi” / 坐月子. It is an ancient practice which entails healing, regenerating and bonding with the baby. Special foods and medicinal soups are prepared prior to delivery that will aid in recovery from the birth and prevent illness.

All women that experience child birth experience a lot of physical, hormonal, emotional, and psychological changes throughout their pregnancy. No matter how much research and planning, each women will have their own personal experience.

Society has many expectations and judgement of women and how they should be as a Mother. It is a myth that women are overwhelmed with feelings of joy at first sight of their baby. Having a bThere is an adjustment period

It is completely normal to experience crying, sadness and anxiety after having a baby . It takes time to adjust and it can feel like you stepped into someone else’s life. Research indicates that 1 in 7 women will experience postpartum depression.

A new Mom may be surprised that she is struggling with motherhood and hide her intense feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety and depression.

The one month (approximately 4 weeks) sitting focuses on resting, eating nutrient dense foods that help with lactation, building blood (from loss) and sleep. No stress or many visitors only the core family of support and no doing house chores. This is because house work and interacting with many people can be stressful. This is a critical time for both mother and baby to heal and bond.

“Baby blues” which last around 2-3 weeks include crying spells, mood swings, anxiety and sleep difficulties.

In contrast postpartum depression symptoms longer and have more severe with intensifying feelings of depression and anxiety that adversely affect a woman’s ability to adjust to her new role as a mother.

Feelings of overwhelm, and worry about being a good mother, anxiety and panic attacks, fatigue and loss of appetite and worry about self harm or harming the baby can be part of it.

What puts a woman at risk for postpartum depression?

Stress before and around delivery is associated with higher risk of postpartum depression, this includes a difficult pregnancy and difficulty getting pregnant (IVF, IUI, RPL) A history of trauma, depression, health issues and eating disorders.

Identifying before pregnancy and delivery helps to develop a plan of support so that you don’t get overwhelmed with feelings of helplessness and sadness. This plan should include acupuncture, before during and after pregnancy.

New Mom’s really need to put self-care at the top of the priority lists by asking for help and time for healing.

Is Caffeine Safe for Pregnant Women?

You don’t have to give up your morning cup of coffee if you are pregnant.

Determining if all caffeine should be avoided by all pregnant women is difficult to determine. Prenatal and maternal health is important for the health of the mother as well as the developing fetus. Infant and maternal mortality rates in the US have increased and in many cases the deaths were preventable.

Maternal caffeine consumption is related to lower birth weight and most studies recommend limiting caffeine intake. Many of the studies were looking at coffee consumption, though caffeine can be present in other beverages and foods and should be carefully monitored. 

Studies show that keeping caffeine intake to below 300 mg per day or 1 to 2 cups of brewed coffee is not a concern.

Substituting green tea for coffee. Green tea has half the caffeine and has antioxidants as well as immune boosting properties.

What we do know is that high caffeine intake can restrict blood flow in the placenta affecting fetal growth. Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic,and can cause dehydration. Dehydration can cause the amniotic fluid and influence baby development as well as preterm labor. Pregnant women need to stay well hydrated.

Caffeine does cross the placenta and goes to the fetus, and clearance of caffeine from the body slows during pregnancy. 

Though there is very limited data as to whether caffeine alone negatively impacts fetal development.  Studies show the effects of maternal dehydration can reduce blood and oxygen to the fetus can also decrease fetal heart rate.  

Each pregnancy is different and for women that are in the higher risk category of pregnancy with a tendency for high blood pressure should eliminate stimulants such as caffeine that increase blood pressure. 

Caffeine can also aggravate acid reflux, cause rapid heart rate, anxiety and trouble sleeping.