Postpartum Support Protocol: Recovery, Hormonal Balance, and Strength
The postpartum period is a deeply transformative time—physically, mentally, and emotionally. After childbirth, your body is healing from one of its most powerful and demanding experiences. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your growing family, your needs deserve just as much care and attention as your newborn’s. This protocol is designed to help restore your energy, support hormonal balance, and gently guide your body back to strength using a nourishing blend of whole-food nutrition, movement, and alternative therapies.
Nutrition: Fueling Your Recovery
Proper nutrition during the postpartum period is essential for healing, replenishing energy stores, and supporting breastfeeding (if applicable). Focus on nutrient-dense foods:
• Protein for Healing: Protein is the building block of tissue repair. Include lean meats, legumes, eggs, and plant-based proteins to promote tissue healing and muscle recovery.
• Healthy Fats for Hormonal Balance: Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish or plant based omegas (supplements options recommended in memberships) are crucial for restoring hormonal balance and supporting milk production.
• Iron-Rich Foods: Postpartum blood loss can deplete your iron stores, leading to fatigue. Include iron-rich foods like spinach, organ meats (or capsules) and beans to replenish these stores.
Movement: Rebuilding Strength and Mobility
Movement is vital for your recovery, but it’s important to approach it gently and progressively. After giving birth, your body needs time to heal before engaging in more strenuous exercise.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor after childbirth is essential for preventing incontinence and supporting overall core function. Start with simple pelvic tilts, kegels, and gentle core exercises.
• Walking: Begin with short walks around the block, gradually increasing distance as you feel stronger. Walking boosts circulation and energy, which is helpful when recovering from childbirth.
• Postpartum Yoga: Postpartum yoga focuses on re-engaging the pelvic floor, restoring balance to the hips, and gently stretching the body. A restorative practice helps promote relaxation, relieve tension, and bring the body back into alignment.
Alternative Therapies: Aiding in Postpartum Recovery
• Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy can speed up tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation, which are all vital for postpartum recovery. It’s especially helpful for healing C-section scars or any tissue trauma from delivery. Not recommended for breast-feeding mamas.
• Dry Salt Halotherapy: In addition to its respiratory benefits, salt therapy can aid in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It’s a calming and healing practice that supports the immune system and helps the body recover from the physical and emotional demands of childbirth.
• Herbal Support: Herbs like nettle, raspberry leaf, and oatstraw are fantastic for postpartum recovery. Nettle supports iron levels, raspberry leaf strengthens the uterus, and oatstraw is nourishing for both the nervous system and overall vitality.
Placenta Consumption: A Traditional Tool for Recovery
Consuming the placenta postpartum—known as placentophagy—is a traditional practice believed to support healing in the early days and weeks after birth. While clinical research is still emerging, many mothers report powerful benefits, including:
• Hormonal Support: The placenta contains estrogen and progesterone, which may ease mood fluctuations and support milk supply.
• Nutrient Replenishment: High in iron, B vitamins, and amino acids to help restore energy and reduce fatigue.
• Emotional Grounding: In many cultures, the placenta is honored as sacred. Consuming it can be a way to symbolically reconnect with your strength and the birth process.
The most common method is placenta encapsulation, where the placenta is dehydrated and placed into easy-to-take capsules. Always use a certified placenta encapsulation specialist to ensure safe handling.
Why This Protocol Works
Postpartum healing is not one-size-fits-all. You deserve support that honors your pace, your needs, and your new rhythm. Our Postpartum Support protocol offers the nourishment, movement, and therapies to help you feel grounded, strong, and whole again. Whether you’re weeks or months into your journey, it’s never too late to begin your wellness journey. Book a Wellness Consultation or explore our ROOT and SPROUT memberships to support your recovery.
Remember, healing takes time, and this process is about supporting your body as it works through the changes. If you’re ready to embark on your journey toward smoother postpartum recovery, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.