As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC), it is beneficial to understand the variety of postpartum traditions which can be beneficial for clients. It is also important to understand cultural differences in care. Traditional postpartum support, often seen in the African diaspora, eastern cultures, and indigenous cultures, often supports lactation.
When we look at why many of our clients struggle with breastfeeding initiation and maintaining supply, we see little ongoing support for postpartum women.
We can look at other cultures for examples of how to support in the postpartum period. It also provides us with information to help clients understand that struggling to breastfeed isn’t her fault. In passed generations and in other cultures, newly postpartum women were cared for and their only task was feeding baby.
Today, many women in western cultures are expected to feed the baby but also entertain guests, maintain home, and get ready to go back to work in just 2-6 weeks. Some of struggling to breastfeed is unrealistic scenarios. Yes, breastfeeding is natural and something most bodies can do. However, in modern times, we ask too much of the body making breastfeeding extremely difficult.
Here are things to know about traditional postpartum care:
Focus on Rest
For many giving birth in the US and other western countries, the first two to five days are spent in the hospital. Vital signs are taken every few hours, even at night. Rounds are often done at different times than vital signs, and meal and housekeeping also come at random times.
It isn’t uncommon for a newly postpartum parent to have just an hour of uninterrupted rest between everyone coming in and out. They’re also needing to care for baby at this time.
Some notice a delay in milk supply in those who have had c-sections. Some of this is certainly related to asking the body to produce milk just as it is healing from a major surgery. However, these clients will also spend more time in the hospital with significant sleep disturbance. Helping clients understand the importance of rest can be an extremely important part of supporting their lactation.
If we look at Korean cultures, postnatal hotels have grown in popularity. Chinese cultures encourage ‘sitting the month,’ or a month of rest following birth. They do not go out; they are to rest while others help care for them. In Ethiopia, rest and staying home is also encouraged. These are just a few of the many cultures which focus on rest.
In the Netherlands, there are visiting health and support practitioners who not only encourage rest, but they also assist around the home.
When we look at breastfeeding difficulty, a lack of rest can play a big role. One, for the physical toll on the body. Two, less time spend practicing and fixing any latch concerns. Three, there can even be emotional pressure and guilt about time spend resting and feeding.
Traditional Postpartum Support Focuses on Nutrition
As a CBC, you know that a mother’s diet will not make her breast milk poor quality. However, you do know that good nutrition is important for her healing, her overall health, and can provide additional benefits to baby.
Having basic nutrition knowledge is beneficial as a CBC. Be sure to read {Insert Link} to ensure you’re up to date on general nutrition.
Traditional postpartum support focuses very much on nutrient dense and warming foods. Healthy fats and proteins are ideal for postpartum wellness, as well as lots of fiber for healing the GI system.
In Korea, seaweed soup is a popular nutrient dense postpartum food. In the African diaspora, you will find a variety of dark leafy green based foods to aid in replenishing iron stores. In southern India you will find nutrient dense warming foods rich in spices.
Ensuring adequate carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and iron rich foods can ensure a mother has the nutrition she needs to heal her body. Many women have low iron stores towards the end of pregnancy. More can be lost during birth and postpartum bleeding. Replenishing iron stores will help with energy level and overall health.
Breast milk provides adequate iron for babies in the first 6 months of life. Ensuring a mother is not anemic may help ensure her milk is optimal for her baby. There is no evidence a mother needs to supplement a baby’s diet if she is anemic. However, for some preterm infants, fortifier is sometimes recommended. She should discuss that need with her baby’s provider.