The Postpartum Phase and Functional Health

Functional medicine can be valuable for postpartum women who may face a variety of physical and emotional challenges during this time. Here are some ways functional medicine approaches can help:

1. Holistic evaluation: Functional medicine practitioners will evaluate a postpartum woman's overall health and well-being, including physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. This approach enables practitioners to identify root causes of health issues, instead of just treating the symptoms.

2. Nutrition: Optimizing nutrition is essential after pregnancy, especially for women who are breastfeeding. A functional medicine practitioner can work with a postpartum woman to make sure they obtain adequate nutrients to support healing and energy level, and address any potential food sensitivities that may affect breastfeeding.

3. Hormonal balance: Postpartum hormones fluctuate significantly, sometimes leading to anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Functional medicine considers how hormonal imbalances impact a new mother’s mood and sleep habits.

4. Stress management: Functional medicine also evaluates and manages stress levels to prevent them from spiraling out of control. Postpartum women often face increased stress and pressure, leading to a postpartum mood disorder like postpartum depression or anxiety.

5. Exercise: Exercise can be an essential part of postpartum recovery, but it has to be done right. A functional medicine practitioner may recommend gentle exercises and precautions to promote healing and avoid overexertion.

Functional medicine providers can help mothers address the root cause of health issues, rather than just treating symptoms, so they can achieve optimal postpartum wellness. Additionally, integrative medicine such as massage therapy, chiropractic care, herbal medicine, and acupuncture are useful complementing functional medicine intervention.

With Love,

The Pain Relief Princess