Postpartum Acupuncture in River Forest

Natural Support for Recovery, Hormones, Mood, Milk Supply & Pelvic Healing

Supporting Women in River Forest • Oak Park • Chicago

The fourth trimester brings profound shifts—emotionally, hormonally, and physically. Whether you had a vaginal birth or C-section, your body is adjusting to healing, bonding, feeding, sleep changes, and a brand-new routine.

Acupuncture is a safe, effective, and restorative therapy that supports postpartum recovery, regulates hormones, calms your nervous system, and helps your body heal from pregnancy and birth.

We provide gentle, individualized care tailored to your recovery, breastfeeding goals, and emotional well-being.

Why Postpartum Acupuncture?

After childbirth, hormones fluctuate dramatically, sleep becomes irregular, and your body begins the healing process. Acupuncture supports this transition by:

• Improving circulation

• Supporting pelvic floor recovery

• Regulating hormones

• Reducing inflammation

• Balancing mood + emotional wellbeing

• Supporting milk supply and lactation

• Reducing pain + tension from labor or C-section

• Supporting digestion and energy

Treatments are gentle, restorative, and tailored to what your body needs week by week.

Comprehensive Postpartum Benefits

1. Hormone Balance & Mood Support

Hormonal drops (especially estrogen, progesterone, and oxytocin) can lead to mood swings, sadness, anxiety, irritability, or emotional overwhelm.

Acupuncture helps by:

• Regulating hormone pathways

• Supporting the nervous system

• Increasing serotonin and endorphins

• Reducing anxiety and emotional stress

• Improving sleep, which directly stabilizes mood

  See more on:
  → Anxiety & Stress Relief
  → Emotional Trauma Support

2. Postpartum Depression & Anxiety & Emotional Stress Relief

Emotional changes are extremely common in the fourth trimester. Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, overwhelm, birth trauma, and the demands of caring for a newborn can all contribute to mood imbalances.

While acupuncture does not replace medical or psychological care, it is a powerful complementary therapy that supports both the mind and nervous system.

How Acupuncture Helps

• Regulates hormones naturally

• Reduces stress and anxiety responses

• Calms the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” system

• Increases serotonin and endorphins

• Improves sleep and restfulness

• Reduces emotional overwhelm

Ear acupuncture and ear seeds and the NADA protocol can accelerate calming and stabilization. Check out → Ear Acupuncture

Add-on support: Craniosacral Therapy for Nervous System Regulation

For deeper emotional and nervous system balance → Craniosacral Therapy is one of the most effective postpartum modalities.

Craniosacral gently works with the rhythm of the brain, spine, fascia, and cerebrospinal fluid—the deepest layers influencing:

• emotional stress

• overwhelm

• birth trauma

• anxiety and hypervigilance

• nervous system exhaustion

• chronic tension patterns

This light-touch therapy helps reset the body into a calmer state and supports the parasympathetic system ("rest, digest, and repair"). Many mothers experience immediate emotional relief and a sense of grounding.

Combined Approach

Using acupuncture and craniosacral therapy postpartum creates a synergistic effect:

• Acupuncture regulates hormones and calms the mind

• Craniosacral releases deeper emotional layers and restores nervous system balance

Together, they address both the physical body and the emotional body, supporting more complete postpartum healing.

3. Pain Relief: Back, Neck, Pelvic & C-Section Recovery

Postpartum pain is extremely common:

• Pelvic pain and instability

Acupuncture stabilizes the pelvis, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue recovery.

• Back and neck pain

Often caused by:

• nursing posture

• holding or feeding baby

• long nights

• tension and fatigue

Acupuncture relaxes tight muscles, improves blood flow, and reduces trigger points.

• C-Section Scar Healing

Acupuncture helps:

• promote circulation to the scar

• reduce numbness and tightness

• soften adhesions

• speed healing

• support nerve regeneration

For deeper fascial support, link to: → Myofacial Release

4. Milk Supply & Breastfeeding Support

Acupuncture may help support lactation by:

• Encouraging hormonal balance (prolactin + oxytocin)

• Reducing stress that inhibits let-down

• Improving circulation to the chest area

• Supporting overall energy and digestion

Ear seeds can be applied to enhance let-down between sessions.

5. Postpartum Swelling & Circulation

Swelling (edema) often persists after birth due to fluid retention and circulatory changes.

Acupuncture improves lymphatic flow and reduces swelling—especially in the legs, ankles, and feet.

6. Fatigue, Low Energy & Sleep Deprivation

Early motherhood often = survival mode.

Acupuncture helps regulate:

• adrenal function

• cortisol levels

• sleep quality (even with limited hours)

• mental clarity

• energy circulation

Herbal recommendations and gentle diet therapy can also be included.

7. Digestive Issues: Constipation, Bloating & Sluggish Metabolism

Birth and anesthesia (for those who had epidurals or C-sections) often slow digestion.

Acupuncture helps restore digestive function, reduce inflammation, and regulate metabolism.

Treatment Frequency

Typical schedules:

• Weeks 1–6 Postpartum: 1× weekly for healing, mood, pain, and lactation

• 6 weeks–6 months: Every 1–2 weeks depending on symptoms

• Beyond 6 months: As needed for mood, hormones, stress, and energy

We tailor your care plan to your delivery, recovery, and goals.

Holistic Support: Traditional Postpartum Nutrition

To enhance recovery, we often encourage warming, mineral-rich foods that replenish blood, restore energy, and support lactation.

Below is a classic recipe used for centuries in postpartum care.

✨ Healing Postpartum Recipe: Seaweed Soup (Miyeok-guk)

Why it’s recommended postpartum:

• Rich in iodine, which supports thyroid balance

• High in minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium) that replenish lost nutrients

• Supports milk production

• Gently warms and nourishes the body

• Easy on digestion

• Used traditionally for 40 days postpartum for healing

Ingredients

• 1 oz dried wakame seaweed

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 6–7 cups water or broth (bone broth is ideal)

• 1–2 tbsp soy sauce, tamari, or sea salt

• Optional: sliced beef, chicken, tofu, or mushrooms

Instructions

1. Soak seaweed in warm water for 10–15 min until expanded. Drain and chop.

2. In a pot, warm sesame oil and sauté garlic.

3. Add seaweed and optional protein. Stir 2–3 minutes.

4. Add water/broth and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce to a simmer for 20–30 minutes.

6. Season to taste.

Enjoy 1–2 bowls daily for nourishment, hydration, mineral replenishment, and gentle warmth.

Book Postpartum Acupuncture in River Forest

If you are navigating pain, fatigue, emotional shifts, or breastfeeding challenges, you don’t have to do it alone. Our postpartum acupuncture care gently supports recovery, stabilizes hormone balance, encourages lactation, and helps new mothers feel more grounded and restored.