New mothers may struggle to adapt to seasonal changes. With autumn's onset bringing dry, hot weather, caring for a baby while managing personal needs can be exhausting. Below, we outline early autumn wellness principles for postpartum mothers, simplifying seasonal health maintenance. Traditional Chinese Medicine views autumn as dominated by dryness, with dryness pathogens prevailing.
How Should New Mothers Nourish Themselves During Autumn's Dryness? (Public Health Network)
When dryness pathogens cause illness, symptoms like dry mouth, nose, throat, dry cough, and skin may appear. Therefore, consume more foods that moisturize the lungs and generate fluids.
This is especially crucial for new mothers who have just given birth. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that men belong to yang and women to yin; men govern essence, women govern blood. Dryness pathogens easily damage yin and blood.Early Autumn Wellness for Postpartum Mothers
During lactation, new mothers undergo significant adaptive changes across bodily systems. Early autumn wellness requires increased intake of various nutrients, particularly protein, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins.
Early autumn offers the richest variety of fruits and vegetables, making dietary therapy the most suitable wellness approach.Dietary Principles The dietary principles for this period are: First, prioritize protein-rich foods such as chicken, fish, shrimp, lean meat, dairy, eggs, and soy products. Daily protein intake should be 1–1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight. Fat intake should not be excessive, accounting for only 20–25% of total caloric intake.
Increase intake of minerals and trace elements like calcium, iron, and zinc;
Consume foods rich in vitamins;
Pregnant women with particularly strong appetites should avoid excessive staple foods, opting instead for vegetables to satisfy hunger.Editor's Summary: Autumn is a particularly dry season, so postpartum mothers should consume foods that moisturize the lungs and promote fluid production. Vegetables and fruits are ideal for autumn consumption, especially pears, which moisturize the lungs and prevent dry mouth.