Comprehensive Postpartum Care and Nutrition Guide

Week One Meal Plan for Postpartum Recovery

During the postpartum period, proper nourishment is essential for recovery and well-being. This meal plan focuses on traditional practices, especially the use of postpartum rice wine water and a special herbal soup known as Shenghua Soup. Below, you'll find the recipes and their intended uses.

Postpartum Rice Wine Water Preparation

The postpartum rice wine water is made by brewing postpartum rice wine. The recommended ratio for preparation is 2:1, meaning two bottles make one bottle, and one bottle yields half a bottle, and so forth.

For example, if you need to prepare 610 milliliters of rice wine water, follow these steps:

• Ingredients: 1220 milliliters of postpartum rice wine
• Preparation Steps:
  1. Pour the first bottle of rice wine into a stainless steel pot (or rice cooker). Use chopsticks to measure and mark a level.
  2. Add the second bottle of rice wine to the pot, and bring it to a boil over high heat without a lid.
  3. Lower the heat and continue simmering until it reaches the previously marked level.

Uses:

• As a main ingredient in meals.
• Can be used as a mouthwash.
• Can be applied with a towel or cotton cloth to clean the scalp.

Note: When using gas for heating, ensure that there are no flames. Alternatively, an induction cooker may also be used by first bringing it to a boil on high heat and then reducing it.

Shenghua Soup Recipe

Servings: For one day

Ingredients:

• 8 qian of angelica
• 6 qian of ligusticum
• 5 fen of peach kernel (remove the pit)
• 5 fen of black ginger
• 5 fen of honey licorice
• 1050 milliliters of postpartum rice wine water

Preparation Steps:

1. In a clay pot, combine 700 milliliters of postpartum rice wine water with the herbal ingredients. Bring to a boil with high heat, then reduce to low heat and cover, simmering for 60 minutes until about 200 milliliters remain. Set this herbal wine aside.
2. Add another 350 milliliters of postpartum rice wine water to the clay pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for another 60 minutes until approximately 100 milliliters remain.
3. Combine the first and second herbal mixtures for a total of 300 milliliters, and mix well.

Consumption Instructions:

• Take one sip before each meal, completing the intake over the course of six times throughout the day (do not rush the consumption).
• For vaginal birth recovery, continue for seven days, requiring seven servings.
• For cesarean section or miscarried pregnancies, consider consuming for fourteen servings.

Although Shenghua Soup is beneficial for replenishing blood and expelling lochia, it is crucial to not over-consume as it may harm the uterus. Adhering to the outlined requirements is sufficient for recovery without excess.

By following this meal plan and using these traditional recipes, new mothers can support their healing process effectively during their first weeks postpartum.