Postpartum Nutrition: Traditional Chinese Medicine Food Recommendations, for Postnatal Recovery

Bringing a new life into the world is a beautiful experience, but it also places significant demands on a mother’s body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the postpartum period—often referred to as the "Golden Month"—is crucial for healing, replenishing energy, and restoring balance. Proper nutrition plays a key role in this recovery, helping new mothers regain strength, support lactation, and prevent postpartum health issues. 

Pregnant woman enjoying a healthy meal rich in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) postpartum foods. Nourishing pregnancy and postpartum nutrition for energy, lactation, and recovery. Ideal diet for expecting and new mothers in Auckland.

Slow cooked bone broth and pumpkin soup, rich in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) postpartum foods.

Why all the fuss over warm food?

After childbirth, a mother’s body is considered to be in a state of "Qi and Blood deficiency", meaning it requires warm, nourishing foods to rebuild strength and circulation. TCM advises against consuming cold or raw foods, as they can slow digestion and weaken the body’s recovery process. Instead, postpartum meals should focus on warming and easily digestible ingredients that support healing. 

What are the top post partum foods?

Blood-Nourishing Foods

Blood loss during childbirth means that replenishing Blood is a top priority for postpartum recovery. Here is a list of foods to nourish Blood.

Red dates & goji berries help to boost energy and nourish Blood. Often enjoyed in teas or soups.

Black sesame seeds support hair health and improve blood circulation.

Chicken or pork bone broth are rich in collagen and minerals to strengthen Qi and Blood.

Beef & liver are an excellent sources of iron and essential nutrients to rebuild Blood.

Qi-Boosting & Digestive-Friendly Foods

Supporting digestion is key in postpartum recovery, as the Spleen and Stomach play a vital role in energy production, foods to focus on are:

Rice porridge (congee) are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach, providing sustained energy.

Ginger helps to dispel cold, improve circulation, and aid digestion.

Cinnamon warms the body and enhances blood flow.

Chinese yam & lotus seeds strengthens the Spleen and nourishes Qi for better postpartum stamina.

Lactation-Supporting Foods

For mothers who are breastfeeding, certain foods in TCM are known to promote milk production and improve lactation.

Fish soup is a well-known TCM remedy to enhance breast milk supply.

Papaya & fish soup nourishes the body while naturally increasing milk production.

Fenugreek tea is commonly used in both TCM and Western herbal medicine to support lactation.

Warm sesame oil & black beans helps to nourish Yin and promote milk flow.

Postpartum Healing & Strengthening Foods

To promote faster recovery and prevent postpartum fatigue, include these strengthening foods:

Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) soup is known as the “female ginseng,” it restores Blood and supports hormonal balance.

Chicken with Chinese herbs (Huang Qi/Astragalus & Dang Gui) used to strengthen Qi and Blood while boosting immunity.

Eggs are a simple yet nutritious food that supports overall postpartum recovery.

Foods to Avoid During Postpartum Recovery

To ensure a smooth recovery, TCM advises avoiding:

Cold and raw foods as these can weaken digestion and slow healing.

Caffeine & alcohol may interfere with sleep, energy levels, and milk production.

Spicy, greasy, or overly processed foods can lead to digestive discomfort and sluggish metabolism.

Postpartum Acupuncture for Recovery

At ORA Acupuncture, we specialise in postpartum acupuncture to help new mothers recover physically and emotionally after childbirth.

By focusing on hormonal balance and mood stability, acupuncture also helps boost energy levels, reduce fatigue, enhance blood circulation for faster healing, and supports lactation by relieving blocked ducts.

If you’re looking for personalized postpartum care in Auckland, get in touch with us at 021 701 113 to book a consultation. Our holistic approach to pregnancy and postpartum acupuncture ensures that you receive the best support during this important time.