Welcoming a new life into this world is a beautiful experience but it can be physically and emotionally taxing on the mother. Postpartum recovery can be a challenging journey for new mothers, and they need all the help they can get. One tool that has gained popularity in recent years for postpartum recovery is the infrared sauna. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of infrared sauna therapy for postpartum mothers as well as how it can aid in breastfeeding.
What is an Infrared Sauna
An infrared sauna uses infrared heaters to emit infrared light that is absorbed by the skin, providing warmth and relaxation to the body. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use radiant heat to penetrate the body’s tissues, providing a deeper, more satisfying level of heat.
Benefits of infrared sauna therapy for postpartum mothers
Pregnancy and childbirth can take a toll on a woman’s body, both physically and mentally. Postpartum mothers often experience a range of issues such as fatigue, anxiety, stress, and physical pain. Infrared sauna therapy is an effective and natural way to alleviate these symptoms and promote healing in postpartum women.
Some of the benefits of infrared sauna therapy for postpartum mothers are:
- Pain relief: The heat from infrared saunas can help alleviate pain and discomfort in the body, which can be particularly helpful for postpartum women experiencing back pain, muscle soreness or joint pain.
- Stress reduction: Infrared sauna therapy has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, which is the hormone responsible for stress. By reducing stress levels, postpartum mothers may experienced improved moods and decreased anxiety.
- Increased relaxation: Sitting in an infrared sauna can be a great way for postpartum mothers to relax and unwind. The heat helps to increase blood flow which can promote relaxation and a sense of calm.
- Detoxification: Infrared sauna therapy can help postpartum women eliminate toxins from their bodies. Sweating in a sauna can increase blood flow and circulation, which can help to flush out toxins from the body.
- Improved sleep: Infrared sauna therapy has been shown to improve sleep quality, which can be particularly beneficial for postpartum mothers who may be struggling with insomnia or interrupted sleep.
- Boost immune system: Infrared sauna therapy can help boost the immune system by increasing blood flow and circulation. This can be particularly helpful for postpartum women who may be more susceptible to illness and infection.
- Enhance weight loss: Postpartum mothers may struggle with losing weight gained during pregnancy. Infrared sauna therapy can be a helpful tool in achieving weight loss goals. The heat from the sauna can help increase metabolism and burn calories which in turn, can aid in weight loss.
How infrared sauna therapy can aid in breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is an essential aspect of postpartum recovery, and infrared sauna therapy can help support it in several ways:
- Increased Milk Production: The heat from an infrared sauna can help stimulate milk production in lactating mothers. The increased blood flow to the breasts and the relaxation induced by the sauna can help milk flow more easily.
- Breast Pain Relief: Breast engorgement and mastitis are common breastfeeding issues that can cause pain and discomfort. The heat from an infrared sauna can help alleviate these symptoms by promoting blood flow and reducing inflammation.
- Stress Reduction: As mentioned earlier, stress can affect milk production. Infrared saunas can help reduce stress levels in lactating mothers, promoting better milk flow and production.
Conclusion
Infrared sauna therapy can be a helpful tool for postpartum recovery, aiding in pain relief, detoxification, stress reduction and improved sleep. In addition, infrared saunas can also support breastfeeding by enabling increased milk production, alleviating breast pain and reducing stress levels. As with any new wellness routine, it is essential that you consult your healthcare provider before incorporating infrared sauna therapy into your postpartum recovery plan. For many mothers, infrared sauna therapy can be a valuable addition to their recovery journey.
