Red Light Therapy for Postpartum - Natural Support for Recovery

Introduction: Red Light Therapy for Postpartum

Postpartum, or puerperium, is the period immediately after delivery and lasting around six to eight weeks. It is of very significant importance to new mothers since their bodies are transforming emotionally as well as physically while they get back to a pre-pregnancy condition. Throughout the postpartum period, mothers need to take extra care to maintain their physical well-being by getting proper rest and eating a balanced, healthy diet.

Red light therapy is a beneficial and non-surgical supplement to postpartum healing. Symptoms such as perineal pain, C-section recovery, stretch marks, hormonal imbalance, mood swings, and loose skin may complicate postpartum healing. Red light therapy encourages natural healing and stimulates biological processes that reduce these symptoms.

Most new mothers opt to incorporate red light therapy into their in-home self-care routine because it is easy to apply, safe, and painless.  This article presents the benefits of red light therapy, how it supports postpartum healing, and what studies say about using it as a method of postpartum healing.

Understanding Postpartum Recovery: Physical and Emotional Changes

Postpartum is a crucial period in the lives of new mothers, as it is during this time that they need to take special care of their physical and mental health. Their bodies experience many physical and emotional changes. The period lasts for six to eight weeks, but the changes that occur in this period take much longer. New mothers should get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, and prioritize their overall well-being.

Physically, a mother's body undergoes extreme changes after delivery. The uterus begins to shrink back to its normal size, which can lead to cramping and discomfort. Most women notice tenderness of the perineum from a vaginal delivery or incisional discomfort from a C-section. Some of the universal physical symptoms include bleeding (lochia), fatigue, changes in the breasts associated with milk production, and hormonal shifts that affect energy and mood.

Due to pregnancy, the belly's size increases, resulting in stretch marks and loose skin upon returning to its original size. Some individuals also experience water retention or swelling during that period. It requires time and TLC to recuperate, like total rest, proper nutrition, and even physical therapy at times.

The majority of new mothers also experience emotional adjustments after pregnancy, which at times lead them to lose focus on their babies. New mothers are prone to mood swings, nervousness, or depression known as "baby blues" during postpartum because of hormonal readjustment and the stress of learning to cope with a new baby. In other cases, more serious disorders like postpartum depression can occur, requiring medical attention. Body image and role changes can also affect a mother's self-esteem and psychological health.

How Red Light Therapy Aids Postpartum Healing

The Science Behind Red Light Therapy for Postnatal Support

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, is an intervention that utilizes specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. The low wavelengths trigger the natural recovery processes in the bodies of new mothers. Red light therapy assists in healing damage due to childbirth, including perineal tenderness, C-section incisions, and stretch marks, through cellular recovery.

It does this by activating mitochondria, the energy centers of the cells, to generate more energy in the form of ATP. The surplus ATP is used in supporting cellular repair and regeneration, as the increased energy enables cells to multiply at a faster rate and replace aged cells with new ones.

Red light therapy also increases blood flow, enabling damaged cells to be supplied with more oxygen and nutrients, thereby promoting faster cellular repair and healing. It also decreases inflammation and pain. Red light therapy typically helps heal new mothers with these conditions more quickly.

The therapy reduces inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and alleviating pain, thereby promoting the release of endorphins, which in turn help alleviate pain. The therapy also enhances mood by stimulating the release of stress-relieving hormones.

Red light therapy also promotes the synthesis of collagen and elastin—two proteins that are crucial for making the new mom's skin smooth, firm, and healthy-looking.

Is Red Light Therapy Effective for Postpartum? What Research Shows

Red light therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects during the postpartum period.  It has proven to decrease pain and inflammation, speed up the healing process of wounds, especially those that are post-C-section, and decrease pain in the perineum post-vaginal birth.  It achieves this by reducing inflammation, enhancing cellular vitality, and improving circulation.

Clinical investigations also find positive mood effects, indicating that red light has therapeutic potential to reduce anxiety and postpartum depression symptoms by promoting hormonal balance and relaxation.

Clinical Benefits of Red Light Therapy After Childbirth

Study 1: Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in Relieving Postpartum Cesarean Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective

The goal of this research was to determine if low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which is a form of light treatment, could reduce pain in women after they've had a cesarean section. The researchers wanted to determine the effectiveness of this treatment compared to no treatment or a simulated treatment (placebo). They segregated 88 women into four groups: one group was given no therapy, another was provided placebo therapy, and two other groups were provided real laser therapy of variable strengths—one group was given a dose of 4 J/cm² and another of 2 J/cm². Three diverse tools measured the pain and course of recovery at three time points: 12 hours, 20–24 hours, and 44–48 hours post-delivery.

Results

The women in the laser therapy group experienced significantly less pain than those in the control or placebo groups. That was indicated by both Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores, which reflect intensity of pain, and algometry, which tests for sensitivity to pain. The changes were apparent and large enough to have real-world significance. The Global Change Perception Scale (GCPS), which asks patients to rate how much they feel they've improved, also did better in the laser groups at the second and third follow-ups. Surprisingly, both laser doses performed similarly well—there wasn't a significant difference in pain relief between the more and less potent treatments. Notably, the treatment didn't result in any harmful side effects.

Conclusion

This research demonstrates that low-level laser therapy is a viable and safe method for reducing pain shortly following a cesarean section. It made women feel better physically and enhanced their sense of recovery. As both tested laser doses performed equally well, either of them could be applied in the clinic. That is why LLLT is a promising technology for aiding postpartum recovery after C-sections.

Study 2: Effectiveness of Infrared Light Therapy for Pain Relief After Episiotomy in Postpartum Women.

Objective

This research aimed to learn if the application of infrared light therapy (also referred to as infrared fomentation) can decrease pain in postpartum women who underwent a vaginal delivery with an episiotomy. The investigation focused on the use of infrared light in conjunction with standard wound care during the initial four days following childbirth.

Results

Infrared light therapy was reported to have a steady reduction in pain in the women who underwent the treatment. During the fourth day, some relief from pain was observed compared to the initial levels, indicating that the infrared treatment was effective.

Conclusion

Infrared light therapy may assist postpartum women to heal more easily following an episiotomy. Infrared lamp users recovered more quickly and extensively from pain compared to those not using it, indicating that it is a useful and gentle technique for the relief of post-birth pain.

Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device for Postpartum Care

Essential Features to Look for in a Postpartum Recovery Device

You can accelerate your recovery and achieve a healthy body by using red light therapy at home during the postpartum period. Yes, it is possible to do this therapy at home using a fine red light therapy device. A good device must have all the necessary features.

Sadly, most products available don't emit the proper range of red and near-infrared light and therefore don't work. To make sure your device is helping you, look for the following features: 

Specific Wavelengths

Your device should produce red light in the wavelengths of 610, 630, 633, 650, and 660 nm and near-infrared light in the wavelengths of 810, 830, 850, and 1064 nm. They are frequencies that are well proven to stimulate cellular repair, reduce pain and inflammation, and enhance circulation. 

FDA-Cleared or Medical-Grade Certification

You must use an FDA-approved or medically certified safe device at all times, especially if you're applying it near sensitive postpartum tissues or wounds.

Your device should be equipped with LEDs as the light source. LEDs are the only ones capable of producing concentrated and powerful red and near-infrared light. 

Safety Features

Ensure it has auto-shutoff, overheat protection, and low EMF emission, particularly if you plan to use the device frequently or on newborns. 

Customer Support and Warranty

Select a company with a decent warranty, live customer support, and a reasonable return policy. This reassures you as you're making the right equipment decision for your recovery.

Total Spectrum Devices: Specialized Red Light Therapy for Mothers

Overview of the Total Spectrum Series for Postpartum Wellness

If you're looking for a safe and effective red light therapy device, consider purchasing from RLT Home. RLT Home is a company that manufactures high-quality Total Spectrum devices. All products made by this firm are truly exceptional. These products emit red and near-infrared light, which can be particularly beneficial during postpartum recovery.

The products are FDA-approved and certified to CE and RoHS standards, ensuring they are safe and effective. This means that you will never worry about their dependability.

Additionally, the products are equipped with user-friendly features such as adjustable intensity, auto shut-off, overheat protection, and low EMF output. RLT Home also provides excellent customer service to assist customers when needed.

Best Practices for Using Red Light Therapy After Delivery

When applying red light therapy to postpartum recovery, you need to know the proper application so that you can get the best results with no risks.

• How Frequently to Use It: Most people find that it is best to use red light therapy once or twice daily. Doing it regularly allows your body to heal better. Don't do too much, though — more isn't always better and sometimes can even irritate.
• How Long Should Each Session Last: Typically, 10 to 20 minutes per session is sufficient. This gives the light enough time to reach your skin and heal your cells. A little less than a minute might not work so well, but more than that is usually not necessary.
• How Close to Hold the Device: Hold the light between 6 to 18 inches from your skin. It will be too close if it hurts. It won't work so well if it is too far.
  

By using these simple rules — frequency, duration, and proximity — you can safely apply red light therapy and receive the most benefit from it for post-pregnancy recovery. And don't forget to consult your device's manual or consult with a doctor if uncertain!

Conclusion: Red Light Therapy's Role in Postpartum Recovery

Why Are More New Mothers Turning to Red Light Therapy for Postpartum Care?

New mothers are opting for red light therapy as postpartum care since it is a safe and efficient means of facilitating natural healing. Throughout the postpartum phase, most mothers suffer from anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Red light therapy helps deliver relief by triggering the release of stress-relieving hormones. It also facilitates skin healing by inducing cellular repair and increasing the levels of collagen and elastin, resulting in tighter, smoother, and firmer skin. Red light therapy also helps heal cuts and accelerates the general recovery process.

What are the Reviews on Reddit About Red Light Therapy for Postpartum?

New mothers have also reported positive experiences with red light therapy in the postpartum period. They say that it is beneficial to alleviate nipple pain and aid breastfeeding, making them feel more at ease and be able to feed their babies well.

Several women who have undergone C-sections report that red light treatments taken daily over the incision site seem to accelerate healing of the wound and diminish redness and swelling.

Mothers also comment that red light treatment has caused stretch marks and lax skin around the belly to fade.

In addition to specific areas, women generally report red light sessions alleviate muscle aches, particularly in the lower back and pelvic area.

A few also report mood boosts, with improved sleep, less anxiety, and a general "pick-me-up" during evening sessions.

FAQs: Addressing Common Questions

Can I use red light therapy while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can use red light therapy while breastfeeding. Many moms say it helps with nipple pain and doesn't affect milk supply.

What is the best way to heal postpartum?

The best approach to recover from postpartum is to rest, consume healthy foods, stay hydrated, and seek assistance when needed. Gentle exercise, emotional support, and follow-up care with your physician also contribute significantly.

Who cannot use red light therapy?

You should not use red light therapy if you are taking medications that cause light sensitivity or if you have skin conditions such as rashes or skin cancer.

References

1. Low-level laser therapy improves pain in postcesarean section: a randomized clinical trial.
2. Use of Infrared Light Fomentation for Pain Relief in Postpartum Mothers with Episiotomy.