Reimagining Postpartum: Bridging Traditions and Modern Care with Dr. Kristal Lau
Show Notes:
[1:58] Our Reviewer of the Week, Birthing in Bliss, said: "So thankful to stumble upon this inspiring podcast around 26 weeks pregnant while searching for info on the Fresh Test. That episode became the first of MANY that I devoured during the last 14 weeks of my pregnancy. Listening to and internalizing all of the birth stories and especially Stephanie's empowering explanations of unmediated birth in the birthing course emboldened me to switch my birth plans from the hospital where I had my first two babies to a birthing center at almost 35 weeks pregnant! I became hooked on the prenatal exercises and utilized the meditation tracks every evening, even making my own to relax with before and during labor. I had the labor and delivery experience of my dreams and was truly able to be present during every moment, enjoying the spa- like ambiance of the birthing center culminating in a beautiful water birth. Watching my previously skeptical physician husband fully shift his opinions as we experienced this magical birth together was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. I owe so much to Stephanie for inspiring me to dream big and find my voice. Thank you for blessing me with your work!"
[3:23] Our guest this week is Dr. Kristal Lau, a Leading Postpartum Wellness Consultant and former physician, is an award-winning author of ‘Postpartum 30’. She brings over 10 years of combined experience and knowledge in clinical medicine, scientific research, and public health including her personal experiences as an Asian expat in the West, a mom of 2, and a U.S. military spouse. She delivers insights and actionable strategies for postpartum wellness, specializing in bridging traditions and cultural practices with modern postpartum care and lifestyle medicine.
[5:38] Dr. Kristal Lau shares her insights on postpartum traditions, blending Eastern and Western practices to support new mothers. As a Malaysian-born doctor trained in Australia, she experienced firsthand how postpartum care varies across cultures. She discusses the Chinese practice of "confinement"—a period of postpartum rest lasting 30-40 days, during which mothers receive care rooted in both tradition and Chinese medicine.
- While the term "confinement" may sound restrictive, it actually represents a deep commitment to maternal care. "In Asia, you would get the cultural practice going hand in hand with Chinese medicine . . . it’s a time of healing and being cared for."
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Navigating family involvement—especially with mothers or mothers-in-law—can be challenging, but finding ways to include them while setting boundaries is key. "For some families, excluding them isn’t an option . . . It’s about understanding their role and setting boundaries that work for everyone.
Dr. Lau’s perspective encourages new moms to embrace postpartum healing in a way that feels right for them—blending cultural wisdom with modern self-care.
[18:38] Redefining postpartum and how to include your partner:
- 🍼 "We spend so much time talking about birth and pregnancy, but then you have the baby… and then what happens?"
- 💡 "Postpartum isn’t just about mental health or depression. It’s about redefining support for new moms in a way that actually works."
- 👩👧 "Who we become after we have a baby is defining. And if we don’t have the support we need, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—when we don’t have to."
- 🤝 "Our healthcare system doesn’t include the family in postpartum care—partners don’t even get a wellness check. That needs to change."
- ⚡ "Waiting for the system to change takes too long. We need to invite ourselves into these spaces and advocate for better postpartum care now."
[27:24] If you search for postpartum care, most of what you’ll find focuses on mental health, specifically postpartum depression. While this is undeniably important, postpartum care should encompass so much more, including physical recovery, emotional well-being, and support for the entire family unit. Unfortunately, our healthcare system is not designed to provide comprehensive postpartum care.
“If we don’t have the support we need, or if we don’t know how to take care of ourselves postpartum, it’s really easy to feel overwhelmed—when we don’t have to.”
Partners are expected to be the primary support system for the new mother, yet they often receive no guidance, no mental health check-ins, and no resources to navigate their new role.
“Our partners and spouses aren’t even in the picture when it comes to postpartum care. They don’t get wellness checkups, they aren’t screened for depression—yet we expect them to be our main support system.”
[32:35] The postpartum period isn’t just a few weeks—it’s a long-term transition into parenthood that deserves attention, support, and care. Until our healthcare system catches up, the best thing we can do is advocate for ourselves and demand better postpartum resources. By educating ourselves, seeking the right care, and pushing for systemic changes, we can redefine postpartum care for future generations.
“Postpartum isn’t just about mental health or depression. It’s about redefining how we care for families in this critical time.”
[38:20] Many cultures have long recognized the importance of a structured postpartum period. Traditional practices such as the 30-day "confinement" period emphasize rest, nutrition, and support to allow the mother to heal and bond with her baby. Families and communities rally around the new mother, ensuring that she gets the nourishment, care, and rest she needs.
[47:28] We focus so much on birth plans, but what about postpartum plans? Postpartum planning means setting up a support system before the baby arrives. This can include:
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Arranging for help—whether from family, friends, or hiring a postpartum doula if possible.
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Prepping meals ahead of time to ensure proper nutrition.
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Creating a rest plan—figuring out how to share responsibilities and ensure adequate recovery time.
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Identifying mental health resources, because postpartum emotions can be unpredictable.
Postpartum recovery isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. Rest, nutrition, and support are the foundation of a healthy postpartum experience. If we start prioritizing postpartum planning the way we do birth plans, we can set new mothers up for success rather than struggle.
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[1:06:30] How to find Dr. Lau:
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