Why Staying Warm Matters After Birth

Written By Amy Young

After you have a baby, your body is working hard to heal, recover, and adjust. One of the simplest ways to support that process is by staying warm.

In many cultures, warmth is considered essential for recovery. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s believed that cold can enter the body through the feet and affect the reproductive system. After birth, a mother’s body is in a “yin” (cool) state and needs more “yang” (warmth) to restore balance and energy.

Even if you’ve never heard those terms before, the idea makes sense - warmth supports circulation, comfort, and digestion, and it just feels good during those tender early weeks.

Simple Ways to Keep Warm Postpartum

Stay cozy from head to toe
Soft socks, comfy slippers, and layers you can easily adjust for nursing make all the difference. In TCM, cold is thought to enter through the feet, so keeping them covered is key.

Eat warm, comforting foods
Skip the iced drinks and salads for now! Warm foods are easier to digest and support recovery. Think:

  • Oatmeal or rice porridge for breakfast

  • Hearty soups and stews

  • Comforting congee

  • Rich bone broth (bonus: it’s great for hydration and healing!)

Sip warm drinks throughout the day
Keep a thermos close with warm water, ginger tea, or lemon water, and take small sips all day long. It’s an easy way to stay hydrated and warm from the inside out.

Bare Bones also has instant bone broth packets - perfect for busy days when you want something quick and supportive without the prep.

Choose warming (yang) foods
In TCM, warming foods like chicken, beef, eggs, ginger, and cinnamon help bring your body back into balance. Cooling foods (like raw veggies, smoothies, and iced drinks) can wait until you’ve regained your strength.

Nourishment Made Easy

If you’d love extra help with postpartum meals, we’re big fans of Restorative Roots - a postpartum freezer meal delivery service that uses organic, ancestral, and regenerative ingredients. Their nourishing meals are available nationwide, and you can use code CHOOSEJOY for $20 off your first order of $200+!

We’ve also included some of our favorite warm, nutrient-dense recipes in our Baby 101 Handbook, designed specifically for new moms in the fourth trimester. You can grab it for just $7.99 to make nourishing your body simple and stress-free.

Because warmth after birth isn’t just about comfort - it’s about healing, energy, and giving your body the care it truly deserves.

Amy Young
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