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It is an undeniable fact that our Western norms for prenatal and postnatal care of mothers are very different from other countries and cultures. Even the term \u201cconfinement\u201d is not as familiar to most Americans as it is in other countries. Join us as we explore this topic further with today\u2019s expert.\xa0\nDr. Kristal Lau is a certified European Lifestyle Medicine (ELMO) Health and Fitness Advisor and a leading postpartum wellness consultant specializing in bridging cultural practices with modern postpartum care. She is an author, former physician, veteran\u2019s spouse, and the mother of two. Her mission is to revolutionize postpartum wellness for mothers and their families through holistic postpartum wellness experiences that blend modern healthcare and science with personal lifestyles and cultural practices. Currently living in France, Dr. Lau is originally from Malaysia, where she grew up using the best of both worlds in Chinese medicine and allopathic medicine. She serves as a board member for the non-profit Military Birth Resource Network and Postpartum Coalition (MBRNPC) and continues to volunteer with the Army Community Services in USAG Wiesbaden as a military retiree\u2019s spouse. Her book, Postpartum 30: Thirty Days To A Nurtured Fourth Trimester, was published in 2023. In this episode, Dr. Lau shares her experience in following the Chinese postpartum confinement practice after birthing her children, along with the collaboration work she\u2019s doing on snoring\xa0and sleep apnea in pregnancy and the postpartum. She also discusses modern confinement practices and the rising interest in this form of postpartum care.\xa0\n\nShow Highlights:\n\nConfinement practices for postpartum rest are common in other parts of the world and rooted in Chinese medicine.\n\nDr. Lau\u2019s experience with postpartum depression even after following the structure of her confinement practice\n\nLargely unknown outcomes for migrant Asian women around the world who follow traditional confinement practices\n\nThe boom of postnatal retreats in the US\n\nDr. Lau explains traditional Chinese principles around proper nutrition and rest for the new mother.\n\nDr. Lau\u2019s journey to write her book, Postpartum 30\n\n\nVariations in confinement days from culture to culture\n\nThe partner\u2019s important role as the main support person in a new mother\u2019s confinement\n\nThe need for modernization and adaptations in traditional confinement practices\n\nDr. Lau\u2019s advice for those seeking to use traditional Chinese herbs in postpartum care\n\nDr. Lau\u2019s experience with sleep issues, like snoring and daytime sleepiness\u2013even though she doesn\u2019t \u201cfit the bill\u201d for sleep apnea\n\nThe anatomical changes during pregnancy that can lead to sleep apnea\n\nThe need for more clinical data in the area of pregnancy, snoring, and sleep apnea (Sleep above everything!)\n\n\nResources:\nConnect with Dr. Kristal Lau: Website, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Postpartum 30 book\nPlease find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be a better support in offering services.\xa0\nYou can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms\nVisit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.\xa0\xa0\nVisit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!\nIf you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!