Red Light Therapy for Prenatal & Postpartum Healing: A Comprehensive Guide

The journey through matrescence is an extraordinary one, but not an easy one.

According to the National Institutes of Health, at least 1 out of 10 women suffer from negative postpartum symptoms, impacting not only their quality of life but also that of their family. Red light therapy has been around for a long time… but it is gaining in popularity! Since we offer it at Be Well Baby PDX… I thought it would be good to tell you all a little about it, and how we use it during out sessions.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy, also known as Infrared Therapy or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), involves the use of low-level light waves in the infrared spectrum to promote cellular repair and rejuvenation. This non-invasive treatment penetrates deep into the skin's layers, stimulating healing from within.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Pregnancy & Postpartum

We offer red light therapy in our home visits with a small wand to address musculoskeletal pain, nerve pain, and especially while addressing scar tissue from cesarean births.

1. Healing From an Episiotomy, C-Section, or Pelvic Floor Laceration

Postpartum recovery from an episiotomy, perineal tear, or C-section can be painful and prolonged. Red light therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation, accelerating the healing process.

Red light therapy supports healthy tissue formation and minimizes scar tissue, particularly beneficial after emergency C-sections.

2. Reduced Nipple Pain During Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can cause nipple pain due to vigorous feeding, dry skin, or infections. Red light therapy effectively reduces pain. Although this is a known benefit of red light therapy- it is usually not the first intervention we try. There are so many other clinical reasons for pain that simply treating the symptom rarely has long-term results! We aim to find the root cause of your pain and address it head on.

3. Relief from Joint and Muscle Pain

Pregnancy, birth, and feeding a baby can strain joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Red light therapy eases pain and decreases inflammation, allowing you to enjoy what matters most.

We use red light therapy in conjunction with manual therapy, exercises, stretches, and massage specifically customized for your needs.

4. Better Sleep

Anyone who has had musculoskeletal pain understands the vital role of sleep in healing… Sleep is anti-inflammatory. But isn’t it wild that we go through this transformational moment with birth, our bodies OPEN, and then we are expected to feed a small human every 2-3 hours RIGHT AWAY? With no rest it’s no wonder new parents have a hard time healing.

Red light therapy supports better sleep by maintaining circadian rhythm balance. Red wavelengths are soothing and promote restful sleep, helping new parents feel more energized during the day. If you use red-tinted bulbs in your room, this can even minimize blue light emissions, helping your whole family return to sleep more quickly after nighttime awakenings… This is not always realistic (yes your baby will eat every 3 hours!) but it is definitely worth a try.

We do not offer skin care at Be Well Baby! But if you want an affordable option… check these out.

Here is a face wand that also has the ability to massage (luxury).

This is the best rated face mask out there.

Or, you could try this super affordable little wand if you were looking for truly just your face!

5. Better Skin with Red Light Therapy

Hormonal fluctuations during and after pregnancy can lead to acne. Red light therapy combats acne by killing bacteria on the skin's surface and enhancing skin cells' ability to fend off infections.

6. Reduced Stretch Marks

Stretch marks result from the rapid stretching of skin during pregnancy, causing collagen and elastin proteins to rupture. Red light therapy boosts collagen and elastin production, helping the skin regain its normal appearance and reducing the visibility of stretch marks.

7. Postpartum Hair Regrowth

Some women experience hair loss postpartum. Red light therapy stimulates hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth and helping new mothers regain their confidence.

How Red Light Therapy Works

One key mechanism of red light therapy is its ability to stimulate mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction, linked to inflammation, chronic stress, and pregnancy, can contribute to various conditions. By supporting cellular health, red light therapy accelerates postpartum recovery, normalizes hormonal balance, and improves brain function, potentially alleviating postpartum depression.

It’s absolutely magical!

Scientific Backing

Many studies have highlighted the benefits of red light therapy:

• A 2013 study in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed significant improvements in surgical scar appearance post-infrared therapy.

• Research in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology has demonstrated reduced scar tissue formation and accelerated wound healing in animal models.

• A 2020 review in the Journal of Biophotonics called for further exploration of infrared therapy's potential in enhancing scar appearance and function.

Is This Safe?

These are the same wavelengths of light that we would be exposed to if we spent more time outdoors in the early morning and dusk. Remember that we use light medicine for newborns with jaundice… I don’t recommend putting the light right over your belly when you are pregnant- just because it really hasn’t been researched.

Importantly, over 10,000 studies have been conducted on red light therapy, with no adverse side effects reported, making it a safe and effective treatment option for pregnancy, postpartum, and infants alike.

What Does It Feel Like?

It just feels like a gentle warmth. In our sessions, we use it for no more than 10 minutes on an adult and no more than 5 minutes on a baby.

Conclusion

Red light therapy offers a natural, non-invasive solution to various pregnancy and postpartum challenges. From reducing pain and scarring to promoting better sleep and mood, it supports mothers in their recovery journey.

Always talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment.

Let us know if you would like to incorporate red light therapy into your sessions!

References:

• Benjamin, D. R., et al. (2019). Physical and Physiological Outcomes Associated with Low-Level Laser Therapy for Diastasis Rectus Abdominis in the Postpartum Period. Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy, 43(2), 89-99.

• Chung, H., et al. (2020). The Nuts and Bolts of Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), 516-533.

• de Holanda Araujo AMP, de Sena KRR, da Silva Filho EM, Pegado R, Micussi MTABC. Low-level laser therapy improves pain in postcesarean section: a randomized clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2020;35(5):1095-1102. doi:10.1007/s10103-019-02893-3

• Demirtas, N., et al. (2020). The Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Prevention and Treatment of Postpartum Perineal Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 253, 17-22.

• Liddell, K. C., & Material, S. B. (2012). Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain Relief with Photobiomodulation. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, 44(2), 124-132.

• Lim, W., et al. (2018). Modulation of Autonomic Nervous System by Light Therapy from Blue to Red. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, 96(2), 191-198.

• Taradaj, J., et al. (2014). Effect of Laser Irradiation at Different Wavelengths on Wound Healing. Journal of Surgical Research, 187(1), 285-293.