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The *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic) states: Regarding the pulse after childbirth, if the Cun (inch) position at the wrist presents a Hong (surging) and Ji (rapid) pulse that is irregular, it indicates a poor prognosis; if the pulse is Chen (deep) and Wei (faint) but remains palpable when pressed to the bone, it indicates a favorable prognosis. It further states: A Chen (deep), Xiao (small), Huan (moderate/slow), or Hua (slippery) pulse is auspicious; a Shi (excess/full), Da (large), Jian (firm), Xian (wiry), or Ji (rapid) pulse is inauspicious; a Lao (solid/fixed), Ge (leather-like), Jie (knotted/intermittent), Dai (tied-knot/intermittent), or Se (choppy) pulse that is irregular is difficult to treat. Zhu Danxi stated: During pregnancy, the pulse should be Hong (surging) and Shuo (rapid); if the pulse remains Hong and Shuo after delivery, it indicates a poor prognosis. He also stated: If the pulse is Xiao (small) during pregnancy but becomes Hong (surging) and Da (large) after delivery, death is likely. However, I have observed many cases where the pulse was Hong (surging) and Shuo (rapid) after delivery and the patient survived. One must understand that pulses due to Blood deficiency are mostly Fu (floating), Hong (surging), and Shuo (rapid). Since postpartum Blood deficiency is common, this pulse presentation occurs. If this is not clearly communicated to the physician, quacks often misdiagnose it as an external contraction, leading to the danger of Qi collapse within moments. Nevertheless, within this Hong (surging) and Shuo (rapid) pulse, there is naturally a quality resembling a Hua (slippery) pulse. It is not like the Jian (firm) and Ji (rapid) pulse lacking Stomach Qi, which leads to death. The *Chan Jing* (Childbirth Classic) states: For diseases during pregnancy, the pulse should ideally be Shi (full/excess); for diseases after childbirth, the pulse should ideally be Xu (deficient). During pregnancy, the principle is to soothe Qi and secure the fetus; after childbirth, the principle is to tonify deficiency and resolve stasis. This is the key.

Generally, when a pregnant woman goes into labor, her Qi and Blood become turbulent, and the Bao Tai (fetus sac) ruptures. This differs from normal physiology, and amniotic fluid must first flow out, commonly called "Bao Jiang" (placental fluid), which is the fluid nourishing the fetus. When the fluid flows, the sac ruptures and birth occurs. Once born, both Qi and Blood are deficient, so the pulse should be Huan (moderate/slow) and Hua (slippery). A Huan pulse implies leisureliness, indicating that Qi has not been depleted to cause urgency; a Hua pulse implies smoothness, indicating that Blood has not been lost to cause dryness and roughness. Both are auspicious signs. If the pulse is Shi (full), Da (large), Xian (wiry), or Lao (solid), it is unsuitable for the postpartum state of Qi and Blood deficiency. A Shi pulse indicates pathogenic excess; a Da pulse indicates pathogenic progression; a Xian pulse indicates Yin constriction and failure of distribution; a Lao pulse indicates firm fixation, approaching a lack of Stomach Qi. All these are contrary pulses, hence inauspicious.

After childbirth, when Qi and Blood are unsettled, the mother should not lie flat or sit sideways. The head of the bed should be heavily padded with mats, allowing her to lean back in a semi-reclined position. Her knees should be bent upward, not extended. The four walls should be shielded without gaps to prevent "thief wind" (drafts) from causing harm. If she closes her eyes and lies flat, or if anger causes Qi rebellion, dizziness may result. Applying vinegar to the nose, using vinegar-heated charcoal in the room, or burning lacquerware can help. Gently massaging from the heart down to the umbilicus will ensure the complete discharge of E Lu (lochia), preventing blood晕 (syncope) and blood rebellion. It is common to see people drinking a cup of hot Tong Bian (child urine) immediately after birth, or taking it mixed with wine warm five to seven times within three days. I believe that although wine can promote the discharge of lochia and the flow of milk, the Zang-Fu organs are just becoming deficient postpartum. Even those accustomed to drinking should not consume much, nor should they drink immediately after birth. There is fear that it might cause blood to rush to the limbs or ascend, leading to blood syncope. As for child urine, its taste is fishy and its nature is cool. For those with weak Stomach Qi, the fishy odor may drive out lochia; for those without internal heat, the cool nature may stagnate blood and damage Stomach Qi. Thus, it is not suitable. It is better to prepare Sheng Hua Tang (Decoction for Generating Blood) in advance and take it immediately after birth. Alternatively, dissolve brown sugar in boiling water and drink frequently to move blood stasis. Eat thin white rice porridge cooked with Sciaenops ocellatus (Croaker) with a mild and sweet flavor. With such care, one will encounter no problems. Some people use more than ten fresh mussels wrapped in paper near the end of pregnancy, hang them in a ventilated place for over twenty days to dry in the shade, keeping it secret. After delivery, decoct one cup and drink it hot; the mother will not fall ill again after childbirth.