Rasm

Postnatal care

In Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine from India, postnatal care (referred to as "Sutika Paricharya") is given significant importance. It emphasizes the mother’s recovery and the baby’s health through a holistic approach, incorporating diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and specific practices designed to restore balance and promote healing. Here are the key aspects of postnatal care in Ayurveda:

For the Mother:
  • Diet (Pathya Ahara):
    • Nourishing Foods: Easily digestible and warm foods that enhance digestion (Agni) and promote tissue regeneration (Dhatu Poshana). Examples include rice, wheat, green gram, lentils, and ghee.
    • Herbal Preparations: Ayurvedic herbs and formulations like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), and Dashamoola (a group of ten roots) to restore energy and balance.
    • Avoiding Certain Foods: Foods that are cold, heavy, and difficult to digest should be avoided. This includes raw foods, cold beverages, and excessively spicy or oily foods.
  • Lifestyle (Dinacharya):
    • Rest and Recovery: Emphasis on rest to restore energy. Activities should be limited and gradually increased.
    • Gentle Exercise: Simple yoga poses and breathing exercises (Pranayama) to aid in physical recovery and mental relaxation.
    • Warmth: Keeping the body warm to promote healing and balance the Vata dosha, which is often aggravated after childbirth.
  • Massage (Abhyanga):
    • Oil Massage: Daily massage with warm, medicated oils (such as sesame oil infused with herbs) to promote circulation, reduce Vata imbalance, and soothe the nervous system.
    • Belly Binding: Traditional belly binding to support the uterus and abdominal muscles.
  • Herbal Remedies (Aushadhi):
    • Uterine Health: Herbs like Asoka (Saraca asoca) and Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) to support uterine health and reduce postpartum bleeding.
    • Lactation: Galactagogue herbs like Shatavari and fenugreek to enhance milk production.
  • Emotional and Mental Well-being:
    • Supportive Environment: Creating a calm, supportive environment to reduce stress and anxiety.
    • Meditation and Mindfulness: Practices to promote mental clarity and emotional stability.
Choose
Choose
image
For the Newborn:
  • Oil Massage (Bala Abhyanga):
    • Daily Massage: Gentle oil massage with warm sesame or coconut oil to strengthen the baby's muscles and bones, improve circulation, and promote better sleep.
  • Bathing (Snana):
    • Herbal Baths: Using herbal decoctions in bath water to protect the baby's skin and promote overall health.
  • Diet (Ahara):
    • Breastfeeding: Exclusive breastfeeding is encouraged, with a focus on ensuring the mother’s diet supports healthy lactation.
  • Care of the Umbilical Cord (Nabhi Paricharya):
    • Natural Healing: Using antiseptic and healing herbal powders on the umbilical stump to prevent infection and promote quick healing.
    • Postnatal Checkups:
    • Regular Monitoring: Regular checkups by an Ayurvedic practitioner to monitor the health of both mother and baby and to provide ongoing personalized care and adjustments to the regimen.
    Support Systems:
    • Family and Community Support: Emphasis on the support of family and community in caring for the new mother and baby.
    • Education and Counseling: Providing education on postpartum care practices and emotional support through counseling.
    Example Ayurvedic Postnatal Care Regimen:
    • Diet: Kitchari (a mixture of rice and mung dal), soups, stews, ghee, and herbal teas.
    • Herbs: Ashwagandha powder in warm milk, Shatavari with honey, and Dashamoola tea.
    • Massage: Daily Abhyanga with warm sesame oil.
    • Rest: Adequate rest and avoiding strenuous activities.
    • Yoga and Meditation: Gentle yoga and meditation practices.
    By following these Ayurvedic postnatal care practices, both the mother and the newborn can experience a smoother recovery, better health, and a balanced transition into the new phase of life.

shape
shape