Ayurveda Guide After Child Birth
For almost any woman, the state of motherhood is special. The joy associated with delivering a healthy baby is something that nothing else in the world can match. In other words, the experience of child birth almost completes her sense of being. The entire process of delivering the baby is very taxing and can really take a toll on the mother. Hence, even the medical science has to convey that the first 40 days after childbirth are very crucial for the mother.
Why Care is Needed?
During the initial six months, the uterus which got expanded during delivery, starts regaining its normal position. The various ligaments, muscles as well as the tendons start getting healed. However, it is only natural if she also happens to come across some health issues such as depression, indigestion, insomnia, loss of appetite and backache besides some mood swings once in a while.
Nonetheless, the mother still needs to recover herself both physically and emotionally. It is important for her to restore the imbalances in her body caused by the childbirth, and regain the lost endurance.
Ayurveda Guide After Child Birth
The ancient science of Ayurveda provides some 5000 years old methods for a holistic care of the mother. For a quick postpartum recovery, there are various healing traditions advised by the Ayurveda. The new mother should confine herself to a room along with her baby for a period of six weeks, in order to protect themselves from any potential infection and develop an intimate mother-child bonding. She must restrain from doing any household chores and not run any errands during that period of recovery. Also, she must ensure that she gets enough sleep to keep the everyday anxiety at bay.
In order to stimulate the blood circulation, the new mother should be regularly given a full body massage with warm sesame seed oil (Til Tailam) or some Yatahara oil. In a gentle manner, some extra pressure should also be applied on the lower abdomen during the massage, in order to push the uterus back to its normal position. In order to quicken the contraction process of the uterus and the pelvic passage, hot water can be carefully poured on the lower abdomen and the pelvic area. It greatly helps in relaxing the whole body. She is also advised to wrap only soft, cotton cloth over her abdomen. Ayurveda also has a series of tonics to offer for this purpose, such as Sukumara kashayam.
While taking a shower, it is advised not to use soaps with too many chemicals. In fact, a paste made of chickpea floor mixed with 1 teaspoon milk cream and a pinch of turmeric can be made at home and used as a cleanser.
The mother after the child birth needs to be taking warm water and drinks. Our Indian homes have meticulously worked out the option since ancient times to be providing only Elaychi Jala or the water boiled with larger Cardamom which is believed to provide warmth to body systems. Whereas the lady needs to avoid cold and iced drinks and foods, it is recommended that the new mother takes warm to hot tea with ginger, large cardamom or ajawain (bishop’s weed) boiled into the same. Hot milk with a pinch or two of turmeric is good. Also, warm vegetable soups with mild spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, fenugreek, holy basil, fennel etc. are advised as these help not only in providing nourishment, but only tend to boost the agni or the gastric fire thus enhancing digestion.
The mother must ensure that her nutritional as well as emotional needs are met. In order for her to recover her digestion, her diet should include sufficient ghee or sesame oil along with panchkola. Milk intake can be increased by having savouries rich in garlic, carom seeds, dried nuts, fenugreek leaves/seeds, and sesame seeds. Besides consuming fresh cow’s milk first thing every morning, Ayurveda also suggests the consumption of Dashamoola arishtam during the first three months, in order to improve the quality of milk.
Warmth is actually good both for the new mother, as well as the new born. It is desirable to place a hot water bottle on mother’s abdomen, she can soak her feet in hot water for some time every day and also her room should be kept warm.
Laddoos made with dried nuts and wheat help to strengthen the back and the reproductive organs. Additionally, an ayurvedic tonic called Ajamamsa rasayanam can be consumed to brace up the bones and muscles.
Needless to say, the care observed during this period plays a crucial role in deciding the mother’s health for years to come and certainly pays back in the long run.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon
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