As a practicing doctor with an immense passion for traditional healing traditions, I've seen the remarkable influence of Ayurvedic post-delivery care, known as "Sutika Paricharya" or "Sutika Ahara Vihara," on the health of mothers and infants. This traditional Ayurvedic technique focuses on the mother's overall recovery and the baby's optimal development during the critical postpartum time.
The postpartum period is considered a sacred time in Ayurveda, requiring specific attention to promote physical and mental regeneration for the mother while also ensuring the newborn's good growth. Working with new moms has given me a better understanding of the general principles and practices that drive Ayurvedic post-natal care.
Ayurvedic postnatal care is focussed on restoring balance, supporting physical and emotional recovery, and enhancing bonding and nurturing motherhood. By embracing the wisdom of Ayurveda, new mothers can experience a smoother transition into motherhood, with improved well-being for themselves and their babies.
Ayurveda views the postpartum period as a time of high vulnerability for both the birthing parent and the baby. During this time, the mother’s body is in a state of transition, and the baby is adjusting to the new environment outside the womb. Ayurvedic principles aim to restore balance to the doshas (particularly Vata), strengthen digestion, and support the body’ss natural healing and recovery processes.
Ayurveda, the holistic science, has a scientific solution to this. Vethu Kuli (post herbal water bath) and many other therapies like abdominal binding, massage, diet, and asanas. The first 90 days after delivery is called sootika, and it is the time when the body needs utmost care.
Benefits of Ayurvedic Postnatal Care
As a new mother, embracing Ayurvedic postnatal care is extremely effective in recovering the mother's health and well-being. This holistic method not only helps to restore physical strength but also promotes mental health. Ayurveda helps detoxify toxins from both body and mind, boosting total well-being. This customized therapy will not only improve stamina and muscle tone but also relieve the back and muscle problems that are common after birth. Also, Ayurvedic postnatal practices can provide essential information about living a healthy lifestyle, nursing, and supporting the mental health journey.
Embracing Ayurvedic Post-Delivery Care
In the field of Ayurveda, post-delivery care is vital, providing an empathetic road to recovery and revitalization. Here are a few essential practices:
Abhyanga (Oil Massage): This is a delicate massage, using warm herbal-infused oils which not only help improve blood circulation, relax the muscles but also reduce the stress related issues, which are especially suitable for the Vata dosha.
Sitz Baths and Herbal Steam: Sitz baths or steam baths of herbal nature are beneficial for the pelvic area because of purifying and curing it by decreasing inflammation and stimulating tissue repair. In doing so, the new mom experiences easier recovery from the birth and less pain.
Swedana (Herbal Steam Therapy): Herbal steam therapy cleanses channels that accrete toxins and stimulates circulation- the overall effect being easiness in relaxation, relieving tension and recovery.
Dhara (Oil Pouring): Modern medicine, like the general therapeutic oils saturating on certain body parts, deals with concerns such as back pain, exhaustion, and mental stress by giving relieving effects.
Nasya (Nasal Therapy): Herbal oils or medicinal extracts application in the nostrils for instance, to reduce blockage in the sinuses, alleviate postpartum migraines and support concentration is another way.
Best Ayurvedic Herbs for Postnatal Care (Mother)
Herb is crucial in Ayurvedic medicine, it contributes to healing the post-delivery wounds, immunity for the mother and child, proper lactation and balance the energy level. I would like you to focus on the selection of recipes as well as the condition of the patient (Prakriti) and their current state (Vikriti). Let us look at some commonly used Ayurvedic herbs for postnatal care:
Shatavari: The Shatavari plant is well known for its benefits on reproductive health of the female, hormonal equilibrium and excessive lactation. Hence, a huge number of women use it to breastfeed properly and recover fast during the period after the birth.
Ashwagandha: As an adaptogenic herb, Ashwagandha specializes at reducing stress, increasing energy, and promoting overall well-being during the postpartum period.
Guduchi: Guduchi is a reliable herb in immune regulation, making it the ideal combination for postpartum immunity enhancement and body healing.
Dashamoola: Because of its multi-root nature, this ten-root mixture can be particularly good in balancing Vata dosha, as well as in lowering inflammation and providing post-labor relief. It takes several forms, including tea infusions, oils, and herbal extracts.
Vidarikand: This ghee makes Vidarikand best to boost the lactation process, nurture the body, and provide nutrition through the postpartum period.
Triphala: A combination of three fruits known for cleansing and detoxifying effects are included in this recipe to help in digestion, removing toxins, and in general promoting health.
Yogaraj Guggulu: This Ayurvedic concoction combines herbs and Guggulu. This is capable of reducing postpartum joint discomfort, muscle stiffness, and even inflammation.
Lohasava and Dhatri Loh: These supplements of iron replenish iron levels after birth, which aids in the recovery of physical function during pregnancy.
Bala: Bala has traditionally been used to help a woman's body build, replenish, and recover after giving birth, allowing her to have more vitality during her postnatal time.
Haritaki: Haritaki is commonly known as a digestive and cleansing agent that stimulates the digestive system, regulates bowel motions, and aids in the overall cleansing process. Because of these, they are always utilized in the postpartum period.
Kutaja: The medicinal roots have long been utilized to improve digestive health and ease discomfort caused by postnatal therapies.
Ayurvedic Postpartum Diet Guidelines
During the postpartum time, Ayurveda recommends a nourishing and balanced diet designed to help the mother recuperate and the infant grow.
Warmth: Emphasize warm, cooked, and easily digestible foods. Incorporate nutrient-rich foods like whole grains, lentils, and cooked vegetables. Specific dietary suggestions shift through the postpartum period from light (immediately after birth), to heavier after a few weeks postpartum. Here are some general nutritional recommendations:
Warm and Cooked Foods: Prioritize warm and freshly cooked meals, as they are easier to digest and help maintain balance in the body.
Ghee: Incorporate ghee (clarified butter) in your diet as it is excellent in terms of nutrients for the digestive system, as well as health as whole.
Grains: Choose whole grains like rice, quinoa, barley, and oats for lasting energy and nutrients.
Protein-Rich Foods: Proteins such as lentils, beans, tofu, eggs and lean meat are good sources of protein to help tissues rebuild and muscle recovery.
Veggies: Eat a variety of cooked veggies that are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which improves general health and digestion.
Fruits: Consume seasonal fruits for critical nutrients and hydration, which aids in postpartum healing and lactation.
Spices: Incorporate mild spices such as ginger, turmeric, cumin, and coriander into your meals to help digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve flavor.
Herbal Tea: Stay hydrated by drinking herbal teas like ginger tea, fennel tea, or chamomile tea, which aid digestion and relaxation.
Snack on nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds, which include vital fatty acids, protein, and minerals.
Hydration: Drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated and promote good health and lactation.
Remember to pay attention to your body's cues and alter your diet based on your unique needs and tastes, as well as any specific advice from your Ayurvedic practitioner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the mother's health often weakens after delivery as a result of variables such as blood and fluid loss, as well as the emptiness felt in the womb. However, with correct and enough care, lost strength and vitality can be regained faster. Ayur Bethaniya provides Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala for Post natal care and to help you gain a deeper understanding and experience in Ayurvedic methods, allowing for a more holistic approach to postnatal care and healing.
