Postpartum is a transformative and reinforcing period where there is a total variation in the social environment to being a mother. Post natal period begins immediately after child birth and is normally up to 6 weeks. Some people can have delayed postpartum period as well. Different world cultures have different supportive post-partum measures for mother and baby. Ayurveda advocates soothika (lady after delivery) as 45-90 days after delivery or up to the beginning of next menstrual cycle.
Care for the new mom and the little feet!
First 15 days immediately after delivery should be given great care
Herbs for healing: Herbalsupplements – internally and externally – can be started from one week after delivery up to 28 or 56 days. On a practical side if it’s C-section better wait for 10 days. Just after delivery Vata gets overpowered and the body gets fatigues because of the intense nervous and muscular actions. So all the treatments, diet and life style should be for pacifying Vata and strengthening Agni (metabolism). The regime will help in reducing the discomforts of the baby and after pains of the mother. To start with, use decoctions, Herbal powders and tablets that pacify Vata for 2 weeks. Followed by Arishtas (fermented herbal tonics) and lehyas (rejuvenating herbal jams).Yavakshara (a medicine) can be effectively used for pains with ghee or hot water. Bleeding after delivery may last from few days up to 1 month.
Massage and bath: Its recommended to give long daily ceremonial bath for new mom from 10th day of child birth and for C-section after 16 days once the wound is healed. Specialised hot oil massages and baths are done for better immunity, detoxification, after pains, muscle spasms and skin clarity. Massage using Herbalised oils leave the oil on for at least 45 minutes before bath. Turmeric is an important ingredient which is mixed with herbal oils and applies to the whole body. Massage should always be done by expert hands. Bala taila,Balaswagandhadi Taila, Ksheera bala taila, Dhanwantaram taila etc. can be externally used for Abhyanga (hot oil massages) for the mother.Nalpamaradi kera or Eladi kera or Lakshadi kera can be used for the baby massage. After massage the herbal tea prepared and kept for infusing overnight are used to give hot water bath. Herbal bath powders recommended for preventing stretch marks, hair falls and toning up the body. Chemicals should be a big no no during this time. Its recommended to apply Herbal Collyrium to eyes regularly after bath enhance vision and to provide cooling effect to eyes and mind.
Tummy care can be made by applying a wide belt around waist which helps in shrinking the size of the uterus as well. Tummy should be tightly tied using herbal abdominal cloth bands. This helps in getting back to shape easily as well as the involution of the uterus. C-section ladies should wait at least 2 weeks before abdominal binding to ensure complete healing of the sutures.
After 90 days specialised massages made of oily or dry Potalis/Pindas (herbs are tied in a cloth and made into a pouch) can be used. Vasti (enema) prepared out of medicated oils can be used for detoxification if you have imbalance in the system causing big troubles during this period. Shirodhara (pouring thin stream of oil on forehead) helps in compacting stress and calms mother’s mind thereby fighting postnatal depression.
Enhancing breast milk at Ayur Healthcare
Ever felt the breast milk is low in quantity and quality .Here is our solution!!!
As per the classics, from the seventh day onwards mother can start with vegetable and meat soups.The gruels should be prepared with galactolouge herbs.Medicines made from flower of coconut tree and dry ginger, fennel seeds, asparagus roots, and preparations with different types of cumin seeds and jaggery are of great help. Just after delivery thin rice porridge with warming spices (Panchakola Peya) are recommended to improve digestion and support bleeding. Start with light food and slowly increase the consistency of food. First light gruels or porridge made by adding special herbs like vidari and milk/coconut milk can be used. Then slowly introduce rice and similar grains. If you are a non vegetarian, meat is recommended to take as soups after 12 days of child birth.
Fiber rich foods should be taken to avoid constipation. Take adequate amounts of pulses,nuts raisins, almonds, papaya, leafy vegetables, whole grain breads, etc. Take ample rest avoiding heavy work. Taking 3-4 Gooseberries every day helps in improving the immunity. Avoid smoking for good quality breast milk.
Self-care is not a luxury but it is a way of self-preservation for a healthy future
We at Ayur Healthcare treats you with all the essentials you need to be confident enough to cherish your motherhood starting from simple diet tips to the elaborated herb based Traditional post natal massages for a healthy tomorrow. So relish with the professional and expert advice from our consultant and be ready to welcome you baby without any hassles.
