Post Natal care

Pregnancy and subsequent childbirth can wreak havoc in a woman’s body. On top of that, she has to immediately move on to her next role as the mother, a tireless and engaging endeavor. Paying attention to her own wellbeing may not be her primary instinct. In recent times, it’s even more obvious that time to take care of one’s body is scarce.

Ayurvedic postpartum care is designed to balance the deranged doshas of a woman’s body after the delivery. The care is according to the postpartum stages that the body goes through and has detailed diet, medication, and massage instructions to improve the quality of the mother’s health while helping her recover.

Few Aspects From the Postpartum care by Ayurveda:

• • Rest: Soothika kala or the time women need to recover from the pregnancy and childbirth according to Vagbata is 45 days. Rest is very important to a new mother during this time. She should only be tasked with the care of her baby and be taken care of. She must stay in warm and hygienic rooms and be given utmost care.
  • Good Diet: Agni or digestive fire is one of the main concerns postpartum. Initially, a new mother must be given light and nourishing foods for up to one week and as her digestion improves, she should be given nourishing food that can balance her hormones, regenerate her tissues, and regain her strength. According to different regions in India, there exist different special preparations that are designed for this function.
  • Oil massage and Bath: Mothers are given a warm bath with herbal water after careful oil massage. This helps revitalize her body, improve circulation and cleanse her channels. This is only done by midwives or masseuses who are well versed in the art of postpartum care. Baby is also given oil massage and bath during this time, which improves their skin, joints, and generals health.
    Bandages: Post bath, the abdomen is bandaged carefully by the masseuse, to apply gentle pressure and to support the lumbosacral spine.
  • Yoga: In later stages of soothika kala, yoga postures are advised that would increase the strength of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.

When a soothika is taken care of in a proper way, she regains her optimum strength. A mother’s health and wellbeing are essential to the wellbeing of a child and ultimately, the wellbeing of society.