The birth of a new life is a beautiful experience, but also an immense challenge for the mother’s body. The post natal period is among the most significant periods in the life of a woman in Ayurvedic medicine and is given a great deal of attention during the weeks after giving birth. Ayurvedic postpartum care assists the mother to get back to her healthy, balanced, strong and happy self without drugs.

According to ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, the body is weakened after delivery, vata dosha is much higher after delivery because of blood loss, exhaustion and empty space created after delivery. Hence, post delivery care in Ayurveda emphasizes on nourishment, body warm, rest, herbal support and soft healing therapies.

Here are the traditional postpartum care practices of the ayurvedic system, and the reasons these practices are still given by many mothers.

 

Why Ayurvedic Postpartum Care Is Important 

Ayurveda suggests that the first 45-40 days after giving birth are an important phase of recovery. The mother’s body deeply heals during this time. If the care is not taken, women may suffer from weakness, indigestion, pain in the body, anxiety, fatigue, hormonal imbalance etc.

The traditional Ayurveda care during post pregnancy is given to the following:

• Restoring physical strength

• Balancing Vata dosha

• Boosting digestion and metabolism

• Supporting healthy lactation

• The healing of muscles and tissues

• Eliminating stress and emotional imbalance

In contrast to contemporary shortcut ways, Ayurveda considers the recuperation following childbirth as a complete healing journey of the mind and body.

 

Follow a Warm and Nourishing Diet 

The most crucial aspect of the ayurvedic care for postpartum period is diet. Once the child is born, digestion is weak and mothers are recommended to consume warm, soft and easily digestible food.

The following are some of the traditional ayurvedic foods:

• Moong dal khichdi

• Warm rice with ghee

• Herbal soups

• Ajwain water

• Gond laddoo

• Dry fruit preparations

• Drinks made with cumin and fennel.Fennel and cumin drinks.

The early postpartum should exclude consumption of cold foods, refrigerated foods, processed foods and foods that are overly fried.

Ayurveda states that warm food aids digestion by rejuvenating digestive fire (Agni), assimilation and speedy recovery.

 

Daily Abhyanga (Oil Massage) 

Daily postpartum Ayurveda massage (Abhyanga) is one of most crucial practices in postpartum treatment.

Herbal oils are gently rubbed into the body using warm oils to:

• Improve blood circulation

• Relieve muscle pain

• Minimize stress and anxiety

• Gives joints and bones a boost.Supports joints and bones.

• Aggravated Vata dosha is balanced.

The typical oils used for postpartum massage are sesame oil and medicated Ayurvedic oils.

According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, childbirth renders the body dry, weak and tired and hence, the massage is recommended regularly. Oil therapies help to stabilize and strengthen naturally.

 

Prioritize Rest and Sleep 

Rest is an integral part of the ayurvedic concept of postpartum recovery. The pregnant mother is advised not to over-do exercise, stress and mental fatigue.

Vata imbalance (due to lack of sleep) can cause mood swings, anxiety and fatigue. Rest helps to repair tissues and regulate hormones.

In the traditional Indian families the mother received the whole family support in order that she might concentrate solely on healing and caring for the baby. This is yet another of the most significant benefits of post delivery remedy in Ayurveda.

 

Herbal Support for Recovery 

Ayurveda postpartum healing is a fundamental part of herbs. Some herbs have been traditionally used in Ayurveda to enhance recovery, strengthen the body and facilitate lactation.

Some popular herbs to have when pregnant are:

• Shatavari – nourishes the hormones and assists in lactation.

• Ashwagandha – enhances energy and decreases stress

• Fenugreek – stimulates normal lactation

• Ajwain– good for digestion and carminative.

• Turmeric – fights inflammation naturally.

They are provided in powders, herbal tea or medicated formulations under Ayurvedic supervision.

 

Maintain Digestive Health 

In Ayurveda, good digestion is considered as the first step towards recovery. Many women feel bloated, constipated and have poor appetites after giving birth.

Traditional postpartum ayurvedic treatment includes the following:For improving digestion, the following are done as traditional postpartum ayurvedic treatment:

• Drinking hot water all day long.

• Avoiding digestive spices such as cumin, ginger and ajwain.

• Eating freshly prepared meals

• Refrain from drinking cold beverages and eating raw food.

A better digestive system equals improved assimilations and better healing.

 

Emotional and Mental Wellness 

The hormonal fluctuations after giving birth can be a cause of emotional changes that are normal. In Ayurveda, the mind and body are intimately connected.

According to the traditional ayurvedic postpartum care, it is recommended to have:

• Calm surroundings

• Positive conversations

• Meditation and deep breathing.

• Gentle spiritual practices

• Emotional support from family.

These routines bring down anxiety, psychological strain and psychological tiredness amid motherhood.

 

Belly Binding and Body Support 

Belly binding in many traditional Ayurvedic homes is done after giving birth to children. A soft cloth is used for supporting the muscles of the abdomen and posture.

Benefits may include:

• Better abdominal support

• Reduced back pain

• Improved posture

• Improved comfort in recovery.

This is a traditional method commonly used along with massage and herbal medicine treatments, which is a part of the holistic treatment for the postpartum period (after giving birth) known as Ayurveda.

 

Avoid Exposure to Cold 

According to Ayurveda, exposure to the cold during postpartum is injurious as it increases Vata dosha.

When new mothers are advised to:

• Drink warm liquids

• Avoid going to cold areas.

• Avoid cold baths

• Wear comfortable warm clothing;

• Have warm meals made from fresh foods.

This simple exercise promotes circulation, digestion, and healing.

 

Final Thoughts 

Postpartum ayurveda care according to the traditional ayurvedic approach is not only about the physical recovery, it is a thorough healing process that takes care of the body, mind and emotions after giving birth. Ayurveda’s warm nutrition, herbal support, oil massage, rest and emotional care will help mothers to find balance naturally.

In today’s life, women get encouraged to recover and get back to their normal life much too early. But the ancient Ayurvedic wisdom says, “the postpartum period deserves patience, nourishment, and proper healing.

Adopting post delivery care guidelines in Ayurveda can help moms to feel firmer, sounder and more balanced emotionally in this metamorphosing stage of life.

For more information about why Ayurveda and holistic postpartum recovery, see the Why Ayurveda page.