Postnatal Care
Ayurvedic Postnatal Care (Sutika Paricharya) is a deeply nourishing and restorative system designed to support the mother’s physical, emotional, and hormonal recovery after childbirth. It emphasizes balancing Vata dosha, rebuilding strength, supporting lactation, and promoting long-term vitality.🧘 Why Ayurvedic Postnatal Care?After delivery, a woman is in a Vata-aggravated state: tired, depleted, and vulnerable. Ayurveda prescribes a 6-week (or 42-day) regimen to rebuild her strength (sharira bala), immunity, and emotional well-being.🌿 Key Goals of Ayurvedic Postnatal Care:Balance VataSupport digestion (Agni)Promote lactation (Stanya Janana)Rejuvenate uterus and tissuesPrevent postpartum complicationsCalm the mind and nervous system🔹 1. Ayurvedic Herbs & Formulations🌿 Internal Herbs (Under guidance)Herb / Formulation UseAshwagandha Rebuilds strength, reduces stressShatavari Improves milk production, hormonal balanceDashamool Anti-inflammatory, Vata-pacifyingGokshura Strengthens urinary and reproductive systemsBala Builds muscle tone and energyTrikatu / Hingwashtak Improves digestion and reduces gasSutika Kalpa Special postnatal formula (available from Ayurvedic pharmacies)🌿 Popular Classical FormulationsDashamoolarishta – For uterine involution and recoveryAshokarishta – For irregular bleeding or delayed lochiaLehyams (nutritive jams):Jeerakarishtam – Improves digestionKalyanak Lehyam / Ashwagandha Lehyam – General recovery tonic🛁 2. External Therapies & Massage🔸 Abhyanga (Daily Warm Oil Massage)Vital for calming Vata, nourishing tissues, improving circulationUse Dhanwantharam Taila, Bala Ashwagandhadi Taila, or Ksheerabala TailaFocus on lower back, hips, abdomen, legs🔸 Belly Wrapping (Udara Bandhana)Supports abdominal muscles and uterus recoveryUse a cotton cloth for gentle wrapping after massage🔸 Herbal Bath (Snana)Warm water infused with turmeric, neem, ajwain, or dried herbs to reduce soreness and prevent infection🍲 3. Ayurvedic Diet for Postnatal HealingInitial 1–2 Weeks (Light Vata-pacifying diet):Mung dal khichdi with gheeWarm herbal teas (ajwain, fennel, cumin)Cooked apples, rice gruel, lightly spiced soupsAvoid raw, cold, or dry foodsAfter 2–3 Weeks:Add nourishing items: bone broth, ghee, whole grains, root vegetables, milk with herbsLactation-supporting foods: fenugreek, cumin, fennel, sesame seeds, dill, Shatavari🧘♀️ 4. Gentle Movement & Mind SupportRest is key: At least 40 days of focused rest with minimal exertionGentle stretching or postnatal yoga after 3–4 weeks (if delivery was normal)Pranayama: Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril), Brahmari (calming)Meditation & chanting for emotional balance and sleep👶 5. Breastfeeding Support (Stanyajanana Chikitsa)✅ Galactagogue Herbs:ShatavariFenugreek (Methi)Fennel (Saunf)Cumin (Jeera)Dill seeds (Suwa)✅ Tips:Keep yourself hydrated with warm water or herbal teasEat regularly and avoid stress (as it directly affects milk flow)🕰️ Suggested Ayurvedic Postpartum TimelineWeek FocusWeek 1–2 Rest, warm digestible diet, oil massageWeek 3–4 Add strength-building foods & lehyams, gentle yogaWeek 5–6 Begin rejuvenation herbs (Rasayanas), resume light activityAfter 6 weeks Transition to full diet & energy-building tonics⚠️ CautionAlways consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting Rasa aushadhi (herbo-mineral) or proprietary medicinesAdjust herbs if there’s C-section, infection, or digestive issuesAvoid exposure to cold, wind, and stress✅ Summary: Ayurvedic Postnatal EssentialsCategory RecommendationsHerbs Ashwagandha, Shatavari, DashamoolFormulas Dashamoolarishta, Jeerakarishta, Kalyanak LehyamOils Dhanwantharam Taila, Ksheerabala TailaDiet Warm, spiced, nourishing, lactation-supportiveTherapies Abhyanga, herbal bath, belly bindingRoutine 40 days rest, pranayama, gentle yoga later
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