Description

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 Vata Support digestion (Agni) Promote lactation (Stanya Janana) Rejuvenate uterus and tissues Prevent postpartum complications Calm the mind and nervous system 🔹 1. Ayurvedic Herbs & Formulations 🌿 Internal Herbs (Under guidance) Herb / Formulation Use Ashwagandha Rebuilds strength, reduces stress Shatavari Improves milk production, hormonal balance Dashamool Anti-inflammatory, Vata-pacifying Gokshura Strengthens urinary and reproductive systems Bala Builds muscle tone and energy Trikatu / Hingwashtak Improves digestion and reduces gas Sutika Kalpa Special postnatal formula (available from Ayurvedic pharmacies) 🌿 Popular Classical Formulations Dashamoolarishta – For uterine involution and recovery Ashokarishta – For irregular bleeding or delayed lochia Lehyams (nutritive jams): Jeerakarishtam – Improves digestion Kalyanak Lehyam / Ashwagandha Lehyam – General recovery tonic 🛁 2. External Therapies & Massage 🔸 Abhyanga (Daily Warm Oil Massage) Vital for calming Vata, nourishing tissues, improving circulation Use Dhanwantharam Taila, Bala Ashwagandhadi Taila, or Ksheerabala Taila Focus on lower back, hips, abdomen, legs 🔸 Belly Wrapping (Udara Bandhana) Supports abdominal muscles and uterus recovery Use 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 Healing Initial 1–2 Weeks (Light Vata-pacifying diet): Mung dal khichdi with ghee Warm herbal teas (ajwain, fennel, cumin) Cooked apples, rice gruel, lightly spiced soups Avoid raw, cold, or dry foods After 2–3 Weeks: Add nourishing items: bone broth, ghee, whole grains, root vegetables, milk with herbs Lactation-supporting foods: fenugreek, cumin, fennel, sesame seeds, dill, Shatavari 🧘‍♀️ 4. Gentle Movement & Mind Support Rest is key: At least 40 days of focused rest with minimal exertion Gentle 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: Shatavari Fenugreek (Methi) Fennel (Saunf) Cumin (Jeera) Dill seeds (Suwa) ✅ Tips: Keep yourself hydrated with warm water or herbal teas Eat regularly and avoid stress (as it directly affects milk flow) 🕰️ Suggested Ayurvedic Postpartum Timeline Week Focus Week 1–2 Rest, warm digestible diet, oil massage Week 3–4 Add strength-building foods & lehyams, gentle yoga Week 5–6 Begin rejuvenation herbs (Rasayanas), resume light activity After 6 weeks Transition to full diet & energy-building tonics ⚠️ Caution Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting Rasa aushadhi (herbo-mineral) or proprietary medicines Adjust herbs if there’s C-section, infection, or digestive issues Avoid exposure to cold, wind, and stress ✅ Summary: Ayurvedic Postnatal Essentials Category Recommendations Herbs Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Dashamool Formulas Dashamoolarishta, Jeerakarishta, Kalyanak Lehyam Oils Dhanwantharam Taila, Ksheerabala Taila Diet Warm, spiced, nourishing, lactation-supportive Therapies Abhyanga, herbal bath, belly binding Routine 40 days rest, pranayama, gentle yoga later