Ayurvedic Postpartum Care: A Holistic Approach to Healing in Kerala

Embracing motherhood is a profound and transformative experience that ushers in a new chapter in a woman's life. It brings with it an array of emotions, responsibilities, and unique challenges, especially for first-time mothers. It is a time when a woman deserves the utmost care to facilitate her physical and mental healing and adaptation to this new journey. This is where Ayurveda steps in.

In Kerala, Ayurvedic postpartum care is a widely embraced and effective means of supporting mothers after childbirth. Ayurveda places great emphasis on providing new mothers with a well-balanced diet and care plan to expedite their recovery and promote overall well-being.

Dheemahi Ayurveda in Kerala recognizes the distinct needs of new mothers and has curated a specialized program to guide them through this pivotal phase. Entering motherhood is an unparalleled shift, akin to becoming a full-time caregiver and nurturer. In Ayurveda, a woman is referred to as a "Soothika" for a minimum of 45 days after delivery or until her next menstrual cycle begins. This designation is indicative of the specific dietary and care requirements for the new mother to ensure a seamless recovery and sound mental health. Dheemahi Ayurveda offers an exclusive postpartum care program for women during this critical period.

Understanding Ayurvedic Postpartum Care

Postpartum care, also known as antenatal care, is essential for women after childbirth. This period involves various physical and emotional changes due to hormonal fluctuations, making it imperative to provide meticulous care during and after pregnancy. The mother's well-being is crucial since a newborn baby draws energy from her, and balancing hormones after childbirth can be challenging. Ayurvedic care and holistic practices play a vital role in regaining lost strength and maintaining overall well-being during this time.

Kerala's Natural Advantages for Postpartum Recovery

The postpartum recovery phase is a time of numerous challenges and adjustments in a woman's life. It is essential to provide comprehensive support, both physically and mentally. Kerala, renowned for its rich Ayurvedic heritage and lush natural beauty, offers distinct advantages for postpartum recovery. The state's authentic Ayurvedic practices and treatments, coupled with its serene environment, contribute to a calming effect, promote relaxation, reduce stress, and address the psychological challenges often faced during the postpartum period. Traditional postpartum practices, including special diets, herbal decoctions, and massages, are designed to aid in the recovery and rejuvenation of both the mother and her baby. Kerala's access to a wide array of fresh herbs and spices further facilitates the preparation of nourishing meals to support postpartum care.

Ayurvedic Practices for the Well-being of New Mothers

Ayurveda outlines specific practices and rituals for the postpartum period, known as "Sutika Paricharya" or postnatal care. This regimen encompasses lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and treatment procedures tailored to the mother's health concerns and the needs of the newborn baby. Postpartum care commences with dietary and daily regimen adjustments, alongside internal and external treatments tailored to the mother's specific postnatal conditions.

Lifestyle Changes for Postpartum Care

Rest: Adequate rest is of paramount importance during the postpartum period. New mothers should prioritize sleep and avoid strenuous physical activity.

Balanced Diet: Nutrient-rich foods that are easy to digest and enhance the digestive fire, such as ghee, warm soups, and easily digestible meals, are recommended.

Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Gentle oil massages using medicated oils suitable for the mother's postpartum condition can aid in relaxation, muscle recovery, and skin nourishment. However, it's crucial to avoid applying oil to non-healed stitches after C-section or normal delivery to prevent non-healing and infections.

Warm Baths with Medicated Water: Soothing warm baths can be enhanced by adding Vata-pacifying herbs to the bathwater, as advised by an Ayurvedic physician. This not only promotes relaxation but also helps balance Vata dosha, which is often aggravated during this period.

Avoiding Cold and Heavy Foods: Ayurveda recommends avoiding cold and raw heavy foods during the postpartum period, as they can disrupt digestion and lead to indigestion (Ama).

Emotional Well-being: Managing emotions is integral to postpartum health. Practices like meditation, gentle yoga, and positive affirmations can be beneficial.

Breastfeeding: Encouraging and supporting breastfeeding while consuming foods that enhance lactation is a critical aspect of postpartum care in Ayurveda.

Stress Management: Reducing stress and creating a peaceful environment for both the mother and the baby is essential.

While adequate rest is vital during the postpartum period, adhering to the dietary and regimen recommendations for at least 45 days is crucial for regaining strength and preventing future complications like lower back pain and depression. This period should also include the Ayurvedic treatments prescribed by a physician based on the mother's condition.

Ayurvedic treatments such as Dhara, Abhyangam (body massage with medicated oil tailored to the mother's condition), Veth Kuli (medicated bath), Udara Veshtanam (abdominal bandage), Njavara (rice paste application), and other therapies are preferred and should be undertaken under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician. Additionally, internal medications, including milk decoctions, lickables, and herbal preparations, should only be taken following proper consultation and the advice of an Ayurvedic physician. When followed correctly and supervised by a medical professional, Ayurvedic postpartum care not only accelerates recovery but also enhances the nutrition and health of the newborn.

The Importance of Postpartum Care in Ayurveda

Postnatal care is crucial for a mother's well-being as she undergoes significant physical and mental changes. Childbirth, with its associated Vata dosha activity, can lead to postpartum imbalances, affecting digestion, strength, and immunity. Ayurvedic postpartum care aims to restore balance, support physical changes, strengthen weakened muscles and ligaments, and prevent common postpartum issues such as back pain, UTIs, sleep disturbances, and psychological challenges.

The main objectives of Ayurvedic postpartum care are:

Re-establishing Digestive Fire: Improving digestion and nutrient absorption is essential for postpartum recovery.

Avoiding Exertion: Rest and avoiding strenuous activities are key components of postpartum care.

Normalizing Vata Dosha: Restoring balance, particularly in Vata dosha, is a primary focus of postpartum care. Internal medications and external treatments help pacify Vata dosha.

Strengthening Lax Muscles and Ligaments: Postpartum care assists in regaining strength in weakened muscles and ligaments, especially around the abdomen.

Preventing Common Complaints: Ayurvedic postpartum care addresses common postpartum issues and helps maintain a balanced psychological state.

Enhancing Lactation: Quality and quantity of breast milk are crucial, benefiting both the mother and the baby.

Dheemahi: Your Premier Choice for Postpartum Care

Pregnancy and pregnancy care are of utmost importance for the health of both the mother and the baby. Regrettably, postpartum care often takes a back seat as attention shifts to the newborn's needs. It's vital to remember the physical and emotional challenges that mothers face during the postpartum period.

In Ayurveda, both prenatal and postpartum care are equally emphasized for the well-being of both mother and child. While prenatal care is well-known and practiced, postpartum care is often misunderstood and misinterpreted, leading to misguided treatments and self-medication that can complicate matters. Proper guidance from a certified Ayurvedic physician is essential during postpartum care. Dheemahi Ayurveda, with its five-generation legacy of knowledge and authenticity, offers some of the best postpartum care and treatment in Kumarakom. Our personalized approach, experienced team of doctors, and unwavering commitment to patient health ensure results that exceed expectations. Dheemahi is the best option when looking for the best ayurvedic treatment in Kerala

At Dheemahi Ayurveda Village, we provide a tranquil atmosphere along with authentic treatments, fostering mental peace in addition to physical healing. With our in-house pharmacy for producing medicines, we guarantee the quality of medications and optimal results. Your health and wellness are our top priority, and we remain dedicated to your well-being throughout your postpartum journey.