Ayurveda is a centuries-old practice that takes care of the well-being of new mothers and restores the delicate balance of energies within the postpartum body. With Ayurveda, one can deal with all the symptoms that arise after giving birth to children, ensuring postpartum care through natural healing and rejuvenation.
What is Postpartum
Postpartum meaning: Postpartum refers to the period after childbirth. The postpartum period is the first six to eight weeks after delivery, or until the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Major body and life changes are happening at the same time during this period. Some changes are physical, such as breast engorgement and vaginal bleeding; others occur due to changing hormones.
The postpartum period typically lasts six to eight weeks after giving birth. However, the end of the postpartum period is not well defined and can also vary from person to person.
What Are The Three Stages in Post Partum
- Acute phase: This stage is exactly the first six to 12 hours after birth. Here one will take care of you by monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate, and bleeding, and also by checking your excess swelling.
- Subacute phase: This very phase begins around 24 hours after birth and lasts for about two to six weeks. Some of the concerns that one may have during this period is cardiomyopathy, postpartum depression, and also symptoms related to urinary incontinence.
- Delayed phase: This is a delayed phase that starts about six weeks postpartum until six months postpartum.
What are the Normal Symptoms of Postpartum?
Physical Symptoms
- There can be soreness in the perineum. The perineum is the space between your vagina and anus. Sitting on a pillow and using a cold sanitary pad are ways to help with this discomfort.
- Vaginal discharge: One will face vaginal bleeding after giving birth. The discharge begins red in color, and then turns brown. The entire process can last up to six weeks.
- Breast engorgement and nipple pain: One can expect swollen and painful breasts for at least a few days or longer. Some people need the help of la actation consultant to help with the painful symptoms of breastfeeding
- Constipation: Being unable to poop after childbirth is a normal symptom of the postpartum period. Most healthcare providers recommend stool softeners after giving birth.
- Postpartum Hair Loss is a common symptom. And this mainly happens due to hormones.
Emotional Symptoms
- Baby blues is about feeling sad and teary after giving birth. These feelings stay only for a few weeks, and the new mother will start feeling happy again.
- Postpartum depression: After women give birth, there is an extreme sadness and depression that comes in the first few weeks and months. This doesn’t just go and involve treatment with medication!
- Losing Weight: It becomes common to have loose skin and stretch marks. At this time, one should focus on eating nutritious food and taking care of yourself.
Ayurveda: Why is Postnatal Care Important?
As per Ayurveda, the first 42 days after birth lay the groundwork for the mother and baby’s health for the next 42 years. When a woman transitions from being pregnant to no longer being pregnant, it activates the Vata Dosha.
The main idea is to calm the Vata. The new mother; and those taking care of her need to create an environment and diet that is calming, warm and nourishing.
The postpartum care systems as per the Ayurveda play a great emphasis on encouraging fast healing, boosting immunity, and improving the production of milk.
The postpartum Ayurvedic care will help you in:
- Restoring your health
- Re-establish the digestive and metabolic state of the body
- Normalize the physiological functions and strengthening of the muscles and ligaments
- To balance your diet and lifestyle for mothers
Postpartum exercise is also very crucial to help you recover from your baby blues.
Postpartum Recovery: The Ayurvedic Way
Rest
In Ayurveda, new mothers and babies are suggested to rest at home for 40 days or six weeks post childbirth. This is basically so that the new mother and baby do not come into contact with negative energy.
Restoring Your Health
The very first 6 weeks is the active care given to the new mother that focuses on restoring the mother’s psychology that has been exhausted during pregnancy. Thus, preventing mental stress in the mother especially for the next 4-5 months after delivery, is important.
Re-establishing the digestion
If you’re a new mother then you should have freshly prepared warm, soft, and soupy foods that are easy to digest. This will help to balance the Vata and restore Agni. Fiber-rich foods should be taken to avoid constipation. One should take adequate amounts of pulses, almonds, leafy vegetables, etc.
Strengthening the muscles and ligaments
These women are given daily hot oil massages. The massages are done with nurturing oils such as sesame, coconut, olive, etc. Postpartum massages are essential in the mental, spiritual, and physical healing of new mothers. This process aids in internal muscular repair and also provides her with some much needed relaxation time!
Belly Binding
The tummy should be tightly tied using herbal abdominal cloth bands. C-section ladies should wait at least 2 weeks before abdominal binding to ensure complete healing of the sutures.
Enhancing Breast Milk
Spices are healing and should be included in every meal. Spices like fenugreek, cumin, cinnamon, and fennel are good allies to restart your digestion and promote breast milk production. These also help to improve the quality of eggs; ayurvedic herbal combinations are effective to improve the quality of eggs and manage with postpartum depression symptoms. As per Ayurveda, a few days is not enough for postpartum recovery; one should at least take rest for at least a month.
Ayurveda for the first 40 days after birth
In Ayurveda, the first 40 days after childbirth, known as the postpartum period or “Sutika Kala” are considered a crucial time for mother’s recovery and bonding with the newborn. Below are some Ayurvedic care for women with postpartum cases:
- Rest and Recovery: As per Ayurveda, resting is very crucial during the postpartum as it helps to recover fast and also helps to undergo a journey of less pain and stress.
- Herbal Support: Ayurvedic herbs may be used to support the mother’s postpartum recovery and well-being. Herbs such as Shatavari, Ashwagandha, and Dashamoola are extremely good for the emotional well-being of new mothers.
- Abhyanga: Gentle oil massage with herbal oils is very good for postpartum care. These help to soothe the muscles and promote relaxation!
- Warmth and Nourishment: Ayurveda also stresses on the importance of nourishment for the mother, and also eating healthy is very much needed for the mother’s well-being.
- Gradual Resumption of Activities: Yes, we all know that rest is crucial during the early postpartum period; however, physical activities can be started after a short period of time; when the body recovers from the postpartum period.
- Emotional Support: The postpartum period can be very challenging for new mothers, so it is essential to provide emotional support and reassurance during this period of time!
Ayurvedic Tips for Improving Sleep during the Postpartum Period
- Follow a Routine: One should establish a consistent sleep schedule that can help regulate the body’s internal clock and also improve sleep quality.
- Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: One should engage in calming activities before bedtime; one can practice yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, or take a warm bath!
- Limit Screen Time: One should reduce exposure to screens, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions, at least an hour before bedtime.
- Avoid Stimulants: Limit consumption of caffeine and other stimulants. Instead, one should drink herbal teas or even warm milk.
- Practice Abhyanga: Gentle self-massage with warm herbal oils, known as Abhyanga, can help relax the body and mind and reduce tension.
Conclusion
Postpartum care, if practiced with an Ayurvedic approach, offers a comprehensive method of taking care of new mothers with their newborn babies. In Ayurveda, the main task is to control the Vata in the mother who has just given birth. Ayurveda is all about balance, and by incorporating postpartum care in the practice, a newborn mother can recover fast and heal well.
At Svasthvida, we believe in a personalized health philosophy. If you’re a new mother and want to have professional guidance, then you can take our guidance and become a mother who are well taken care of with Ayurvedic techniques.
Thus, if you’re suffering from postpartum symptoms, then you can surely avail our services that will help you to heal the natural ayurvedic way!
Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Care
1. How long does the postpartum period last?
The postpartum period is considered the first six weeks after birth, but full recovery can take months, depending on the mother’s health, and overall well-being!
2. How can I speed up my postpartum recovery?
By resting, eating a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and doing gentle exercises. Also, getting emotional support can help with the recovery.
3. How can I manage postpartum hair loss?
This is common because of hormonal imbalance. One can go for a balanced diet, gentle hair care, and reduce stress can be helpful to manage the hair loss!
