Postpartum is considered to be an important period for both new mothers and the baby. This phase, typically the first 6–8 weeks after childbirth, is crucial for the mother’s recovery and the baby’s acclimatization to the new world.
Ayurvedic postpartum care focuses on nurturing the mother’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being after childbirth. This period, often referred to as the “sutika” phase, emphasizes restoring balance, strengthening digestion, and rejuvenating the body, especially focusing on healing the reproductive system. Ayurveda views the first 42 days after delivery as critical for long-term health, aiming to balance Vata dosha, which becomes aggravated during childbirth.
In Ayurveda, how the mother is cared for during the postpartum period influences her health for years to come. Neglecting rest, nourishment, or emotional care during this time can lead to imbalances and health issues like fatigue, digestive problems, or hormonal imbalances.
In Ayurveda, hydration plays a vital role in postpartum care, helping to restore balance and promote healing after childbirth. Here’s why hydration is important in Ayurvedic postpartum care:
1. Replenishing Vital Fluids:
After childbirth, the body loses a significant amount of fluids, including amniotic fluid and blood. Usually, new mothers feel pretty hot and sweat a lot. Hydration helps replenish these vital fluids and supports the restoration of ojas (vital energy), which is essential for physical and emotional recovery.
2. Supporting Lactation:
A newborn baby’s only source of nourishment is the mother’s milk. They are not given water during the early months. Adequate hydration is crucial for enhancing breast milk production. Ayurvedic texts emphasize the consumption of warm, hydrating beverages like herbal teas and soups that nourish the body and support lactation without causing digestive disturbances.
3. Aiding Digestion:
Hydration aids digestion and helps eliminate ama (toxins) from the body, which can accumulate due to weakened digestion after childbirth. Warm water or herbal decoctions are preferred to maintain Agni (digestive fire) and prevent constipation or indigestion.
4. Balancing Vata Dosha:
Childbirth increases the Vata dosha, which is responsible for movement and dryness in the body. Hydration with warm, oily, and nourishing liquids like herbal soups, milk, and water infused with herbs helps balance Vata, preventing dryness, anxiety, and fatigue.
5. Promoting Healing:
Proper hydration supports tissue repair and healing, especially in the reproductive organs and muscles. Warm, hydrating fluids help soothe the body and promote quicker recovery from the stress of labor.
Ayurveda recommends warm, easily digestible liquids and herbal broths to promote hydration while also balancing the doshas during the postpartum period.
Some tips and remedies for staying hydrated in Ayurvedic postnatal care
- Warm Water with Herbs:
Why: Warm water is easier to digest and helps balance Vata, which is often aggravated after childbirth. It soothes the digestive system and helps in the absorption of nutrients.
How: Sip on warm water throughout the day. You can infuse it with herbs like cumin, fennel, or coriander to enhance digestion and lactation. If you feel very hot and want to drink something cool, keep your drinking water in an earthen matka or surahi. Neither keep your water in the refrigerator nor use ice for drinks.
- Jeera (Cumin) Water:
Why: Cumin helps stimulate digestion and reduces bloating, while also promoting lactation.
How: Boil 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in 2 cups of water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and sip warm throughout the day.
- Fennel Tea:
Why: Fennel is known for its digestive benefits and ability to increase milk production. It also helps prevent bloating and gas.
How: Boil 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds in 2 cups of water for 5 minutes. Strain and drink warm, 2-3 times a day.
- Ajwain (Carom Seed) Water:
Why: Ajwain helps improve digestion, reduces gas, and supports the uterus in contracting after childbirth.
How: Boil 1 teaspoon of ajwain in 2 cups of water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and drink warm.
- Herbal Milk:
Why: Warm milk with Ayurvedic herbs supports tissue repair, promotes lactation, and helps keep the body hydrated and nourished.
How: Warm a glass of milk and add a pinch of turmeric, cardamom, or nutmeg for added benefits. You can also add a little ghee for extra nourishment.
- Barley Water:
Why: Barley water helps hydrate and cool the body, and it is gentle on the digestive system. It is also beneficial for lactation.
How: Boil 1 tablespoon of barley in 4 cups of water. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, strain, and sip warm throughout the day.
- Coconut Water:
Why: Coconut water is rich in electrolytes, which helps replenish fluids and energy levels. It is hydrating, soothing, and easy on digestion.
How: Drink fresh coconut water once a day, preferably mid-morning, to stay hydrated and energized.
- Buttermilk (Chaach) :
Why: Buttermilk improves digestion and helps restore gut health. It is light, cooling, and hydrating, which helps balance Pitta and Vata.
How: Dilute plain yogurt with water in a 1:4 ratio, churn it well, and add a pinch of cumin and black salt for taste. Drink mid-morning.
- Ghee in Warm milk:
Why: Ghee is highly nourishing, supports tissue regeneration, and helps lubricate the digestive tract, promoting better digestion and hydration.
How: Add 1 teaspoon of ghee to a glass of warm milk and drink it first thing in the morning.
General Tips for Hydration in Ayurveda Postnatal Care:
Warm, room-temperature fluids: Always prefer warm or room-temperature liquids for staying hydrated. Cold drinks can disrupt digestion and aggravate Vata.
Sip throughout the day: Instead of drinking large amounts at once, sip warm water or herbal teas throughout the day for better hydration.
Eat hydrating foods: You can add some juicy fruits, fruit juices, or drinks to your diet to stay hydrated. Incorporate a lot of liquid foods like sheera, soup, less viscous and well-cooked khichari, and porridge.
Listen to your body: Drink when you feel thirsty and avoid overloading your body with too much liquid at once.
These Ayurvedic hydration tips and remedies will help in postnatal recovery by balancing the body, improving digestion, and providing the nourishment needed to heal and regain strength.