Moms, Take Care of Yourself !

When they say that a mother is a woman reborn, they mean it literally. Pregnancy affects a woman in all aspects of her physical, mental and spiritual being. Digestion, respiration, hormonal system; it would be suffice to say that complete health of a woman is affected. The care of a woman post delivery is as important as during the 9 months of Pregnancy.
This article gives an account of how post partum care can be dealt with naturally.

The 45 day restriction

A new and nursing mother must be rigorously taken care of during the first 45 days. She should always be accompanied with elders or caretaker. She should be well rested, relaxed and happy. Proper sleep and a stress free environment is very important to get rid of any post partum depression. Stress may also lead to poor lactation. Good and nutritious food and a healthy atmosphere assists the mother to develop confidence and high morale in her new found motherhood.

The Vatha constitution

Ayurveda says that during pregnancy Vatha constitution increases which cause

• Pain
• Muscular cramps
• Swelling in the joints
• Indigestion
• Flatulence
• Discoloration of skin
• Sleeplessness

To obtain relief from these, following natural remedies are used;

• Avoid any cold or dry food.
• Massage with warm oil.
• Use of carminatives and digestives
• Take natural medicines after consulting a practicing Ayurveda physician.

The Pitta constitution

Siddha traditional medicine system states that Pittam constitution is reduced in pregnancy which causes indigestion. this can be taken care of with the use of following Siddha herbs;

• Eat healthy and nutritious meal
• Use of certain herbs such as Gum acacia, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, pepper, cardamom, fenugreek, coriander, garlic, ginger, and Ajwain which treats indigestion and restores digestive fire.

The food to eat

Proper food forms the msot important part of at home delivery of the new mother.

• She should be given sufficient fluids and water to avoid dehydration or fatigue due to nursing the baby.
• Tea, coffee and other beverages should be avoided in initial 10 days of motherhood.
• The foods that are easily digestible should be given. 
• Milk mixed with turmeric should be taken.
• Foods that help in increasing milk and expelling the lochia should be given. 
• Steamed foods, rice foods, fresh vegetables and fruits should form the major parts of meals in the first month after delivery.
• Gruel cooked in milk and fenugreek should be taken in the morning.
• Moderate helpings of food should be eaten which are broken and eaten frequently.
• Fishes, eggs, nuts like almonds and cashew must be taken after one month of delivery.
• The diet should be strictly low fat and low in sugar.
• Alcohol, smoking, carbonated beverages and excessive amounts of tea or coffee should be totally avoided during post partum care and lactation. 

The body weight

Remember, as it took about 9 months for all that fat to be accumulated, it will take about an year to get back to normal shape. Take care to keep fit and start within 10-20 days of delivery.

• Mild walking should be given priority.
• Start off with breathing exercise and Kegel exercise (immediately after delivery).
• Avoid vigorous and heavy exercises for the first three months.
• Breast feeding is a very good way of losing weight and it also reverts the uterus to its original shape.
• The diet should be rich in proteins, fibers, vitamins and minerals

Lastly, remember that you must keep patience with yourself, otherwise developing stress will not only be detrimental to your health but also cause the ripening or tear of your sutures.