According
to many doctors the post partum disorder is not a very serious problem
it can be ignored. But the present statistics shows that numbers for
postpartum depressed women are higher in our country than most developed
countries in the world. Lots of health problems such endocrine
disorders, excessive weight loss or gain, chronic reproductive problems
and even arthritis start to take seed in this postpartum time. After the
baby is born the mother and newborn are completely detached from daily
affairs and chores for two to six weeks after birth. The care given at
this time enables a woman to serve her family and community from a deep
developed internal resource. Ayurveda, offers a detailed therapeutic
routine in how to care for a postpartum mother and why it is so
necessary. Ayurveda acknowledges that there three very important times
in woman's life. The first one is marriage, which traditionally meant
she left her home to live with her husband's family.The next most
important time is the 42 days after childbirth, and the last one is
menopause. The 42-day after child birth is a very curcial period. If she
is carefully nurtured, she and the baby will benefit by avoiding most
common health disorders associated with this time (such as colic or
other digestive problems, insomnia, irritability or baby fussiness and
postpartum depression). A mother will also deepen and gain the mental,
emotional, and spiritual resources needed to carry her though all the
demands of family life without feeling depleted. Ayurveda has perfect
remedy for the postpartum disorders. Ayuvedic Postpartum Healing
Encourage mothers to do as little as possible for 42 days (or as long as she can). That means avoiding all housework and driving around. Even limit guest visits in number and time they stay. Keeping visits to fifteen minutes is good. Create a food tree of friends and nearby family who are willing to bring mom yummy and easy to digest foods everyday, and won't mind doing some laundry or dishes. Ayurveda emphasizes mainly on the proper diet regime for this time to ensure the health of both baby and mother. Foods need to be fresh, not processed, served warmed, very soupy, and moist in consistency. Dishes should be prepared with digestive spices such as cumin, caraway, ginger, mustard seed, clove, basil, turmeric, fenugreek, cinnamon, and garlic (roasted only). Avoid eating meat for at least two weeks. Soup stocks are okay. Avoid caffeine; white sugar; raw vegetables' dry, light, crunchy foods; too many beans (including tofu); and too many eggs. Make sure mother and baby are warm, oily, and feeling loved. That means lots of sesame oil rubbed gently on their skin daily. Use lots of sesame oil, olive oil, or ghee internally, Stay warm indoors. Most importantly, assure mom that it is okay for her to take this time to receive so much love and support, no matter how awkward it may feel for her. Make her feel special, loved and care.
