Post Natal Care - The Science Behind Recovery
The act of giving birth, either vaginally or via caesarean, is physiologically strenuous for the female body. The body undergoes extensive hormonal, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular changes to prepare for the process of pregnancy for nine months, and after the pregnancy, the body needs to revert back from these changes, in addition to the challenges of breastfeeding and healing wounds. The medical term for this phase after childbirth is known as the fourth trimester, and usually lasts anywhere between six to eight weeks.
During this time, it is common for mothers to suffer from uterine involution, which is characterized by shrinking of the uterus to the pre-pregnancy size, hormone imbalance, including sudden drop in the level of oestrogen and progesterone, joint and ligament looseness caused by the relaxin hormone, diastasis recti, fatigue as a result of blood loss and insomnia, and a predisposition to postpartum mood disorders. Getting enough rest, good nutrition, and proper physical rehabilitation during this period is medically recognized as one of the ways to prevent problems, such as improper wound healing, musculoskeletal pain, and postpartum depression. This is why structured postpartum care through modern obstetric follow-up and traditional medicine practices, such as Ayurveda, is a physiological need of each mother.
The Ayurvedic View of Post Natal Care
The postpartum phase has been treated through Ayurveda for millennia through an entire field devoted to caring for the new mother called Sutika Paricharya. From an Ayurvedic perspective, giving birth is the most vata-provoking experience that the body of a woman ever goes through. Childbirth provokes disturbance in the balance of vata dosha, which is the energy of movement and stability. The process of labour, bleeding, fluid loss, and emptying of the abdominal cavity are the causes of such disturbance.
If Vata stays imbalanced during post-delivery period, then according to the principles of Ayurveda, it results in the form of arthritis, anxiety, poor digestion, fatigue, insomnia, slow return of strength and vitality. Thus, post-partum care in Ayurveda Kerala, is almost completely oriented on Vata balancing through warmth, oil therapy, proper nutrition and total physical rest. It explains the basis of such rituals as daily binding of abdomen, warm oil massages, steaming and a special order of eating that is typical for the centuries-old Kerala tradition of postpartum care, usually referred to as Sutika Chikitsa. The purpose is not just to make the woman regain health again, but to build up her strength (Bala), digestive fire (Agni) and ensure proper lactation so that she can take good care of her child.
Why You Need Post Natal Care After Delivery?
New mothers often prioritize themselves last during the busy period when looking after a baby. However, in the weeks after giving birth, there is a brief yet very crucial time frame where the body is able to heal properly. Without proper care, problems related to postpartum recovery such as lower back pain, stiff joints, a weak abdomen, and fatigue can affect mothers for many months, and possibly years after birth. Kerala Ayurveda after delivery care aim to fill that very need.
In addition to physical recovery, there is an emotional toll that comes along with the postpartum period due to hormone fluctuations, lack of sleep, and learning how to adjust to a new phase of life. Ayurvedic post-delivery treatment in Kerala provides mothers with a protected time where they are able to relax, get proper nutrition, and take care of themselves. It is through that period of dedicated recovery that a mother becomes fully recovered and is able to return to her daily life.
Benefits of Post Natal Care
Post natal care is something which is not limited only to the first few weeks after delivery; there are many benefits of a structured post natal care program which can be enjoyed for years to come. Here at Rasayana, women who have undergone our post natal care program enjoy the following benefits:
● Quick and thorough healing of the uterus, abdomen muscles, and delivery related cuts
● Major relief from pain in joints, back and stiffness after delivery
● Good digestive health and restoration of Agni (digestive fire)
● Slow but safe Kerala Ayurveda body toning after pregnancy, lead to a natural regain of tone in the abdomen and body
● Improved sleep quality and less fatigue with help of treatments which balance Vata
● Good emotional stability and lower chances of post-delivery mood disorders because of proper rest and care
● Increased milk production and lactation with the help of special herbs and diets
● Stronger immune system and overall vitality
Medicines, Herbs & Therapies Used in Post natal Care
Kerala post natal Ayurveda package at Rasayana Ayurveda centre is customized by our physicians considering the individual prakriti of the mother, mode of delivery, and recovery requirements. Some common therapies used are:
● Uzhichil (Ayurvedic post natal massage/Vedukuli): This therapy involves a full-body warm oil massage that includes herbal oils like Dhanwantharam Thailam and Ksheerabala Thailam to help pacify Vata dosha, relieve joint and muscular stiffness, and improve blood circulation.
● Udwarthanam and Abdominal Binding: Application of herbs and abdominal binding therapy to help strengthen the uterus and abdominal muscles during their restoration process to their original state before pregnancy.
● Dhanwantharam Kashayam and Sootikanjanam: Classical herbal preparation and rice preparation usually given to the mother after delivery to regain strength and digestion.
● Shatavari formulation: Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a herb commonly used in Ayurveda to induce lactation.
● Herbal steam and Nasya Therapy: These therapies are selected as per individual needs to remove residual Vata.
All herbs and oils used at Rasayana are pure classical Ayurveda preparations.
Who Needs Post Natal Care & Is it Safe?
Pregnancy and postpartum care is required for every woman who gives birth, whether it is a normal vaginal delivery or a caesarean delivery and whether it is the first, second, third, or even the fourth baby. Women with symptoms like backache, joint pain, weakness, poor lactation, and stress following delivery stand to gain more from Ayurvedic pregnancy and postpartum treatments.
Coming to safety, this is the question every new mother has, and we respect that very much here at Rasayana. Postpartum treatments that we provide are meant specially for the postpartum body: the oil and pressure will be adjusted according to the healing phase, abdominal treatments will be carefully planned not to harm the body in the early phases, and all the therapies will be performed only by skilled professionals under the watchful eye of a doctor. Our programs are made with the recovery of a mother in mind, yet we understand that having a healthy and calm mother means having better care for the baby, and this is the goal of the whole process, and mothers are always advised to inform us about their delivery experience and possible complications, so we could adjust the program for their needs.
Post natal Diet & Care
The importance of diet is considered on par with treatment in the context of Ayurvedic postpartum care, since the digestive fire of the body of a woman who just gave birth is comparatively low. Kerala Ayurveda post natal diet and care at Rasayana is based on a regime of warm, easily digestible, and nourishing food, which gradually becomes more varied as the strength comes back.
● Mostly warm and freshly cooked food is recommended to eat in preference to the cold, uncooked and reheated food, which may aggravate Vata and impair digestion
● Classic recipes, including rice gruel with ghee, moong dal soups and mildly spiced vegetable preparations are used to aid gentle digestion
● The regular consumption of ghee and warming spices, such as cumin, fennel, ajwain and dry ginger helps to improve the process of digestion and balance Vata
● Galactagogic foods like moringa and herbs, such as fenugreek and Shatavari-based preparations are used to promote healthy lactation
● Warm drinks rather than cold ones are recommended for adequate hydration
● Heavier food, such as oily, spiced and processed foods are limited
Why Choose Rasayana for Your Loved Ones' Post natal Care
Selecting a place for post natal care is highly personal, everyone looks for a center that has credibility, experienced doctors, and has the capability to provide the best care. Being known as the most credible Post natal Ayurveda Treatment Center in Kerala, Rasayana Ayurveda Center welcomes you. What makes us different:
● A hospital certified by NABH that conforms to national standards of safety and quality of care
● The Ayur Diamond certification issued by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala that authenticates our Ayurvedic procedures
● The leadership of the highly qualified Chief Ayurvedic Physician Dr. V. Madhavachandran who has over 30 years of clinical experience
● A team of skilled and experienced Vaidyas backed by a team of allopathic doctors and physiotherapists
● The prescription of a personalized treatment regimen taking into account the individual prakriti, birth experience and the present phase of recovery of each mother
● Classical Ayurvedic medicines and oils without any artificial ingredients
● A comfortable residential environment amidst tropical greenery in the city of Kochi providing complete relaxation
● A full-fledged suite of Ayurvedic postpartum spa services including yoga and meditation spaces, diet kitchen, and quiet walking areas for complete healing
● Familiar to over 25,000 satisfied patients suffering from various illnesses including reproductive and post natal illnesses in women
● A separate Women's Health department for the complete pre- and post natal care of women
