The post-pregnancy period is a time of healing and adjustment. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to help new mothers recover and rejuvenate. In this blog, we outline the key Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle tips, including the role of Shatavari Kalpa, for post-pregnancy wellness.
Ayurvedic Dietary Tips:
- Nourishing Foods: Focus on easily digestible, nourishing foods like cooked vegetables, soups, and whole grains to restore energy. There are speciality seeds considered vital in increasing the amount of breast milk in new mothers. Ahaliv or garden cress seeds, Methi or fenugreek are some of the highly recommended ingredients to be incorporated in the diet of new mothers. If there are no adverse conditions like diabetes, the consumption of sugar also helps in maintaining the energy level in them.
- Balanced Nutrition: Include a balance of all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) to fulfill nutritional needs. Even so, traditionally, specially created delicacies combining sweet and bitter tastes are preferred in such conditions. Highly pungent preparations are avoided.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated with warm water and herbal teas to aid digestion and elimination. If you are habitual of consuming milk, a new mother should continue with it. Milk in itself enhances breast milk formation. Cow's milk is considered to be the best in such conditions but buffalo or goat milk can also be consumed.
Incorporating Shatavari Kalpa:
Shatavari Kalpa is prepared by infusing the shatavari juice or decoction with sugar. Original taste of Shatavari is bitter so sugar not only masks the taste but also acts as a preservative. It also acts as an energy provider which is highly recommended for the benefit of the new mothers.
Usage:
- Shatavari Kalpa for Lactation: As a rejuvenating tonic, Shatavari Kalpa supports lactation and balances the female hormonal system.
- How to Use: Mix Shatavari Kalpa with warm milk or water and consume it daily for nourishment and to enhance milk production.
Lifestyle Practices for Post-Pregnancy:
- Gentle Exercise: Engage in gentle yoga and walking to strengthen the body and promote flexibility.
- Adequate Rest: Prioritize rest and sleep to aid in the healing process and manage stress.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation to maintain emotional balance and reduce anxiety.
- Hydration: New mothers are required to be constantly hydrated. Their daily schedule is changed as per the baby and breastfeeding affects the water content of the body. Consumption of warm water and milk keep the new mother hydrated to cope up with the changed regimen.
Self-Care Rituals:
- Daily Massage: A daily self-massage (Abhyanga) with warm oil can be soothing and helps in toning the body.
- Warm Baths: Taking warm baths with Ayurvedic herbs can be relaxing and rejuvenating.
Conclusion:
Post-pregnancy recovery is a crucial time for new mothers. An Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle, enriched with the goodness of Shatavari Kalpa, can provide the necessary support for physical and emotional well-being during this phase.
