Playing the role of a mother, in a woman’s life is considered to be divine and is a natural phenomenon that takes place. Hence it should not be considered as a disease. Pregnancy and childbirth are two important phases of a woman’s life cycle. It’s a transition from a normal life to a stage where a lot of new challenges are awaiting the mother. In order to prepare the mother to face challenges in motherhood, Ayurveda emphasizes in following proper regimen right from the start of pregnancy or even while planning to get pregnant till the post partum period.
There were times when people only relied on traditional system of medicine for everything and process of childbirth took place with the help of women who were already mothers themselves. These ladies were compassionate to the mothers who were struggling to give birth, they used to give comforting and soothing words to encourage and give a smooth and peaceful birthing experience to the mother. Most of the times, they knew how to handle the process of childbirth. There are certain before and after care procedures for the mother and baby which they were aware of.
In garbhini paricharya, (care during pregnancy) the daily regimen of a pregnant lady is of great importance. As Ayurveda focuses on the health of an individual, it also protects and prevents complications that occur during pregnancy and delivery only when a proper regime is followed. This includes ahara, vihara, aushadha and vichara.
From early pregnancy, it is mentioned in classical texts that a specific diet needs to be followed in each month. Generally speaking, Ayurveda says that in a person there are three stages like balyakala (childhood), yauvanakala (middle age/ youth) and vardhakya ( old age) where each doshas has its own predominance. Likewise in the three trimesters each dosha has its predominance. In the first trimester kapha is predominant, in the second the pitta, and in the third trimester vaata dosha is predominant. To pacify these doshas and the symptoms that arise due to its aggravation, proper food and herbal drugs together plays a great role.
Nowadays, many mothers know what type of food has to be taken in pregnancy and what should not be taken. The foods that they take should be a full energy pack which contains protein, iron calcium, vitamins and minerals or instead herbal supplements can be made available. Whatever is consumed by the mother will affect the baby in one or the other way. Most importantly liquid and sweet foods can be provided in the first trimester. More of ghee, butter, milk or payasams can be used in second trimester. This should be taken, in order to gain weight and strength and to ensure proper foetal growth, mentally and physically. So, more of cereals can be taken in this trimester. In the last trimester, small quantity food, can be given frequently, added with ghee or oil with reduced amount of salt. Foods rich in fats and proteins can be included in the last trimester. Moong dal, fennel, cumin, ginger can be added appropriately. A good food pattern can be prepared and followed under the supervision of diet professionals.
In order to spread an awareness about the benefits of these herbal drugs, it imparts to the mother and foetus a material that describes the role of them during pregnancy and post delivery should be prepared and distributed among mothers-to- be. Medicines should be distributed in the form of herbal kits where it can be prepared and used at home safely. For example dried ginger & Bala with milk and ghee in gruel form can be safely taken to reduce pain, swelling, indigestion, sciatica etc
As far as Vihara (daily activities) and vichara (emotional thoughts) are concerned a pregnant lady should always be peaceful, calm and hence should listen to beautiful songs, do prayers, meditation, take rest whenever possible. For mental well being the thoughts and activities of a mother should be good enough to make her relaxed and comfortable. In post pregnancy period it is important that the mother should be stress free to aid in proper lactation. Anointing oneself with herbal oils and taking warm water bath through helps in relieving one from physical discomforts such as pain due to stretching of muscles and ligaments, and aids in having a deeper and sound sleep. Yoga and exercises can also be practised under supervision to relax the muscle and strengthen them which is required for the process of delivery and also in post-partum period as she needs to take more stress during the period. All these help her to prepare herself in natural ways.
In prasava paricharya (during delivery), Ayurveda classical texts states that, there should be a hut prepared for the process of delivery. This hut should be situated close to the place where the mother resides. It should be sterilized and to make the environment germ free, fumigation with certain herbal drugs has to be done. The hut should have properly ventilated windows and doors fixed nearby and there should be proper coverings in-order to ensure privacy and avoid entry of direct sunlight. It should have all needed equipments, herbal drugs and oils. Proper measures should be taken in-order to ensure proper expulsion of apana vayu, foetus and placenta.
In sutika paricharya kala (post-partum period) a proper diet pattern and regime has to be followed for a period of one and a half months at least post-delivery. One should take lots of water to aid in proper breast feeding. However for the first few days post delivery, light foods can be taken, later on with more of leafy vegetables and green gram, steamed foods, soups, ghee, rice mixed with pepper ginger, garlic, cumin, curry leaves etc can be included. Ayurveda herbal medicines in any form including gruels can be taken to reduce post delivery ailments like bloating of abdomen, constipation etc can be taken. Therefore ahaara and aushadha should be taken in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Based on the principles of Ayurveda, Soothika advises to do massage with herbal oils, warm water bath with herbal decoctions for, regaining strength and vitality and to help in brightening of the skin. The mother will be engaged in doing a lot of new things like carrying baby, bathing, changing its nappy, feeding the baby etc. Hence to get relieved from these stress and strain, oil massage and hot water bath is of great importance. Abdominal binding should also be practised in proper way, with cotton cloth and asking for help from trained people who knows how to do abdominal binding. This in turn helps to keep the loose and sagging abdominal muscles tight and strengthens them. By doing so, it helps the mother in regaining back her original pre-pregnancy shape and in turn helps in the escape of apana vata and hence there will not be filling in of air that leads to a bloated abdomen. Abdominal binding can be done soon after delivery.
Hence when ahara, vihara, aushadha and vichara is properly observed by the mother, then will it help in proper well being of a mother and child. Elderly people in the house should properly check whether all these are followed well and should inform authorities, in case if, any problem arise while observing these.