Ayurveda and Postpartum Care

cearamcmanus
Aug 24
3 min read

What is Ayurveda and how does it support postpartum care?

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic system of medicine that emphasises balance in body, mind, and spirit.

In the postpartum period, it focuses on nourishing the mother through:

warm, grounding foods
plenty of rest
gentle body care
emotional support to promote healing and long-term wellness

As one of only a handful of certified Ayurvedic Postpartum Doulas in Ireland, my work is centred around these 4 pillars of postpartum care.

🌿 What Is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda, meaning "the science of life," is a holistic healing system that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It emphasises balance between the body, mind, and spirit, and focuses on individualised care through diet, lifestyle, herbs, and daily routines.

Central to Ayurveda are the three doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha - which represent different energies governing physiological and psychological functions. Health is achieved by maintaining harmony among these doshas.

🤱 Ayurveda in Postpartum Care

In Ayurveda, the postpartum period, is considered a sacred window of 42 days that sets the foundation for a mother's health for the next 42 years. This time is crucial for healing, bonding, and rejuvenation.

Childbirth increases the Vata dosha, associated with air and space elements, leading to qualities like dryness, lightness, and mobility. If not balanced, elevated Vata can result in fatigue, anxiety, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances.

Ayurvedic postpartum care aims to restore balance through:

Warm, Nourishing Foods: Emphasising easily digestible, spiced meals that ground and nourish the body.
Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Daily warm oil massages to soothe the nervous system and promote circulation.
Herbal Support: Utilising herbs like Shatavari and Ashwagandha to support lactation and hormonal balance.
Rest and Seclusion: Encouraging ample rest and minimising external stimuli to foster healing.
Emotional Support: Providing a nurturing environment to process emotions and strengthen the mother-infant bond.

👩‍🍼 What Does an Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula Do?

An Ayurvedic postpartum doula integrates traditional doula support with Ayurvedic principles to offer comprehensive care during the postpartum period.

Most Ayurvedic doulas will have similar offerings. Here is a look at what I offer my clients:

Meal Preparation: Crafting meals that align with Ayurvedic dietary guidelines to aid digestion and recovery.
Herbal Remedies: Preparing teas, tinctures, and baths tailored to the mother's needs.
Physical Support: Assisting with baby care to allow the mother time for rest and self-care.
Emotional Guidance: Holding space for the mother to share her birth experience and navigate the emotional landscape of new motherhood.
Education: Teaching self-care practices and routines to empower the mother in her healing journey.

This holistic approach ensures that the mother feels supported physically, emotionally, and spiritually, facilitating a smoother transition into motherhood.

🧘‍♀️ Why Choose Ayurvedic Postpartum Care?

Opting for Ayurvedic postpartum care offers numerous benefits:

Personalised Healing: Tailored practices that consider your unique constitution and needs.
Preventative Health: Addressing imbalances early to prevent long-term health issues.
Enhanced Bonding: Creating a peaceful environment that fosters a strong mother-baby connection.
Emotional Wellbeing: Providing tools and support to navigate the emotional shifts of postpartum life.