At present delivery and caesarean sections take place only in allopathy hospitals. You may can start the Ayurvedic Post Natal Care soon after your delivery.

Ashwasana (Psychological Reassurance) is the most important work which stabilizes psychology of puerpera. There is physical and emotional exhaustion following delivery, due to rigors of labour and inadequate sleep because of stress towards caring for a new born can pack a powerful exhausting punch. So new mothers should be encouraged to talk about their feelings and fears with others. Psychological reassurance and consultation is very much important to avoid puerperial psychological disorders like the baby blues, postpartum depression, birth related post traumatic birth disorder and rare condition called postpartum psychosis.

Ayurveda refers to a post natal care as Sutika Paricharya for 90 days after delivery or until the onset of her next period. The science specifies special diet for the Sutika Paricharya to ensure a smooth recovery. Such care will enable the uterus to shrink back to its original state and also help produce sufficient breast milk and prevent infection. Post natal Ayurvedic care can be done in three stages. This cure will have long terms benefits. We know that the care given to the pregnant woman is for both the mother and child. But the care given after delivery is a life-long one for the mother. Plus it is intended to lend her the health to raise future generations.

Massage, tones up muscles of pelvic floor, abdominal and back tissues and relieves muscle spasm. It improves digestion and is also responsible for improved venous blood flow by dilating superficial blood vessels which in turn prevents thrombosis. Abhyanga (massage) soothes nervous & endocrine system, releases endorphin (the feel good hormone) which improves both physical & mental well being, thus reducing the stress during puerperium. Yoni Abhyanga (vaginal oiling) tones up vagina and perineum and prevents laxity and prolapse, alleviates pain and swelling of vagina. It also heals vaginal and perineal wounds.

Oil massage and hot water bath – should be continued for the next 2 to 3 months. This helps to strengthen the lower back, hip area, bones, muscles and ligaments. Some start massaging after 5 days and some after 10 days.

Can lower abdomen and gluteus region be massaged with oil after delivery?
If the delivery is normal, then there is no problem in massaging the abdominal and waist area. If the delivery was through surgery (caesarian), then better to avoid lower abdominal area, till the suture heals completely.

After childbirth: Oils preferred are:-

Lumbar belt – Using an abdomen belt with moderate pressure at least for 4 – 5 hours a day helps to strengthen the back, supports uterus and ligaments.

Rest – While mild walking is quite okay, rigorous work, heavy weight lifting is totally discouraged. It leaves the uterine muscles and tendons weak. Uterine prolapsed during post mid life is linked to improper after delivery care of mother and rest.

Musta – Nut grass – It helps to improve breast milk production and also relieves milk duct clogs. Its paste is made with water and applied over breasts to relieve inflammation and to improve lactation. If the baby has mild fever or diarrhea, a water decoction of this herb is made and administered to the mother. (Yashtimadhu (Mulethi, Licorice) and fennel are the other two herbs used for improving lactation)

Shatavari – A teaspoon of powder is mixed with a cup of milk and boiled. It is administered for a period of 5th day to 3 – 4 months to improve breast milk production. Apart from improving breast milk, it is also useful to calm the mind (useful in post partum depression). It assists in normal involution of uterus as well.

Dashamoola – Soon after childbirth there will be inflammation and to treat it and boost immunity Dashamola, a group of ten roots is used in the forms of kashaya, that is herbal tea or Dashamoola Aristam, a fermented liquid prepared it. Dashamoola has Anti-inflammatory properties.

Jeeraka – Cumin – Is a very good digestive herb used commonly in Indian cuisine. Jeeraka helps digestion, cleanses and detoxifies uterus and it is very good for mother care after delivery.

Panchakola Churnam – supports low appetite, bloating, indigestion.
Jiraka Arishtam – helps with postnatal care, chronic bronchitis, hiccough, and consumption.
Abhaya Arishtam – used for hemorrhoids, bloating, constipation, difficulty in urinating.

Common approach to post natal care for every new mother will not be very beneficial. The choice of internal medicines, oils for massage, spices and foods to be included in your diet are very specific to your body and the care is different depending on the type of delivery. It is also good to be under medical guidance while taking herbs like Shatavari which is commonly used to enhance breast milk quantity. But what most women don't know is what is the correct dosage for them and when to stop. Such mistakes are also adopted while consuming internal medicine like Dashamoolarista and other oral medicines. So it is best to consult with an Ayurveda Doctor before you embark on your post natal journey and make the best use of science.