Impact of Inadequate Postnatal Care
- AyurMama
- Jan 30
- 2 min read
Most women in modern times will say that their bodies were "never the same" after pregnancy. Modern society tells them that "it's all normal" or it's "part of being a mom". Spoiler alert! It's not normal to suffer for years following childbirth; physical pain suffering for years is not a routine part of motherhood.
The special care that new mothers should receive is discussed in Ayurveda for a good reason; the journey into motherhood is one of the most important milestones that a woman will experience in her lifetime, and it requires a lot of physical and mental strength. New mothers must have their bodies and minds replenished and nourished in order to be well going forward. The consequences of not having any, or having inadequate postnatal care, ranges from mild to severe. Many immediate issues, if not resolved, can continue and worsen for years until treated.
Following childbirth, all women are affected by increased vata; the dosha made up of the elements air and ether. This is often the root cause of various long-term issues that mothers experience, such as back pain caused by diastasis recti, clinical depression, or pelvic organ prolapse. Some immediately noticeable symptoms of increased vata are:
Fatigue / Insomnia
Lightheadedness / Headaches
Reduced Appetite
Anxiety / Depression / Other Nervous System Disorders
Constipation / Impaired Digestion
Dry Skin / Brittle Nails
Lack of Stability and Balance
Swelling of Limbs and Extremities
Rapid Weight Loss
Acne / Other Skin Irritations
Impaired Cognitive Functioning
The goal is to restart agni (digestive fire), subdue the vata element, and re-balance the three doshas to return the mother to her prakriti state, to prevent the above list of problems and avoid long-term suffering. This is done through a 42 day regimen, called "sutika", which includes rest, nourishment, and physically caring for the body.
Learn more about the 42 day rejuvenation ritual required for new mothers at www.ayurmama.ca or request a free consultation with a certified ayurvedic practitioner by clicking the link below!
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