3 Ways Ayurveda can help you with Postpartum Recovery
Hi Mamas and Mamas to be! I studied Ayurveda throughout my 20s but it wasn't until I had my first baby at 37 that I truly understood and felt the transformative power of this holistic 5000 year old science. The Ayurvedic wisdom in postpartum care is extensive and can be overwhelming. I have summarized 3 top benefits here with links if you want to learn more.
1. Rekindle your Digestion
During the birthing process your body goes through a rapid transformation and your digestion can slows down, leading to gas and constipation. In Ayurveda, your digestion is known as Agni, the digestive fire within the body. If you have strong agni, your digestion will easily process nutrients for you and your baby. After you have a baby, that fire needs to be rekindled. Eating Ayurvedic food during the postpartum phase will help you rekindle your digestive fire, helping you recover faster. So how do you rekindle your digestive fire? Opt for warm, cooked, easy to digest foods. Use ayurvedic spices in your cooking. Drink Ayurvedic teas to help support recovery and if you plan to breastfeed, help with lactation. Avoid uncooked foods and cold beverages. Check out my free Postpartum guide for specific recipes.
2. Heal internally and externally through Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage
Please note – you should always consult your Dr. before starting the massage. For Vaginal delivery, you can often start by day 7. For C-Section, you can usually start once the stitches have healed. Many professionals are trained in postpartum massage and if you can find one, that is the best option. Abhyanga is a type of Ayurvedic massage that often uses warm sesame or coconut oils. Benefits include – helping you de-stress and relax, better sleep, improved blood circulation which helps in regulating blood flow, and easing of soreness. In addition, you can massage your breasts to ensure a proper flow of milk (be sure to clean off the oil completely before breastfeeding your baby). An abdominal massage can help tone and clean the uterus helping it get back to its original shape and size. For a step-by-step instructions on how to do the postpartum massage, click here.
3. Ayurvedic breathing techniques can help balance your energy
As a parent, you likely will be flooded with a mix of emotions. Ayurvedic breathing techniques are quick ways to get yourself centered. Pranayama or conscious breathing can be down anytime throughout the day. Simply find a time to sit quietly and become aware of the flow your breath going in and out of your body. You don't have to be seated on a meditation cushion to do it! You can do this laying down, while nursing. If you want to learn about specific breathing techniques, click here for 2 techniques that have helped me.