Post-natal phase could be very overwhelming for a mother because there is a mix of very intense feelings. You are happy to see your child but the responsibility that comes with it could be even more difficult to handle than the whole gestation period in itself.

Postnatal care in Ayurveda-

It is said that the care given to a mother in the first 45 days post-delivery, decides the quality of her health for the rest of life. In Ayurveda, the term ‘Sutika’ refers to a woman who has recently given birth and she is called so until she gets on her next period. If a sutika is given good care post-pregnancy, she will recover-faster and will be able to enjoy her motherhood and give best care to the baby.

The challenges that come along

The process of childbirth is accompanied by creation of empty space in the womb, giving air the opportunity to occupy this space and cause an imbalance in vata dosha. An increase in vata would mean anxiety, poor sleep, faulty digestion, dryness, bloating and constipation. Ayurveda specifies a special diet and care routine for a new mother to ensure faster and smoother recovery.

Delivering a child takes a mental as well as physical toll on the body. Unlike earlier times, we are in an age when a new mother might not get a lot of people to help around for long times. That is why, it becomes even more important to know what all challenges you are going to face and how you can deal with them as you welcome a new life in your life. 

Here is what you can do to smoothly sail through the journey

1. Emotional Tiredness- Women often feel that after child-delivery, it's not just the physical tiredness, but also the emotional tiredness that works them out. It’s about accepting the new situation, the overwhelming events that follow childbirth and overcoming the experience of delivery. Although family members can give emotional support but after all you have to put yourself together.
   
   Simple way out
   The key is to absorb the emotions but not the negative energies that come with them. Meditation, reading spiritual books and preparing yourself emotionally during the pregnancy period are some really effective ways you can practise to overcome and enjoy the most important experience of life.
   
   
2. Sleep Deprivation- Rest is most needed but this is the least acquired after delivery. The sound of your child crying, the constant tension if they are hungry, happy, satisfied on stomach and what not is more than enough to give sleepless nights. But then you might come to a point that even if you have the chance to sleep you are unable to, that is where the insomnia hits. The first and foremost measure is prevention of letting the insomnia setting in. Main reasons for insomnia are hormonal imbalance and excessive vata during the postpartum period.

Quick tip for sound sleep 

Following a regular vata-reducing yoga routine, taking massages with oils, having warm tendencies before sleep and practicing self compassion can really help you to have a good night's sleep. Alongside, you can also take Brahmi and. Ashwagandha powder as supplements to relax your body increase vitality.

1. Physical Exhaustion- With the whole gestation period and child delivery experience that you went through, you must already be on the weaker side physically and then the baby might give a hard time. You might experience back pain, headaches, pelvis pain and even joint pains. This excessive tiredness also can lead to a low breast milk supply and mastitis- a breast infection.
   
   

The right way to go about it
Here, the priority should be nutrition. With a thousand things going on, it is easy to forget about eating well or follow a well-thought diet. But this is where you need to make it a point to take care of your diet. Along with this, take rest and do not over-work yourself. Ask for help if you need, let go of the extra or non-urgent work. Focussing on your and your baby’s health should be of utmost priority. To soothe your body, you can schedule panchakarma sessions with a qualified ayurveda practitioner.

1. Hot and Cold Flashes- Many women have the complaint of experiencing sudden sweating or at times strong chilling and shivering during the postpartum phase. The feeling is although short-lived but feels unpleasant and discomforting.  Reasons can be hormonal disbalances, side effect of strong pain relieving medications or an imbalance of 3 doshas.
   
   

How to resolve
Deep breathing exercises (pranayam) and wearing light and loose clothes will help you calm down and even reduce the number of occurrences. Also, it will be a good idea to watch the pattern of incidents if they are happening after consuming certain foods. Mostly trigger foods like extra spicy meals, caffein, alcohol can lead to hot or cold flashes.

1. Postpartum Depression- Approximately, one in eight pregnant women will experience postpartum depression. One study found new mothers who sleep poorly are more than three times as likely to experience depression than those with good sleep quality. This disorder affecting new mothers can cause extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue.
   
   Right prevention
   Proper sleep and diet during postpartum phase go a long way in preventing the onset of depression. Other than that, it is important to seek love and talk to your close ones about how you feel. It is important to enjoy the motherhood process without overthinking or obsessing over anything. Doing fun outdoor activities in nature also helps in relieving depression.

Take one step at a time to get better at things you are struggling with. Know that you will be able to fix it all well and you are on one happy yet adventurous journey of motherhood.