Nourishing the mother with Ayurvedic Wisdom 42 days post birth
The first 42 days post birth, or 6 weeks after baby is born is considered a sacred window of time in Ayurveda. After 9 months of caring the little one, laboring and birthing these 42 days are a time of rest, recovery & bonding with baby for the mother. In Ayurveda this is a time where Vata (ruled by the air and ether elements) is high and needs to be balanced with grounding, nourishment and rest and with elements opposite to Vata such as fire, earth and water. The first 42 days traditionally is a time where mother and baby doesn't have to worry about anything except resting, healing and bonding with her baby. Today, this may be a bit difficult. But if this is something that you are interested in doing, you can prepare for this before birth. Talk with your partner, your support team (family members, friends), your postpartum doula that this is something that you would like to be a part of your birth journey.
Suggestions to honor the 42 days post-birth
Nutrition
Focus on warm, nourishing and building foods to balance Vata. Some suggestions would be, oatmeal with ghee and cinnamon, warm ginger tea, stews and soups, nut butters and nut milks, dates, bananas, mango (try to avoid cold fruit and opt for room temp), mild spices such as ginger, cardamom, cumin, fennel, turmeric.
Avoid cold, dry and raw foods such as, cold salads, cold juices and smoothies, raw veggies, dry crackers and popcorn. This will just weaken an already weakened digestive system and aggravate Vata more.
Rest
Rest as much as possible. The body heals while resting. A good rule of thumb is sleep when baby sleeps. I know it's tempting to want to have "me" time when baby is sleeping, but if you can sleep when baby sleeps. This will help you heal and recover faster, and give you that extra support needed.
Limit activity
Good rule of thumb is to listen to your body. Do not feel that you have to jump straight back into your exercise routine, and know that this is a time to heal, rest and recover. Take these next 42 days to slow down. If you feel like moving and exercise, start slow. Some suggestions is to start with deep belly breathing, gentle stretching, light walks outside and warm baths to stimulate the lymph and circulation.
Talk with your support system post birth to help you with activities around the house such as laundry, dishes, dog walking, etc so that you can just focus on you and baby!
Inform your family and friends about your wishes after birth
Let your friends and family know your wishes. You get to decide who you want in your space post birth. Maybe you only feel comfortable with your Postpartum Doula, partner and mother. Maybe you feel more comfortable with more visitors post birth. Maybe you only want visitors for a short visit. Visualize what you want post-birth and communicate that to your community. You can also work with your Doula to help write out a post-birth plan and to send that out to your family and friends so that they can respect and honor your wishes.
Oil Massage
Known as Abhyanga helps to nourish and keep you warm post birth. You can apply sesame oil, coconut oil or almond oil to your body. Try to massage the oil in long strokes moving towards your heart. You can also have your partner do this for you.
Massage
Massage is a wonderful way to help support your recovery post birth. You can have your partner do light massage on the feet, scalp, hands, face. Or hire a professional massage therapist that specializes in post-birth to provide in-home massage.
Hire a Postpartum Doula
Hire a postpartum doula, (like me!) who is familiar with the 42 days post-birth to come in and support you and your family during this time.