The joy of motherhood is such that when you hold your little one in your arms for the first time you just wipe off all the emotional, physical and mental strain you have been through. But if you think that the utmost vigilance you exhibited of your health during pregnancy is over and now you don't need to take care of your health and body, then you are wrong! It surely isn't over yet!

Apart from the initial feeling of ecstasy at having brought a living being into this world ,you're probably overwhelmed, aching everywhere, so tired and sleepy you could doze off standing up and feeling extremely bewildered at how emotionally vulnerable you have become with regard to that tiny little being that has all your attention.

But, and that's a big but – if you want to survive the next few months and even years of this cyclonic journey, you need to take care of yourself too!!! Post natal or postpartum care and especially the first 6 weeks are extremely important for the mother's long term well being . According to Ayurveda this is a period of vata imbalance.

But, and that's a big but – if you want to survive the next few months and even years of this cyclonic journey, you need to take care of yourself too!!! Post natal or postpartum care and especially the first 6 weeks are extremely important for the mother's long term well being.

According to Ayurveda this is a period of vata imbalance.

Rest:

Lie in bed as much as possible. Your body will thank you later. The subdoshas of Vata: Apana, which allowed the expulsion of the baby, needs to be balanced. Your body, your uterus and all your organs and systems need time to find their places. Give it time. A few days are not enough. The gravity of the standing posture is too intense on the body for at least a month.

DIET

AMBIENCE

This matters to both the mother and the newborn. You should both be in a clean, quiet, warm and cozy environment.

BATH

Hot water baths and warm fumigation(dhoopana) are best to make you perspire and shed the excess fluids accumulated during your pregnancy. Saunas and steam baths are good remedies if taken regularly a month after the delivery. Application of collyrium(anjanam) is recommended.

OIL MASSAGE

Sesame oil, Dhanwantharam Thailam and Mahanarayana Thailam are very effective Ayurvedic massage oils for post delivery mothers. A gentle massage with these oils before taking a bath or shower can help strengthen muscles, relieve aches and pains, improve blood circulation and rejuvenate the body.

SLEEP

Newborn babies often stay awake at night and sleep during the daytime which can really put off your own sleep cycle giving you no rest at all. Though easier said than done it may help to try and match your sleeping pattern with that of your baby's. If possible try taking short naps in the daytime with your newborn.

BREATHING EXERCISES

A great way to relax and calm down is to practice simple breathing exercises which will calm your mind and tranquilize your mental state which is understandably in a mess .

WORKOUT

After six weeks it is important that you consult your doctor and try out some pelvic floor exercises, popularly known as Kegel's exercises to strengthen

HAIR LOSS

Initial hair fall after delivery is common and usually stops after a while. The lack of time to regularly wash and look after your hair can aggravate this and a good way to prevent further hair fall is to use Ayurvedic medicated oils like Neelibhringadi Tailam or Bhringaraja Taila to nourish your hair.

SKIN

Stretch marks, darkened streaks on your abdomen and dark patches on your neck and face are common but they gradually fade as time goes by. You can use Nalpamaradi Thailam to improve the quality of your skin and to make it glow.

BREAST MILK

Ayurveda suggests some extremely effective home remedies to enhance production of breast milk which can be easily practiced at home. Here's what you need to do: Soak 10 almonds overnight, blend in a glass of milk with a pinch of cardamom and some sugar. Drink on an empty stomach twice a day for best results. Regularly consume 1 to 2 teaspoons of ghee with your main meals. Hydrate yourself with enough water, milk and lentil soups spiced with jeera, pepper and ginger. Use methi and fennel seeds as much as possible in your meals. You can also use them to make teas or consume their powder with a teaspoon of milk or honey.

Many postnatal ayurvedic medicines are available but always consult an ayurvedic physician before getting started with such medications. Kindly take note that ayurvedic medicines are not meant to be used like 'readymade built for all' products. Ayurveda considers each of you unique and hence you may need a personalized care and so the medications.