Embrace Postpartum Wellness with Ayurvedic Doula Care

The journey of motherhood is beautiful, yet it can also be overwhelming. Ayurvedically, regardless of your baseline dosha constitution, usually the body shifts into a pronounced Vata state after giving birth. The Vata dosha is made up of Air and Space and the womb has just evacuated its Fire, Earth and Water elements. What is left ? A vacuum of space and air. Imbalanced Vata. If not grounded and managed well with rest, nourishing foods, support from others and an understanding of what is shifting in the body, many new mothers can experience anxiety, stress, insomnia, worry, depression, irritability, exhaustion, slow healing, poor milk supply etc. It's a whirlwind of emotions and physical changes, to be sure! This is where postpartum wellness becomes crucial. One effective way to support this transition is through Ayurvedic doula care. This holistic approach not only nurtures the mother but also honors the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda.

In this blog post, we will explore how Ayurvedic doula care can enhance postpartum wellness. We will discuss the principles of Ayurveda, the role of a doula, and practical tips for new mothers.

Understanding Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit. The word "Ayurveda" translates to "the science of life."

The Three Doshas

At the core of Ayurveda are the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha represents different elements and qualities.

• Vata: Associated with air and space, Vata governs movement and creativity.

• Pitta: Linked to fire and water, Pitta controls digestion and metabolism.

• Kapha: Connected to earth and water, Kapha provides structure and stability.

  
  

Every individual has a unique combination of these doshas, which influences their physical and emotional health. Understanding your dosha constitution before birth can also aid in understanding what you need in your postpartum. Reach out if you would like a Dosha Constitution test!

Postpartum Imbalance

After childbirth, a woman's body undergoes significant changes. Hormonal fluctuations, physical recovery, significantly less sleep, and emotional adjustments can lead to imbalances in the doshas. For instance, Vata may increase due to the stress of labor and the demands of a newborn. This can result in anxiety, fatigue, and digestive issues. The unique thing about the doshas is that "Like calls to Like"- meaning that when you have an imbalance the body wants more of that imbalance. When we are wise to this, we can make choices that will Restore balance instead. For instance, Vata is qualified as cold, dry, rough, busy... often it will want to binge crackers, add all the things to the schedule, do all the projects (TODAY!), eat popcorn for meals, constipation. So, to counterbalance cold, dry and rough, we want to make choices that warm and ground us- warm spiced soups, afternoon rests with a heating pad, meditation and breathwork, warm slippers and tea, and setting intentions to SLOW everything down.

Ayurvedic practices aim to restore balance and promote healing during this critical time.

The Role of a Doula

A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers and families before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike a midwife, a doula does not deliver babies but focuses on the mother's well-being.

Emotional Support

One of the primary roles of a doula is to offer emotional support. This can be especially beneficial during the postpartum period when new mothers may feel overwhelmed. A doula listens, validates feelings, and provides reassurance. We can listen to your birth story if you want to share, decompress, or re-hash.

Physical Care

Doulas also assist with physical care. They can help with breastfeeding, infant care, and even household tasks. This support allows mothers to focus on their recovery and bonding with their baby. An Ayurvedic doula can also support the mother and infant with Abhyanga massage- a very grounding, light touch massage that helps to ground the nervous system (and all that Vata energy!). We could help with belly binding for support as well.

Ayurvedic Practices

An Ayurvedic doula incorporates traditional practices into their care. This may include herbal remedies, dietary recommendations, and relaxation techniques, traditional food prepared for you, breathwork and self massage taught to you as well.

Ayurvedic Practices for Postpartum Wellness

Here are some practical Ayurvedic practices that can enhance postpartum wellness:

Nourishing Foods

Nutrition plays a vital role in recovery. Ayurvedic principles emphasize warm, nourishing foods that support digestion and healing. Ie:

• Ghee: This clarified butter is rich in healthy fats and aids digestion. Particularly Panchakola ghee, which is ghee with some spices steeped into it. The fats are able to deliver these healing herbs deep into your tissues to begin repair.

• Kitchari: A comforting dish made from rice and split mung beans, Kitchari is easy to digest and provides essential nutrients.

• Spices: Incorporate spices like ginger, turmeric, coriander, fennel, cinnamon and cumin to enhance flavor and support digestion and activate the digestive fire which has cooled some since birthing your baby.

  
  

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs can support postpartum recovery. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, especially if you are breastfeeding.

• Ashwagandha: Known for its adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

• Shatavari: This herb is traditionally used to support women's health and hormonal balance.

  
  

Gentle Movement

Physical activity is essential for recovery, but it should be gentle and never rushed if you don't feel up to it yet. Also, you may want your practitioner to assess your abs before doing any serious exercise that could split your abs more (diastasis recti).

• Yoga: Postpartum yoga can help strengthen the body and promote relaxation.

• Walking: Simple walks can improve circulation and boost mood and are great for shifting a baby's mood as well.

  
  

Mindfulness and Relaxation

Taking time for self-care is crucial.

• Meditation: Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.

• Breathwork: Simple breathing exercises can promote relaxation and grounding. We can practice these when we visit together. But either way, they are so grounding for an activated nervous system.

  
  

Creating a Supportive Environment

A nurturing environment is essential for postpartum recovery. Here are some tips to create a supportive space:

Surround Yourself with Support

Having a strong support system is vital.

• Family and Friends: Encourage loved ones to help with household tasks or provide emotional support, make a list before the baby is even born so they can be ready.

• Join a Support Group: Connecting with other new mothers can provide a sense of community and shared experience. There are lots of great ones in the area!

  
  

Set Boundaries

It's okay to say no to visitors or events that feel overwhelming. Prioritize your well-being and recovery. Especially if it's cold and flu season. Your baby's inexperienced immune system doesn't need the extra exposure to germs if it's not necessary. Tuck in and Rest.

Create a Calm Space

Designate a peaceful area in your home for relaxation, baby feeding, or breathwork.

• Comfortable Seating: Ensure you have a cozy spot to rest and bond with your baby.

• Soothing Decor: Use calming colors and soft lighting to create a serene atmosphere. Even if every other area in the house is messy or cluttered, try to keep this space tidy so that your mind can rest and not feel busy with unmet chores.

  
  

The Importance of Self-Care

Self-care is not selfish; it is essential for new mothers. Taking time for yourself allows you to recharge and be present for your baby. This will make you a better mom and human in the long run because you nourished yourself in these critical weeks of body repair. Your body is remaking a lot of its tissues at this time and we have the opportunity to remake ourselves well with rest and nourishment, or poorly with chaos, fast food and quick lives. You will reap the benefits of your nourishing choices for the next many years if you choose slow and gentle.

Simple Self-Care Practices

Incorporate small self-care practices into your daily routine.

• Take a Bath: A warm bath can soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation, if recommended by your practitioner (depending on your type of delivery). Sitz bath herbs can also be steeped and added to create a better environment for healing perineum tears, stitches, hemorrhoids or soreness.

• Read a Book: Enjoying a good book can provide a mental escape, even an audiobook can be nice sometimes when feeding baby or while resting.

• Practice Body Gratitude: Focused gratitude meditation for certain parts of your body for their innate strength and contribution to your well being can drastically shift your feelings of self.

• Focusing on the Present moment: Meditation practices where you focus on the present moment instead of everything else you could be doing, places you could be, chores that need to be done- let yourself look around you at the beauty of Right Now. You did a really hard thing, it may have veered off course from what you anticipated, but you pressed on and you have realized how resilient and strong your body and mind are. This doesn't excuse us from thorough rest, but it does help us to remember why we're in the place we're in. We have incredible bodies and we will move through each challenge with gratitude and grace for ourselves, support from others, lots of rest and good food, some tears, and TIME.

  
  

Conclusion

There is no other journey in life that compares to the one of Growing and Birthing and Raising a child. Postpartum wellness is a ride that requires support and care and time. Ayurvedic doula care offers a holistic approach to healing, focusing on the balance of body, mind, and spirit. By embracing Ayurvedic practices, new mothers can nurture themselves and thrive during this transformative time.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Seek support, prioritize self-care, and embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda. Your well-being is essential for both you and your baby.