Celebrating National Safe Motherhood Day with Ayurvedic Wisdom

Pregnancy and delivery can be the most restoring experience of a women's life, during which each cells of the mother's body can be changed.

National Safe Motherhood Day is celebrated on the 11th of April every year in India to raise awareness about the importance of maternal health and to reduce maternal mortality rates. On this day, we honor the sacrifices of our mothers and appreciate the efforts of healthcare providers who strive to ensure a safe and healthy motherhood experience.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, provides holistic guidance for safe motherhood. Diet plays a crucial role in Ayurveda's approach to maternal health, as it nourishes both the mother and the growing fetus. In this article, we will provide a trimester-wise diet plan based on Ayurvedic principles to help you achieve a healthy pregnancy.

Also Read: National Safe Motherhood Day: An Ayurvedic Guide to Happy, Healthy Moms

Get a Healthy Start to Motherhood with Ayurvedic Wisdom

It's National Safe Motherhood Day! A day to celebrate and honor all the mothers out there. But it's also a day to spread awareness about the importance of safe motherhood practices. And what better way to do that than with some good old-fashioned humor and Ayurvedic wisdom?

First things first, let's talk about the elephant in the room - pregnancy cravings. As much as we love indulging in our favorite foods during pregnancy, it's important to remember that we are also eating for two.

According to Ayurveda, the food we eat during pregnancy directly affects the health of our baby. So, instead of reaching for that second slice of pizza, try incorporating some Ayurvedic superfoods into your diet like ghee, turmeric, and almonds. Not only will they keep you and your baby healthy, but they'll also satisfy those cravings!

Ayurvedic Guidelines for a Healthy Pregnancy

The fetus's development is supported by downward-moving energy known as apana vata. There is sufficient Apana vata for everyone when the upcoming mother is in balance. However, the upward-moving vata, or prana vata, must step in and be redirected downward to support the needs of the baby in times of stress and exhaustion. Without the prana expected to feel the delight of pregnancy, this can leave the mother depleted, drained, tired, and, surprisingly, discouraged post pregnancy.

Ayurveda strongly recommends a diet based on fresh flora during pregnancy. Fresh green vegetables and foods that have been cooked just a few minutes ago are very good for both the mother and the baby's health and hygiene. If you want to keep your metabolism in check, you should try to avoid foods that are very spicy and oily.

According to Ayurveda's pregnancy diet, a mother's diet must include equal amounts of sweet, savory, and salty tastes to maintain the ideal quantum of energy in the body. In addition, massages with ayurvedic oils could provide the mother with sufficient relief.

Pregnancy Care Tips from Ayurveda:

 There are traditional ways to care for a pregnant woman that can support her health and the health of her unborn child and keep the prana and apana vata in balance

Give In to Your Desires:

The most crucial piece of advice is to consume what you naturally crave. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes vegetables, healthy starches, protein, and other nutrients.

Balance Three tastes:

Sweet, sour, and salty are the three tastes that bring vata into balance. During pregnancy, the sweet taste ought to be generally accentuated, on the grounds that it is the most sattvic or healthy for the child.

The Correct Milk:

Drink ghee made from grass-fed cows and warm, non-homogenized, vat-pasteurized (heated below 135 degrees Fahrenheit) milk. It is said to improve the baby's complexion, or "Ojas," and immunity. Drink one cup of warm milk and one teaspoon of ghee twice daily.

Abhangya:

Using an Ayurvedic Herbalized Massage Oil on a daily basis. These oils nourish the skin's microbiome and soothe the mother's skin-based sensory nervous system. The baby is calmer when the mother is calm.

How to Get Rid of Morning Sickness:

 If you experience morning sickness in the last few months of your pregnancy, you should follow these steps to reduce it:4

• Dry roast cardamom seeds, powder them and eat a little squeeze through the day.
• Nibble on dry wafers or toast. Keeping a small amount of food in the stomach always helps.
• Eat from the Spring Grocery List or the Kapha-Reducing Diet for a while.
• Make tea with 1/4 teaspoon. Hot water and ginger powder or fennel seeds
• Put a pillow between the box spring and the mattress to try sleeping semi-reclined.
• Perform daily basic exercise. Walking for thirty minutes each day is a great way to achieve this.

 First Trimester Diet Plan

During the first trimester, the focus should be on nourishing the mother's body and supporting the development of the embryo. Keeping Vata, the nervous system's energy in balance, is the main focus during pregnancy. According to Ayurveda, the first trimester is dominated by the Vata dosha, which is responsible for movement and communication in the body

 To balance the Vata dosha, the following foods should be included in the diet:

• Warm, cooked, and easy-to-digest foods such as soups, stews, and khichdi.
• Whole grains like rice, quinoa, and millet, which provide sustained energy.
• Sweet and juicy fruits like apples, pears, and grapes, which are easy to digest and provide vitamins and minerals.
• Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets, which are grounding and provide essential nutrients.
• It is also essential to avoid foods that are hard to digest or cold, such as raw vegetables, salads, and ice-cold drinks. These foods can aggravate the Vata dosha and cause digestive issues.

 Second Trimester Diet Plan

 The second trimester is a time of rapid growth and development for the fetus. According to Ayurveda, this trimester is dominated by the Pitta dosha, which governs metabolism and digestion.

To balance the Pitta dosha, the following foods should be included in the diet:

• Cooling and hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and coconut water.
• Fresh, organic, and seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Whole grains like barley, oats, and quinoa, which are easy to digest and provide essential nutrients.
• Plant-based sources of protein like lentils, beans, and nuts, which are easy to digest and provide essential amino acids.
• It is essential to avoid spicy and oily foods, as they can increase the Pitta dosha and cause indigestion and heartburn.

 Third Trimester Diet Plan

 The third trimester is a time of preparation for labor and delivery. According to Ayurveda, this trimester is dominated by the Kapha dosha, which governs stability and nourishment.

 To balance the Kapha dosha, the following foods should be included in the diet:

• Warm, cooked, and light foods like soups, stews, and steamed vegetables.
• Whole grains like quinoa, amaranth, and brown rice, which provide sustained energy.
• Spices like ginger, cumin, and turmeric, which aid digestion and reduce inflammation.
• Herbal teas like ginger tea, chamomile tea, and nettle tea, which provide essential nutrients and promote relaxation.
• It is also essential to avoid heavy and oily foods, as they can increase the Kapha dosha and cause lethargy and water retention.

Ayurvedic Advice for Third Trimester:

You should get as much rest as you can in the eighth month. The delicate nutrient fluid known as "Ojas," which supports vitality, complexion, and immunity, is passed between the mother and baby at this delicate time.

Now, let's move on to the actual delivery. We all know that labor is no joke. But did you know that Ayurveda has some tips and tricks to make it a little easier? For example, practicing

prenatal yoga can help prepare your body for labor and delivery. And if you're feeling a little anxious, try some meditation or breathing exercises to calm your nerves.

But what about postpartum care? This is where Ayurveda really shines. According to Ayurvedic tradition, the first 40 days after delivery are crucial for both the mother and the baby. During this time, the mother should focus on rest, nourishment, and bonding with her baby. This means no cleaning, cooking, or any other household chores. It's a time for relaxation and healing.

And finally, the most important piece of advice - seek help when you need it! Whether it's from family, friends, or a healthcare professional, don't be afraid to ask for help. Ayushakti Ayurved offers a range of treatments and services specifically designed for mothers, including prenatal and postnatal massages, herbal remedies, and personalized dietary plans.

Takeaway

So, there you have it - a humorous and informative guide to safe motherhood from an Ayurvedic perspective. Remember, taking care of yourself during pregnancy and postpartum is essential for both you and your baby's health. So, celebrate National Safe Motherhood Day by booking an appointment with Ayushakti Ayurved and giving yourself and your baby the best start to motherhood!

Book your consultation here  - https://bit.ly/3XiG50D

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Author of the Blog: DR. RAM KONDUSKAR

Expert Review By: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram

Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Lt