Pregnancy Care in Siddha - Post Partum(After delivery)

Post Partum Care through Siddha Medicine

     Siddhars through their emminent knowledge and visionemphasized on the ‘way of life’ through Siddha Medicine. Our daily life, routine, food, diet, medicinal aspects, prevention of diseases etc are described in various poems written by Siddhars. In ‘Agasthiyar Pindor-urpathi’ SiddharAgasthiyar described how union of male and female gamete, through a series of changes transforms into an individual and its arrival to the new world. Siddha is a health system which is most ancient and based on Three humoural (Vali, Azhal, Iyam) and Five Elemental (Prithivi, Vayu, Appu, Theyu, and Akayam) Theory.

After the delivery, the mother becomes weak and exhausted. Usually normal or vaginal delivery is considered safe and healthy. But if the pregnancy is high risk or if the baby is in an abnormal position, an elective Caesarean section is preffered. 

Postpartum care is considered as important as prenatal care because pregnancy brings about various negative effects in the mothers body.Vatha increases during pregnancy. Digestion, Respiration and in short complete general health of mother is affected. Postpartum care in Siddha Medicine is described below revealing the Traditional Medicinal values and methods. Basically post partum treatment is compulsory for 45 days after delivery. During these 45 days, mother and baby, is given equal care. Mother is always assisted by elders even while nursing the baby. This gives her confidence and encouragement in her future motherhood. She is never left alone and kept cheerful as stress can hamper healing and lactation. Proper rest and sleep is given else she may undergo post partum depression. Good nutrition and care is given. Post natal care differs in some ways according to the mode of delivery. A delivered woman should be given treatment to combat the following.

Improving Breast milk :

Lactation is a very important aspect after delivery. The digestion and GIT health of the baby completely depends on the mother’s diet. Lactating woman should drink enough water during lactation. Also we can  include the Medicines like choornam, Legyam with hot milk or powder of Satavari or Tanneervittan kizhangu with hot milk are good lactogogue.

Preventing Constipation :

A pregnant woman an suffer from chronic constipation and piles during the course of pregnancy and after delivery. Hence diet rich in fibres, cereals, and water should be consumed. Green vegetables and fruits should be major portion of the diet. Overeating should be avoided. Siddha medicines will be included for the better outcome.

Support Uterus to regain its shape and size :

Usually it takes six months for the uterus to return back to the previous size. Foods rich in turmeric, fenugreek, gumacacia, green papaya, sesame, cetain fish varieties etc should be given. Uterine tonics and some traditional medicines are given for nourishing and toning the uterus.  Avoid long trips and heavy work for 2 months.

Normal or Vaginal Delivery :

Normal delivery makes the delivered mother weak and tired. She needs special care for her bones especially joints and hip, her reproductive organs specially uterus, Gastrointestinal system and also her Mental health.After vaginal delivery, usually 3 days hospital stay is observed. If mother or the baby has any health issues, hospital stay may be extended.  Traditionally there are medicines and applications recommended for delivered mothers during the post partum period. Some of these medicines shall be further discussed in this article.

Siddha Medicines after delivery :

The internal medicines given after delivery should be rich in iron and calcium content. It should promote proper digestion and prevent flatulence and constipation. It should tone the uterus and improve breast milk. For the following conditions, Siddha System has a definite solution for with our internal & External medicines (Only Herbs combinations).

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These are general medicines given during post partum period. Please consult a Siddha physician (or contact Us) to know proper dose and time period for consumption of each medicine.