Ayurvedic treatments for caring for newborns

Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to newborn care, focusing on the baby’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being from birth. The practices aim to balance the baby’s doshas (energy) (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and improve overall health and immunity.

Key Ayurvedic Practices for Newborn Care:

Immediate newborn care (Jatakarama Samskara)

Prana Pratyagamana (Resuscitation): Traditional documents describe treatments similar to current neonatal resuscitation, such as cleaning airways and activating respiration with sensory, tactile, and auditory stimulations (for example, gently striking stones near the ears and sprinkling water).

Vernix Removal (Ulva Parimarjana):

Gently clean the protecting vernix caseosa with a mixture of ghee (clarified butter) and rock salt.

Umbilical chord Care (Nabhi Nala Chedana):

Using a sterile device, cut the umbilical chord and tie it to prevent blood loss. Some traditions mention using specific herbs for healing and protection.

Oral Cavity Cleansing (Mukha Vishodhana):

Clearing the newborn’s mouth to allow for uninterrupted breathing and feeding.

First Feed (Madhu-Ghrita Prashana):

Honey and ghee are traditionally given in modest amounts as the first feed, which is said to aid digestion and metabolism. However, recent medical advice frequently advises against honey for newborns under one year old due to the danger of botulism. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

Abhyanga (oil massage):

Benefits: This is a key component of Ayurvedic newborn care. Regular heated oil massages (Shishu Abhyanga) are said to:

Strengthen your muscles and bones.

Improve circulation.

Aid digestion and encourage good sleep.

Nourish and protect your skin.

Increase immunity.

Increase the bond between parent and child by increasing oxytocin levels.

Soothe Vata dosha, which is frequently inflamed during childbirth.

Technique: Begin with soft, rhythmic circular motions from the head and work your way down to the feet. For the first few months, avoid applying pressure to the fontanelle (soft spot). Massage should be performed in a warm, comfortable environment when the baby is not hungry or has just been fed.

Virgin coconut oil is frequently advised for newborns up to three months old due to its cooling and hydrating characteristics. Other options include sesame oil, almond oil, Nalpamaradi oil (which may stain due to turmeric but can be diluted with coconut oil), and Eladi oil. Always perform a patch test for allergies.

Post-massage: Take a lukewarm bath with herbal water or gentle herbal cleansers.

Snana (bathing):

Bathing with warm herbal water (for example, infused with Ksheerivriksha Kashaya, neem, or tulsi) is thought to cleanse, protect, and nourish the baby’s skin, increase circulation, and help avoid infections.

After bathing, Rasnadi choornam is applied to the baby’s bregma (fontanelle) as a traditional cold prevention method.

Breastfeeding (stanyapaana):

Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, believing that mother’s milk is the best source of nourishment, immunity, and overall growth.

If breastfeeding is not an option, a wet nurse was historically recommended.

According to Ayurveda, a kid should not be fed breast milk from a mom who is hungry, grieving, has damaged tissues, or consumes harmful meals.

Lehana (Medicated Licking) and Suvarnaprashana

Lehana: Herbal formulations containing honey and ghee are sometimes given to infants to improve immunity, digestion, and cognitive development.

Suvarnaprashana is an Ayurvedic immunization practice in which children are given a gold-infused herbal preparation (Suvarna Bhasma, which contains herbal extracts and ghee). It is thought to increase immunity, improve memory, promote growth, and avoid disease. It is commonly administered on auspicious days (Pushya Nakshatra).

Dietary recommendations for weaning:

For infants aged 0 to 6 months, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended.

For 6-12 months, introduce easy-to-digest foods such as rice gruel (Peya) and fruit purees (Phalaprashana).

To help digestion, add small amounts of spices such as hing (asafoetida) and jeeraka (cumin).

Environmental hygiene:

Keeping the nursery free of dust and allergies.

Dhoopana Vidhi (Fumigation) entails burning Ayurvedic herbs such as guggulu and neem in the baby’s room to purify the air and prevent illnesses.

Comfort and Safety:

Dressing the infant in natural fibers to control body temperature and avoid skin irritation is known as vastra dhaarana.

Swaddling is the practice of tightly wrapping a newborn in cotton cloth to provide warmth and comfort, simulating the environment of the womb and calming Vata.

Sun and Moon Exposure: It is thought that early morning gentle sunlight exposure can aid with disorders like newborn jaundice by breaking down bilirubin. Moonlight is thought to be Pitta-calming and cooling.

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to newborn care, emphasizing nurturing the baby’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being right from birth. The practices aim to balance the baby’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and promote overall health and immunity.

Important Considerations:

• Consult a professional: While these practices are traditional, always consult a qualified Ayurvedic pediatrician or a medical doctor before introducing any new treatments or remedies for your newborn, especially for internal administration of herbs.
• Purity and Quality: Use organic, high-quality herbs and oils.
• Start Small: When introducing any new practice or herb, start with small quantities and observe the baby’s response.
• Hygiene: Maintain strict hygiene during all practices.
• Mother’s Health: Ayurveda emphasizes the mother’s postpartum recovery as crucial for the baby’s well-being, as her diet and emotional state influence breast milk quality. Postpartum care for mothers often includes specific diets, oil massages (Abhyanga), and herbal support to balance Vata, strengthen digestion, and promote lactation.
• The first three months following delivery are critical for the mother. During this time, the enlarged uterus shrinks back to its original place. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons involved with the uterus begin to regain lost power. Mother also recalls her mental strength, which will be rather low in the first week following delivery. In truth, postnatal care revitalizes the mother’s body.