Childbirth changes a woman in ways that are both visible and invisible. The body has worked hard, the mind has travelled through intense emotions, and a new rhythm of life has begun. Ayurveda gives deep importance to this phase after delivery and reminds us that healing does not happen in a hurry. This period is meant for rest, nourishment, warmth, and careful attention.

When post-delivery care is done properly, the body regains strength steadily, digestion settles, emotions soften, and the mother feels supported rather than exhausted. When ignored, the same phase can leave behind long-term weakness, body pain, digestive issues, or emotional imbalance. That is why Ayurveda offers very clear do’s and don’ts for this time.

Below is a detailed guide to help understand what supports healing and what disturbs it.

DO’s of Post-Delivery Care

Take plenty of rest
Rest is not a luxury after childbirth. It is a necessity. The body needs uninterrupted time to repair tissues, regain energy, and adjust internally. Lying down, sleeping whenever possible, and avoiding unnecessary movement allows natural healing to take place.

Eat warm, freshly prepared food
Warm food keeps digestion steady and supports recovery. Simple meals like soups, soft rice, porridge, and foods prepared with ghee help rebuild strength without burdening the stomach. Freshly cooked food is easier to digest and gives steady nourishment.

Drink warm water as advised
Warm water supports digestion and helps the body clear waste gently. It also keeps the body warm from within, which is especially important after delivery. Water intake should always follow medical advice, based on the mother’s condition.

Keep the body warm at all times
After childbirth, the body becomes sensitive to cold. Keeping the abdomen, lower back, and feet warm helps prevent Vata imbalance. Warm clothing, proper bedding, and avoiding cold air are simple but powerful forms of care.

Take gentle oil massage with recommended oils
Oil massage supports circulation, relaxes muscles, and calms the nervous system. It must always be gentle and done only with oils recommended by the doctor. The intention is comfort and recovery, not pressure.

Maintain hygiene using warm water
Cleanliness is important, but it must be done gently. Warm water helps maintain hygiene without shocking the body. Harsh products or cold water should be avoided during this sensitive period.

Breastfeed comfortably and eat nourishing food
Proper posture during breastfeeding reduces strain on the back and shoulders. Eating nourishing food supports both the mother’s strength and the baby’s feeding needs. Calm feeding times also help emotional bonding.

Follow medical advice carefully
Medicines, routines, and therapies suggested by the doctor are based on the mother’s individual recovery. Following these instructions patiently ensures safe and steady healing.

DON’Ts of Post-Delivery Care

Do not lift heavy objects or overwork
Lifting weight or pushing the body too soon can delay healing and cause pain or weakness later. The body needs gradual strengthening, not strain.

Avoid cold food and drinks
Cold items disturb digestion and slow recovery. They can increase discomfort, bloating, or fatigue. This includes refrigerated food and chilled drinks.

Do not bathe with cold water
Cold baths shock the system and weaken the body during recovery. Bathing with warm water keeps muscles relaxed and supports circulation.

Avoid junk, fried, and processed food
Heavy, oily, or packaged food is difficult to digest during this phase. It adds load to the system instead of nourishment, slowing down recovery.

No strenuous exercise in early days
Exercise can wait. The body needs rest before movement. Strenuous activity too early can lead to pain, weakness, or delayed healing.

Do not skip meals
Even if appetite feels low, skipping meals weakens the body further. Small, warm meals taken regularly are better than long gaps without food.

Avoid stress and late nights
Mental rest is as important as physical rest. Late nights and stress disturb sleep, digestion, and emotional balance. Calm days and early rest support healing.

Do not self-medicate
Trying home remedies or medicines without guidance can be harmful. Every body heals differently, and unsupervised remedies may disturb recovery.

Why These Do’s and Don’ts Matter

Ayurveda teaches that post-delivery care is not only about the first few weeks. The way a woman is cared for now affects her health for years to come. Proper routines protect strength, digestion, hormonal balance, and emotional wellbeing. When care is gentle and consistent, motherhood feels supported rather than draining. 

If you are seeking post partum treatment, pregnancy care, post pregnancy care, lactation counselling, or guidance on using a postpartum belt, Janika Ayurveda offers care guided by experienced hands and traditional wisdom.

Connect with us to experience what many mothers trust as the best post pregnancy care in Kochi and the best post pregnancy care in Bangalore. Let your recovery be slow, safe, and deeply supported—with Janika Ayurveda.

Read More: Postnatal Yoga: A Gentle Return to Your Body After Birth