Welcome to the period of chaos and love:

Nothing changes a woman’s body more than pregnancy. 40 weeks or more of pregnancy, the pain of childbirth, it doesn’t stop there. It is just the beginning and this beginning calls for equal care for both the post-partum mother and the newborn child. The first few months after delivery is crucial, as the uterus is shrinking to its normal size and the ligaments, muscles, and tendon is trying to regain their original strength lost during labor.

Women and newborns require support and careful monitoring post-delivery and birth respectively. Post-delivery care during the summer months is an important part of ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby. 

As temperatures rise, new mothers need to be especially aware of the associated health risks of post-delivery care during these months. Fortunately, there are various benefits to providing extra care for the mother and the newborn during the summer months which can help ensure that both the mom and the baby are healthy and safe. From improved infant health to better sleep for moms, postpartum care during the summer can prove to be especially beneficial. To know more about post-pregnancy care for moms, click here.

The aims of Ayurvedic Post Natal Care: 

• To bring back the digestive and metabolic state of the mother to normal
• To strengthen the loosened muscles and ligaments of the abdomen and pelvis
• To normalize physiological functions through relaxation techniques
• To promote lactation through good dietary practices

Few tips for keeping post-partum mothers cool in the heat:

Both the mother and child can stay safe and enjoy the benefits of the sunshine. 

Bath Time:

• Take an oil massage using Abyanga mixed with coconut oil. It helps relieve the body of any itches and also promotes sound sleep.
• Use gram flour or ubtan and mix it with water to apply the paste to the skin before the bath. This will impart freshness to the skin and improve skin tone and texture in the long run.
• Keep yourself warm. Have a bath in warm water. Take an oil massage whenever it is possible for you. This relaxes your muscles and also promotes good sleep. 
• After bath, you can apply a mixture of sandals, camphor, and agar to keep the body at the right temperature.
• To keep the body cool, apply a paste of sandalwood and rose water on the forehead and wrists after your bath.
• Wear breathable clothing made from lightweight fabrics like cotton. Avoid tight-fitting clothes and synthetic fabrics, which can trap heat and make you feel even hotter.

Diet–wise:

• Mothers, whether you are breastfeeding or formula-feeding, you must make sure to drink water regularly throughout the day, and consider carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go. You can also opt for warm water or cumin water. 
• Eat fresh foods, because fresh foods are easier to digest. Include gooseberries, pomegranates, raisins, dates and figs in your diet. 
• Include ghee in your diet. Ghee is supportive of lactation, increases breastmilk supply, and also promotes good sleep.
• Consume water-rich foods to stay hydrated. Choose fresh seasonal fruits always. Bananas, mangoes, watermelons, avocado,s and apples can give you the fruity nutrition that you need.
• Drink electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water or buttermilk to replace any minerals lost due to dehydration.
• Try to avoid eating vegetables in their raw form. Vegetables must be steamed, stir-fried, and then seasoned for easier digestion.
• Avoid eating spicy and fried food items as they can increase body heat and cause discomfort.
• Drink honey water, and barley water as this imparts a sense of energy and freshness to the body.
• Have a glass of milk with Rose petal jam. It is highly rich in antioxidants and is a good cure for acidity. 

Rest-wise:

• Avoid sleeping during the day as much as possible.
• Take plenty of rest. New mothers are advised to rest at home for 40 days or up to six weeks, or else things would definitely get overwhelming for the mother.
• New mothers can practice yoga and meditation to maintain good mental health and happiness. Are you interested to know more about post-pregnancy care for mothers? Then, click here.

Going outside:

• If you need to be outside, wear a hat or a scarf and light-colored clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly.

Few tips for keeping the baby comfortable in the summer heat:

At Bath Time:

• Oil massage and bath: The baby can be massaged using Coconut or Sesame oil. This can help prevent nappy rashes too. The baby can be massaged with upward and reverse gentle strokes and then bathed in warm water. 
• After a bath baby’s skin can be moisturized using any good moisturizer recommended by your medical practitioner. 
• Dress the baby in light-colored cotton clothes to keep warm. Avoid synthetic fabrics and tight-fitting clothes.

Diet-wise: 

As the newborn baby is still undergoing organ development and is also low on immunity, it depends on the mother for nourishment. Post-partum mothers must opt for whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to follow safe food handling practices to avoid foodborne illnesses. It is also important to continue taking any postnatal vitamins to ensure that you and your baby are getting all the required nutrients. 

• Babies are more prone to dehydration during summer. Your baby depends on its mother’s immunity while it is being exclusively breastfed until six months. Make sure your baby is well-fed from time to time in order to avoid dehydration.
• If the baby is on solid foods during summertime, make sure their diet has the required share of proteins, vitamins, fiber, and carbohydrates. 

Some more tips:

• Sunshine and Moonshine: Expose the child to mild sunshine staying within the confines of the house. Sunlight can gift the baby essential vitamin D and help maintain serotonin levels. Moonlight can calm the kid.
• Breathable blankets made from natural fabrics like muslin can be used to cover the baby when you’re out in the sun. 
• Do not let the baby sweat too much or leave them damp for too long. 
• Look out for skin allergies- nappy rashes are prone to develop at this time, avoid using diapers all the time unless necessary.
• Avoid using talcum powders for babies. The powder is made of small particles that can fly in the air easily and get inhaled. If your baby breathes them in, they can damage his lungs and lead to breathing difficulties. 
• Make sure your room is well-ventilated and not too stuffy so that the baby can enjoy a sound sleep.

The first few weeks with a new baby are very arduous, bodily and emotionally. Women need to rest and take care of themselves as they recuperate from labor and birth. Summer will soon hit us and the scorching heat will test our patience as well as our energy quotient. So there you go moms, now you know the little things that can make a big difference to your summers. We urge you to recognize that your body has endured a lot of changes and taking care of it is also a requisite part of this process of motherhood; and hope that with these tips, you will bigheartedly give yourself the tender loving care that you and your baby truly deserve. Read here about the Yoga Therapy services we offer.