LACTATION

Breast milk is the best form of nutrition for neonates and infants. The properties of breast milk helps in the transition of life from in utero to ex utero. It provides a diverse array of bioactive substances to the developing infant during critical periods of brain, immune, and gut development.

As the women gets pregnant many changes takes place in her body. By the 6th month of pregnancy her breast are ready to produce milk. Immediately after the delivery of the baby & placenta, a hormone named Prolactin secreted in the women’s body to activate the milk producing glands. By the 3rd to 5th day regular milk flow starts. As the baby starts to suck each day, nursing triggers continuous production of milk. A hormone named Oxytocin causes mammary glands to release milk to the nursing baby.

Breast feeding should be the only food item for the baby for first 3 months. Afterwards slowly solid food in the form of rice gruel, mashes vegetable, cow milk can be started. Breast milk should be given for as long as 1 to 1.5 yrs. As teeth eruption takes place after 6-8 months of age in the baby solid content should be increased and breast feed can be decreased.

 

What is Lactation according to Ayurved?

Lactation is termed as ‘Stanyapaan’ in Ayurved. It is the most natural way which comes to women after delivering a baby. The production of milk is also dependent upon the intake of mother. In Ayurved, specific dietary & lifestyle changes are adviced to the women after delivering a baby.

 

Factors affecting production of Breast milk

  1. Mental stress
  2. Anxiety
  3. Fear
  4. Anger
  5. Canned, hot, spicy, pungent, heavy to digest foods such as Yogurt, Meats etc.
  6. Dry, stale, fermented foods etc.

These factors result in decrease in the production of milk in women.

 

Line of treatment according to Ayurved

Health of the new-born completely depends upon the quality of Breast milk. According to Ayurved, there are some rules which should be followed in post-natal period, atleast for first 6 weeks. If they are not followed or if the causes given above take place, it results into vitiation of Dosha i. e Vata/Pitta/Kapha. This vitiation leads to vitiation of the breast milk. For assessment of predominant dosha specific test which the mother can perform on her own to find out the quality of the milk has been stated in Ayurved.

In a glass water should be taken. Some drops of breast milk are poured into that water. If the milk floats on the water, it should be understood that there is predominance of Vatadosha in the breast milk. In predominance with Pitta dosha, light yellowish lines can be seen in the water. In Kapha dominant breast milk, the milk instantly sinks in the water.

Ideal breast milk is that milk which when put into water instantly mixes with it, sweet in taste & white in color.

Many herbal medicines are mentioned in Ayurved which helps in increasing the production of breast milk such as Shatavarikalpa.

At Ayurved Health Clinic, oral medication for improving production of breast milk, for improving quality of milk, medication for pacification of vitiated dosha are advised Specific dietary & lifestyle regime is also advised for improvement of health of the mother as well as new-born.

Diet & Lifestyle management

DO’S

  1. Drinking Hot milk everyday with 2 table-spoons of Shatavari Kalpa.
  2. Soak 8-10 Almonds overnight, then peel them & make a paste of them in a Blender. Add 1 glassful of Milk to the mixture. Drink this Almond milk with a pinch of Saffron in it every day.
  3. Ghee and oils should be consumed in adequate quantity to improve digestion, facilitate evacuation of bowels, nourishment of the body & for pacification of aggravated Vatadosha which is natural during the process of child birth.
  4. Taking enough rest

 

DON’T’S

  1. Mental stress, Anxiety, anger etc.
  2. Sexual intercourse for first 6 wks.
  3. Overeating or Fasting
  4. Canned, hot, spicy, pungent, heavy to digest foods such as Yogurt, Meats, Dry, stale, fermented foods etc.

 

The right type of nutrition should be provided to a new-born and hence, breast milk should be taken great care of. Connect to Ayurved Health Clinic and nourish your child with healthy elements.