Significance of Prasavaraksha:

“Prasavaraksha” is a term from Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating from India. In Ayurveda, “Prasavaraksha” means postpartum care for both the mother and the newborn. The importance of prasavaraksha after delivery lies in promoting the health and well-being of the mother and ensuring proper recovery from childbirth. This care typically includes various aspects such as dietary recommendations, rest, herbal remedies, massages, and practices to support breastfeeding.

Different phases in Prasavaraksha:

• Preparation Phase:

Before childbirth, the mother undergoes preparatory treatments aimed at balancing her doshas (biological energies) and ensuring optimal health. This phase includes dietary adjustments, herbal supplements, and lifestyle modifications to promote vitality and resilience.

• Delivery Phase:

During labor, specialized Ayurvedic techniques such as massage, aromatherapy, and gentle yoga postures may be employed to alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation. The environment is carefully curated to be serene, with soft lighting, soothing music, and supportive caregivers.

• Postpartum Phase:

Following delivery, the focus shifts to postpartum care, encompassing dietary recommendations, herbal remedies, and therapeutic massages to aid in recovery, replenish vital energy, and promote lactation. Emotional support and bonding activities between mother and child are integral during this phase.

Importance of prasavaraksha after deliver 

“Prasavaraksha” is a term from Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating from India. In Ayurveda, “prasavaraksha” refers to postpartum care for both the mother and the newborn. The importance of prasavaraksha after delivery lies in promoting the health and well-being of the mother and ensuring proper recovery from childbirth. This care typically includes various aspects such as dietary recommendations, rest, herbal remedies, massages, and practices to support breastfeeding.

Here are some key points highlighting the importance of prasavaraksha:

• Physical Recovery: Childbirth is a physically demanding process, and the mother’s body needs time to recover. Prasavaraksha practices are aimed at helping the mother’s body heal and regain strength after delivery.
• Hormonal Balance: Ayurvedic practices during the postpartum period focus on balancing the hormonal changes that occur after childbirth. This helps in stabilizing mood swings and promoting emotional well-being.
• Pain relief: Breastfeeding and taking care of the child after delivery can intensify arm,   shoulder, and back pains. While taking Ayurvedic treatment the doshas which got   imbalanced will be corrected. The pain is aggravated with vata dosha and it is been treated  with abyanga, kizhi , dhara etc  
• Nutrition and Diet: Proper nutrition is crucial for the mother’s recovery and for supporting breastfeeding. Prasavaraksha includes dietary recommendations that provide nourishment and aid in the production of breast milk.
• Emotional Support: The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging for many women. Prasavaraksha emphasizes emotional support through practices like bonding with the newborn, relaxation techniques, and providing a supportive environment for the mother.
• Breastfeeding Support: Ayurvedic practices can help support lactation and address any breastfeeding-related issues that may arise during the postpartum period.
• Prevention of Complications: Prasavaraksha practices aim to prevent postpartum complications and promote overall health and well-being for both the mother and the newborn.

Overall, prasavaraksha plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition for the mother from pregnancy to motherhood, supporting her physical, emotional, and nutritional needs during the postpartum period. It is an integral part of Ayurvedic care for women after childbirth, focusing on holistic well-being.

Internal Treatments for Mother and Child:

Mother:

• Herbal decoctions and tonics are administered to aid in uterine toning, promote healing, and restore vitality.
• A nutrient-rich diet comprising easily digestible foods like rice gruel, cooked vegetables, and herbal soups is recommended to replenish energy reserves.
• Ayurvedic formulations containing herbs like Shatavari, Ashwagandha, and Guduchi are prescribed to support hormonal balance and lactation.

Child:

• Ayurvedic herbal formulations are administered to the newborn to strengthen immunity, enhance digestion, and promote healthy growth.
• Gentle massage using herbal oils aids in muscle relaxation, improves circulation, and fosters bonding between the infant and the caregiver.
• Swarna Prashana, a traditional Ayurvedic immunization technique involving the administration of gold nanoparticles, may be recommended to boost the child’s immunity.

External Treatments for Mother and Child:

Mother:

• Postpartum massage with warm herbal oils, such as Dhanwantharam Thailam, promotes muscle relaxation, alleviates postpartum discomfort, and facilitates toxin elimination.
• Treatments like abyanga,  Kashaya dhara, and elakizhi is done to the entre body and more concentrated on the abdomen to aid in toning the uterus, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing of episiotomy or cesarean incisions
• Giving Shirodhara, Shiro abhyanga etc for psychological problems faced after delivery.
• Sitz baths infused with medicinal herbs like Triphala or Neem help cleanse and soothe the perineal area, accelerating healing and preventing infections.

Child:

• Daily gentle abyanga followed by snana using Ayurvedic medications like Bala Thailam or Dhanwantaram Thailam promotes healthy growth, strengthens muscles, and enhances sleep quality for the newborn.
• Taking good care of the umbilical cord 
• The application of herbal pastes or powders on the baby’s skin protects against skin ailments, maintains skin hydration, and enhances skin barrier function.
• Giving Ura marunne to improve the immunity of baby. 

Duration of Prasavaraksha:

• For a normal delivery, Prasavaraksha rituals typically span around 21 to 42 days postpartum, allowing sufficient time for the mother to recuperate, bond with the newborn, and regain vitality.
• In the case of cesarean section (C-section), the duration may extend to 42 days or more, considering the additional healing time required for surgical incisions and postoperative recovery.

In conclusion, Prasavaraksha embodies the essence of holistic care during childbirth, embracing ancient Ayurvedic wisdom to nurture both mother and child through every phase of the transformative journey. By integrating internal and external treatments, emotional support, and personalized care, Prasavaraksha heralds a harmonious beginning to the sacred bond between mother and child, fostering health, vitality, and well-being for generations to come.

This unique blend of tradition and science not only honors the profound significance of childbirth but also exemplifies the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda in promoting holistic health and wellness. In a world increasingly drawn to modern interventions, Prasavaraksha stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of ancient practices in nurturing life’s most precious .moments