Ayurvedic Postpartum Wellness Guide and Recovery Tips

Written by

Dr. Harsha Joy

Nangelil Ayurveda Medical College

I am Dr. Harsha Joy, and I mostly work with women who are struggling with stuff like hormonal issues, skin flare-ups, hair thinning, or fertility troubles that don't always have one straight answer. Over the years, I’ve realised that real healing doesn’t come from a standard protocol—it comes when you actually sit with a person, understand what their day looks like, how they eat sleep think feel. That’s where Ayurveda makes all the sense in the world to me. My clinical work revolves around women’s health—especially gynecology and infertility care. Many women who reach out to me have tried many things, felt confused or unheard. Whether it’s PCOS, irregular cycles, or just feeling "off" hormonally, I try to look at the root imbalance—agni, ama, ojas—basic Ayurvedic fundamentals that still explain modern conditions better than most charts or labels. Fertility support is something close to my heart... we don’t rush anything. It’s more like—let’s fix the ecosystem inside first. I also work with chronic skin and hair problems. Acne that just won't leave, hyperpigmentation, postpartum hair loss, oily scalp with dandruff... and again, for these too, it’s usually not a skin problem. It’s digestion, stress, sleep, circulation—internal stuff showing up outside. We work with diet tweaks, gut reset, herbs, maybe some lepas or sneha therapy—but always after tuning into what *your* body wants. Outside my clinic I write a lot. I'm part of content teams that simplify Ayurveda into understandable bits—whether it's about hormonal balance or skincare or daily routines. Writing has helped me reach people who aren’t ready to consult but want to start somewhere. And I think that matters too. I don’t believe in intense detoxes or piling on medicines. The work I do is slow, layered, sometimes messy—but that's healing. That’s what I try to offer—whether someone walks in with hair loss or years of failed fertility cycles. Every body has its own story and my job’s just to hear it right. Maybe guide it back home.

Childbirth is a significant event for both body and mind. Childbirth brings a new soul into the world and starts the journey for two others. Hence it is important to ensure adequate importance is given to care and nurturing of both the child and the mother. According to Ayurveda the first 42 weeks is an important time period for the growth and well-being of both the child and also plays a significant role in the bond with the mother.

The postpartum period, known as “Sutika Kala ” in Ayurveda, is a transformative and delicate phase in a woman’s life that demands special attention to both physical and emotional well-being. Rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, Ayurvedic postpartum wellness and recovery offer a holistic approach to nurturing and rejuvenating new mothers during this critical time. Ayurveda recognizes that the postpartum period is not only about the health of the mother but also the foundation for the health and growth of the newborn. Ayurvedic principles and practices that promote healing, balance, and strength for new mothers as they embark on their postpartum journey, offering a comprehensive roadmap to support their physical and emotional recovery.

Ayurvedic tips for postpartum wellness and recovery

Postpartum is a crucial time period after childbirth where special attention should be given to the mother for proper rejuvenation and recovery. It is also a critical time for the mother to bond with the child. During this time the mother adjusts both physically and mentally. The Ayurvedic treatments for postpartum are holistic and help the mothers to return to their lives. Some of the tips for postpartum wellness in Ayurveda are:

Get plenty of Rest

Since the body is in recovery to return to its pre-pregnancy state, one of the easiest and most crucial ways to ensure there is plenty of rest. The body has just gone through a major event, and it needs time to recover. Aim to get at least 8-10 hours of sleep per night, and take naps during the day whenever possible. This helps the body to rejuvenate and recover. This also helps to heal the body and also build hormonal balance. During this time the mother can seek the help of friends, family, and life partners for other work and focus on resting and recovering.

Revitalize with Dietary changes

Like rest another way for revitalizing the body is through a healthy diet. Ayurveda recommends following a diet that helps build energy and also balances the doshas, specifically the vata dosha, whose imbalance is seen after childbirth. The Ayurvedic tips for a healthy diet are:

Warm and Nourishing Foods: In Ayurveda, it’s believed that warm, cooked foods are easier to digest and help in postpartum recovery. These foods provide the necessary nutrients to replenish the mother’s strength.

Ghee (Clarified Butter): Ghee is considered a superfood in Ayurveda. It’s rich in healthy fats and supports digestion, making it especially beneficial for postpartum healing.

Ayurvedic Spices: Spices like ginger, cumin, and turmeric are known for their digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. They can aid in digestion and reduce any inflammation in the body.

Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, but Ayurveda suggests drinking warm water or herbal teas to help with digestion.

Herbal support for building immunity

Along with the diet, ayurvedic herbs can help build strength, boost recovery, and help the mother return to daily life. Some of the ayurvedic herbs that can help with this are:

Shatavari: Shatavari is known for its ability to balance hormones and support lactation, making it beneficial for new mothers.

Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb can help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being during the postpartum period.

Riphala: Triphala is a combination of three fruits and is often used to support digestive health, which can be especially important after childbirth when digestion may be sluggish.

Other medicines are Dashamoolarishta, Dhanwantaram Kahshayam, Saubhagya Shunthi etc

Include self-care practices

Self-care is just as important as rest and nutrition for postpartum healing. During this time a mother experiences a range of emotions so it is important to find self-care practices to manage them. Take some time each day to do something that you enjoy, such as reading, taking a bath, or spending time in nature.

Self-care can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels. It is important to find self-care activities that work for you and that you can fit into your busy schedule.

Here are some ideas for postpartum self-care:

Take a warm bath or shower.

Listen to music while nursing the baby or having a bath or whenever you get some me-time
Go for regular walks if possible in nature.
Spend time with loved ones.
Regular massages are ideal as it help in regaining strength and restoring blood circulation after the strenuous process of pregnancy and delivery.
Take that crucial nap.
Do not compromise on eating healthy and on time even if the whole schedule largely depends upon the baby’s schedule.

Along with this Ayurvedic practices like abhyanga can assist in building mental and physical strength and rejuvenate the body.

In conclusion, following these steps can help in building postpartum wellness and also help the mother to recover and restart her normal life. But it is also important to consult an Ayurvedic doctor in order to get a tailored approach to follow during the postpartum and take Ayurvedic treatments if necessary.

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This article is checked by the current qualified Dr Sujal Patil and can be considered a reliable source of information for users of the site.