Namaste Magizhini ji,
Weight gain in infants must be approached gently, prioritizing nourishment and digestion while ensuring proper growth and development. Ayurveda places significant emphasis on snehan (nourishment), agni (digestion), and maintaining the balance of doshas, especially in such a delicate stage of life. Since your baby had jaundice due to ABO incompatibility, strengthening her agni (digestive fire) and ensuring proper assimilation of nutrients is key. Here’s an Ayurvedic approach:
1. Key Ayurvedic Principles for Infant Weight Gain
Focus on improving digestion and absorption (balancing vata and pitta dosha) since jaundice can affect digestion.
Support immunity and nourishment with natural, mild methods.
Exclusively breastfeed unless medically advised otherwise, as mother’s milk (stanya) is the best for infants.
2. Ayurvedic Practices to Aid Weight Gain
a. Enhancing Breast Milk (Stanya Shodhana and Stanya Vardhana)
Since the baby is dependent on breast milk, improving the quality and quantity of breast milk is essential:
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): A well-known galactagogue to improve milk production and enhance its nutritional quality. You can take Shatavari Kalpa (1 tsp in warm milk twice daily).
Jeeraka (Cumin): Cumin seeds aid digestion for both the mother and baby. Drink cumin-infused warm water throughout the day.
Other Galactagogue Foods: Include fennel seeds, methi (fenugreek), dill seeds, and ajwain in your diet.
b. Baby Massage (Abhyanga)
Daily massage with Ayurvedic oils strengthens the baby, improves blood circulation, and enhances weight gain:
Use Bala Taila or Lakshadi Taila for gentle massage.
Massage the baby 20–30 minutes before a warm bath. This helps nourish tissues (dhatus) and calms vata dosha, which aids growth and digestion.
c. Digestive Care (Agni Deepana and Ama Pachana)
For optimal weight gain, the baby’s digestion must be strong:
Ajwain Smoke (Light Digestive Aid): Slightly roast ajwain seeds on a pan and let the mother or baby gently inhale the mild fumes (from a safe distance) to reduce gas and aid digestion.
Mother’s Digestive Herbs: The mother’s diet plays a role in preventing colic or indigestion in the baby. She can take:
Hingwashtak Churna: A pinch before meals mixed with ghee and rice to reduce gas.
Jeerakarishta: 10 ml diluted in water after meals to enhance digestion.
d. Immunity Boosting (Balya and Rasayana Herbs)
Gentle, baby-safe Ayurvedic formulations can aid overall development and strengthen immunity:
Swarna Prashana: Administered as drops, this combination of gold bhasma, honey, and ghee enhances immunity and supports growth. Consult an Ayurvedic pediatrician for dosage.
Dashamoola Decoction (Mild Strengthening): If the baby has any lingering weakness, consult for a very mild preparation of Dashamoola with honey.
3. Mother’s Diet for Better Milk and Baby Weight Gain
The mother’s diet directly influences breast milk quality:
Include ghee in her diet as it enhances both digestion and the nutritive quality of milk.
Eat kalpana ahara (light and nourishing foods) like moong dal khichdi, rice, milk, and boiled vegetables.
Avoid spicy, sour, or cold foods as they disturb digestion.
4. Monitor Growth Gradually
A 90-day-old baby should gain about 20–30 grams per day. If she is gaining within this range, continue supporting her natural development with the above methods.
If you observe issues like frequent regurgitation, gas, or crying after feeding, consult an Ayurvedic pediatrician to address any vata imbalance.
5. Precautions and Modern Integration
HMF Powder: Since this has been prescribed by your pediatrician, continue it alongside Ayurvedic care.
Regularly monitor weight, urine, and stool patterns to ensure proper digestion and hydration.
