Postpartum weakness and weight gain - #32216
Hi, im 39 yr old mother of two girls, one is 4 yr old and one is 10 month old . Both are c sec babies. Im having weakness, joint pains, weight gain and fatigue. I need to know what is my body type and which foods favor me and which dont and what to do tolose weight and gain my strength
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HELLO ARSHIA JI,
NEED PERSONAL CONSULTATION. Please visit nearby ayurvedic physician (BAMS MS GYNAE /OBS)for further advice.
Take caređ
Kind Regards, Dr.Isha Ashok Bhardwaj.
1.Dashmoolarishta 20 ml with 20 ml water after meals twice daily 2.Triphala guggulu 2 tab twice daily with water after meals 3.Balarishta 20 ml with 20 ml water twice daily afteer meals
Eat More Of: - Warm, cooked, spiced foods: Soups, stews, khichdi with ginger, cumin, ajwain - Grains: Barley, millets (ragi, bajra), red rice - Vegetables: Pumpkin, carrots, spinach, bottle gourd, ash gourd - Proteins: Moong dal, urad dal (well-cooked), paneer, sesame seeds - Fats: Ghee (1 tsp daily), sesame oil, coconut oil (in moderation) - Spices: Dry ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, hing
Avoid or Minimize: - Cold, raw, or heavy foods: Curd, bananas, potatoes, cheese, fried snacks - Refined carbs: Maida, white sugar, bakery items - Excess dairy: Especially cold milk or sweetened yogurt - Late-night eating or skipping meals
Lifestyle & Weight Loss Tips - Wake before sunrise: Helps reset Kapha sluggishness - Dry massage (Udvartana): With Triphala or horse gram powder to stimulate lymph - Gentle yoga: Focus on joint mobility, core strength, and breathwork - Postpartum belly binding: With castor oil or dhanwantharam thailam (if not already done) - Sleep hygiene: Early bedtime, warm foot massage with sesame oil
Ayurveda offers a holistic perspective on health, focusing on balancing the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
These doshas are believed to govern our physical and mental characteristics, and an imbalance can lead to various health issues. Based on the symptoms youâve describedâweakness, joint pain, weight gain, and fatigueâ would likely consider a possible imbalance involving one or more of these doshas.
Potential Dosha Imbalances and General Recommendations
Your symptomsâjoint pain, weight gain, and fatigueâare often associated with a possible imbalance of Kapha and Vata doshas.
Kapha: An excess of Kapha can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and a feeling of heaviness. It is associated with the elements of earth and water.
Vata: An imbalance in Vata can manifest as joint pain, weakness, and fatigue. It is linked to the elements of air and ether.
The postpartum period, especially after a C-section, is particularly a time when Vata can become imbalanced. The process of birth and surgery depletes the bodyâs reserves, and this can lead to Vata-related symptoms.
Ayurvedic Recommendations for Your Symptoms
Dietary Recommendations
Foods that May Favor You:
To balance Kapha and Vata, the focus is on warm, light, and easily digestible foods.
Warm and Cooked Foods: Warm soups, stews, and cooked vegetables are easier to digest and help to pacify Vata.
Spices: Use spices like ginger, black pepper, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon. These spices are known to improve digestion (Agni) and reduce Kapha.
Grains: Barley, quinoa, and millets are considered lighter grains that help with weight management.
Lentils and Legumes: Moong dal (split yellow lentils) is highly recommended as it is nourishing and easy to digest.
Fruits: Eat fruits that are not too sweet, such as apples, pears, and pomegranates. Itâs best to eat them cooked or stewed.
Fats: Use healthy fats like ghee (clarified butter) in moderation. Ghee is considered beneficial for joint health and can help balance Vata.
Foods to Be Mindful Of:
To avoid aggravating Vata and Kapha, itâs best to reduce or avoid the following:
Cold and Raw Foods: Avoid cold beverages, ice cream, and large amounts of raw salads. These can weaken digestion and increase Vata.
Heavy and Oily Foods: Steer clear of deep-fried foods, heavy dairy (like hard cheeses and yogurt), and excessive amounts of bread and pastries. These can increase Kapha and lead to weight gain.
Sweet and Sour Foods: Reduce intake of very sweet fruits, sugar, and sour foods like vinegar and fermented items.
Processed Foods: Avoid packaged, frozen, and processed foods, which lack prana (life force) and can be difficult for the body to assimilate.
Lifestyle and Strength Building Routine (Dinacharya): Establishing a daily routine is key to balancing Vata. Try to wake up, eat, and sleep at consistent times.
Gentle Movement: Regular, gentle exercise is crucial.
Yoga: Practices like gentle yoga or stretching can help with joint pain and improve circulation. Poses that focus on grounding and stability can be particularly beneficial.
Walking: A daily walk in nature can help reduce stress and improve energy levels.
Ayurvedic Massages (Abhyanga): Self-massage with warm sesame oil can be very beneficial for Vata imbalance. It nourishes the nervous system, lubricates the joints, and helps with weakness.
Stress Management: As a mother of two young children, it is important to find ways to manage stress. Meditation, deep breathing exercises (pranayama), and spending a few minutes in quiet reflection can be very helpful.
Postpartum and Post-C-section Care Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on postpartum care (Sutika Paricharya). A C-section is considered a major surgery that can significantly deplete the bodyâs resources. The goal of postpartum care is to replenish the body, strengthen the tissues, and bring the doshas back into balance.
Rest: It is crucial to prioritize rest and avoid overexertion.
1) Shatavari churna -1 tsf 2 time after food with milk
Avoid oily, spicy and processed foods. Regular exercise. Increase intake of raw vegetables and fruits. Dashmularishta 15ml twice after meal. Follow up after 2weeks.
HELLO ARSHIYA,
You are 10 months after C- section delivery. Your body has gone through -Blood loss and tissue weakness (common after childbirth and surgery) -sleep disturbances, stress and lack of rest (due to baby care) -imbalance in digestion and metabolism-> causing sluggishness and weight gain -Joint pains and weakness-> due to aggravated vata dosha (the energy responsible for movement, bones and nervous system -Weight gain and heaviness-> due to Kapha dosha imbalance (responsible for fat storage and metabolism
So, in Ayurveda this looks like vata-kapha imbalance with tissue weakness
TREATMENT GOALS -Rejuvination and strengthening-> to rebuild energy, stamina and immunity -Vata balance-> to relieve weakness, joint pains and fatigue -kapha balance and fat metabolism-> to reduce weight, improve digestion and metabolism -improve digestive fire-> to remove toxins ,enhance nutrient absorption -support reproductive system and hormones-> to restore balance after pregnancy -mental and emotional balance-> reduce stress, promote calmness and good sleep
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) ASHWAGANDHA LEHYAM= 1 tsp with warm milk at night for 3 months =restores strength, combats fatigue, improves sleep and immmunity
2) SHATAVARI GRANULES= 1 tsp with milk twice daily for 3 months =nourishes female system, improves lactation (if still breastfeeding), balances hormones
3) DASHMOOLA KASHAYA= 25ml + warm water twice daily before meals for 3 months =corrects vata imbalance, relieves joint pains, reduces postpartum weakness
4) TRIPHALA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm water at night =gentle detox, prevents constipation, improves metabolism, aids fat reduction
5) MEDOHARA GUGGULU= 1 tab twice daily after meals for 3 mnoths =reduces joint pain, helps in weight management, removes toxins
EXTERNAL THERAPIES
1) OIL MASSAGE= warm sesame oil massage for 20-30 min, followed by warm water bath. 3-4 times per week =strengthens muscles and joints, improves circulation, calms vata, reduces fatigue
2) STEAM after massage= relieves stiffness, and joint pain
LIFESTYLE CHANGES -sleep early and take short naps if needed -avoid excess screen time and mental strain -take warm water instead of cold drinks -regular daily routine - same time for meals, sleep, activity -avoid heavy lifting for now
YOGA ASANAS -setu bandhasana= strengthens back and pelvis -bhujangasana= energizes, reduces stiffness -marjariasana= relieves back pain -balasana= calming, relieves fatigue -tadasana= improves posture
PRANAYAM -Anulom vilom= balances energy, calms mind -Bhramari= reduces stress, promotes relaxation -deep belly breathing= strengthens lungs, improves oxygenation
DIET -prefer warm, light, freshly prepared meals -eat at regular times, avoid overeating -use ghee in small amounts- strengthens body but doesnât increase weight if digestion is good -drink warm water/herbal teas, avoid cold water -reduce sugar, fried foods, bakery, cheese, excess dairy -use digestive spices= ginger, cumin, coriander, black pepper, turmeric
HOME REMEDIES -Morning= warm water with lemon and honey improves metabolism -Digestive tea= boil cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in water - sip warm -Golden milk= warm milk with a pinch of turmeric and nutmeg at night for sleep and strength -soaked almonds/raisins= in the morning, for energy and iron -fenugreek seeds soaked overnight- reduces joint pain and supports metabolism
-What you are experiencing is common postpartum, especially after C- section and at your age -Ayurveda emphasizes âfirst nourish, then detoxâ -> so do not jump into heavy dieting or fasting. -With the right balance of diet, lifestyle, herbal support, yoga and rest , you can regain your strength, reduce weight naturally, and feel energised again -healing may take 3-6 months of consistent effort, but results will be steady and long lasting
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Ashwagandha churna Shatavari churna- 1/4 th tsp with warm milk at night
Postpartum fatigue is a common experience for many new mothers and can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The duration and severity of postpartum fatigue can vary depending on factors such as the motherâs physical health, sleep patterns, support system, and individual circumstances.
Typically, postpartum fatigue tends to be most intense during the first few weeks after delivery and gradually improves as the motherâs body heals and adjusts to the demands of caring for a newborn.
Postpartum Fatigue Possible Causes
â˘Nutrient Insufficiencies marginal deficiencies of micronutrients can have negative consequences on physical and mental fatigue Because of menstruation and metabolic demands of pregnancy.
â˘Stress Stress, by definition, means âchangeâ and has been demonstrated to be a predictive factor of postpartum fatigue.
â˘Poor sleep Sleep deprivation and disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle can contribute to feelings of fatigue, and itâs not uncommon for women to experience ongoing interference in their sleep-wake cycle for many years postpartum.
â˘Hormone fluctuations Cortisol shifts and estrogen and progesterone changes can all contribute to fatigue levels. Low testosterone levels are associated with persistent fatigue and a decreased sense of personal well-being.
â˘Postpartum Depression A thorough medical history and physical exam are essential to assess for and rule out postpartum depression.
Thyroid Postpartum thyroid dysfunction is found in 5-10% of women within one year after delivery.
If youâre experiencing persistent or severe postpartum fatigue, itâs important to go through the medical tests , as it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as postpartum depression, anemia, micronutrient imbalances, or thyroid dysfunction.
Start with Dashamool kadha 10ml twice daily after food with Yograj guggul 1-0-1 after food with water Kanchanar guggul 1-0-1 after food with water Shatavari tablet 1-0-1 after food with water Apply ashwagandha+ kshirbala oil for full body massage. Avoid sour fermented foods. Avoid processed fatty fast sugary street foods. Do pranayam lom -vilom bhastrika bhamri 5-10mins daily twice.
Your symptoms show that your digestion and metabolism have become weak after childbirth leading to weakness joint pain weight gain and fatigue, can start on Ashwagandha churna 0-0-1/4 th tsp with warm milk Dashamoola aristha 5-0-5 ml with equal water Meanwhile Once check your HB and thyroid profile , to rule out anaemia which is also most common post delivery
To know more about your body type need personal consultation.
1. Dasamoolarishtam 10 ml just after food at morning. 2. Jeerakrishtam 10 ml just after food at evening.
You likely have Kapha-Vata imbalance post-delivery. Favor warm, light, easily digestible foods: green gram, millets, vegetables, warm water, calcium rich diet like ragi,spinach. Avoid cold, oily, sugary, dairy-heavy foods. Do light yoga(Kegels exercises,Badra asana), brisk walking, abhyanga (oil massage). Regular meals, sound sleep, and mindful eating help reduce weight, joint pains, and restore strength Can regularly take Balantha Kada , Jeerakarishta syrups, shatavari granules with Luke warm milk for strengthening
Hello Arshia
Some simple tips and a couple of medications paired together will help you get rid of your complains
âď¸Doesâď¸ Protein rich vegetarian diet balanced with carbohydrates as well Freshly made home cooked food Warm food Milk products like paneer, buttermilk, milk
âDontâ Ready to cook and preserved food items Packet foods Too much of cheese Junk and oily food Heavy to digest food
đ§ââď¸Yogađ§ââď¸ Balasan Utkatasan Marjaryasan Trikonasan Virbhadrasan Shavasan
đ§ââď¸Pranayamđ§ââď¸ Anulom vilom Meditation
đMedicationđ
Shatavari Kalp 2 tsp in warm cup of milk twice a day
Syp. Dashmoolarishta 3 tsp twice a day before food Tab. Arogyavardhini 2 tabs twice a day before food Tab. Ashwagandha Ghana Vati 1 tab twice a day before food
Gandharva Haritaki powder 2 tabs at bed time with hot water.
You can now slowly stop breastfeeding the baby so that you can feel better
Start with
Trayodashanga Guggulu Tab 2 bd after food
Dashamoolariahtam 5 ml with 10 ml of water after food twice a day
Ksheerabala softgel capsule 1-0-1 before food
Take more of freshly prepared food
The symptoms youâre describing like weakness, joint pains, weight gain, and fatigue often arise from imbalances in the body, particularly after childbirth. In Ayurveda, these can be related to an imbalance in Vata and Kapha doshas. Considering youâve undergone two C-sections, your body might be experiencing some Vata aggravation due to the physical and emotional stress of surgery and recovery. Kapha might be contributing to weight gain and sluggishness.
To address these, focus on balancing these doshas. Begin with your diet, as it plays a crucial role. Opt for warm, cooked foods rather than raw or cold ones, nurturing your digestive fire (Agni). Include spices like ginger, cumin, fenugreek, and turmeric in your meals - these aid digestion and help reduce Kapha. Favor foods like whole grains (barley, quinoa, brown rice), legumes, leafy greens, and warm vegetable soups. Avoid excessive intake of sugary foods, fried items, and dairy, as these can increase Kapha.
Physical activity is key in balancing Kapha and reducing weight. Begin with light exercises like walking or yoga. Specifically, focus on poses that strengthen the joints and back, but do consult a professional before initiating any regimen to ensure safety post-surgery. Pranayama (breathing exercises), such as Kapalbhati, can be very beneficial for boosting energy levels and reducing fatigue.
Consider herbal support to boost strength and vitality. Ashwagandha is known for revitalizing the body and improving energy. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of Ashwagandha powder with warm milk before bed. Support your digestion with Triphala at night, it helps in detoxifying and improving metabolism.
Ensure consistent sleep and rest, crucial for Vata balance and overall well-being. Avoid movieâs or using smartphones before bed, creating a calming evening routine that promotes better sleep quality. Regularly oil massaging your body with warm sesame oil can keep Vata balanced, easing joint pains and enhancing relaxation.
You might need personalized advice beyond this, considering your unique constitution and detailed health concerns, which would ideally involve a consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Your symptoms of weakness, joint pains, weight gain, and fatigue after having two C-section deliveries may be closely tied to your bodyâs doshic imbalance and the state of your dhatus (tissues). In Siddha-Ayurveda, this often relates to Vata imbalance, especially after childbirth, when the bodyâs energy is depleted, and tissue regeneration needs support. Recuperation focuses on rejuvenation and stabilizing your agni (digestive fire).
First, dietary choices: Favor warming, grounding foods that are easily digested. Include cooked vegetables, whole grains like brown rice, wheat, or millet, and healthy fats such as ghee or coconut oil. Soups and stews can help nourish your tissues. Conversely, avoid raw, cold, or heavy-to-digest foodsâlike excessive dairy or fried foodsâthat dampen your agni. Limit caffeine and refined sugars as these can further unbalance Vata and disturb digestion.
For strengthening, shatavariâa rejuvenative herbâcan be particularly beneficial. Itâs known for supporting reproductive and overall vitality. You might take it as a powder mixed with milk. As for your joints, turmeric with black pepper and ginger can reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical activity: Gentle yoga and meditation can stabilize the energy channels, helping relieve fatigue and improve circulation. Focus on poses that are calming and restorative. Avoid excessive cardio at first, which might over-strain your system.
For catering to your individual constitution and addressing any underlining issues, consulting an experienced local Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended. Sometimes, postpartum symptoms can be signs of other serious conditions, like thyroid imbalances or severe nutritional deficiencies, so staying in touch with healthcare professionals is still important. It ensures youâre addressing every aspect of your health optimally.
HELLO ARSHIA,
Arshia, 39 y/o, mom of 2 (C-section, youngest 10 months) Symptoms: Weakness, fatigue, joint aches, weight gain
1. Probable Ayurvedic Body Type (Dosha Imbalance) Vata: Weakness, fatigue, joint aches, dryness Kapha: Weight gain, drowsiness, heaviness Assessment: You probably have Vata-Kapha imbalance (Vata weakness + Kapha heaviness/weight gain).
2. Ayurvedic Management A. Diet (Ahara) Favor: Warm, cooked foods: khichdi, soups, stews Healthy fats: ghee, sesame oil, olive oil Digestive spices: ginger, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon Milk, nuts, seeds (almonds, walnuts)
Avoid: Cold, raw, heavy foods Sugar, fried, processed foods Excess dairy with sugar (can raise Kapha) Tip: Eat small, frequent, warm meals; chew well; warm water/herbal teas.
B. Lifestyle (Vihara) Daily routine: Early rising, gentle walks Exercise: Yoga, stretching, light postpartum exercises Sleep: 7â8 hours; avoid late nights Self-care: Abhyanga (self-massage) in warm sesame or almond oil
C. Herbs & Supplements (Ayurvedic) Ashwagandha: Strength, energy Shatavari: Postpartum healing, hormonal balance Triphala: Digestion and gentle cleansing Guggulu or Arjuna: Joint support
D. Example Daily Routine Morning: Warm water + lemon, 5 min gentle yoga, abhyanga Breakfast: Warm porridge or khichdi Lunch: Rice + cooked vegetables + dal + ghee Evening: Herbal tea (ginger/cinnamon) Dinner: Light soup or stew 3. Important Weight Loss & Strength Tips Emphasize digestion and metabolism (Agni) Do not skip meals Gentle exercises 20â30 min/day Drink warm water to stay hydrated Handle stress by practicing meditation or pranayama
THANK YOU
DR. HEMANSHU MEHTA

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