SUTIKA PARICHARYA: POST NATAL CARE IN AYURVEDA

A postnatal period is the period beginning immediately after the separation of placenta and extending up to six weeks, otherwise called as puerperium or puerperal period. Postnatal care is named as Sutika Paricharya in Ayurvedic classics. Garbhini and Sutika paricharya are very well described by our ancient Ayurvedic scholars starting from Samhita period. They have described dietary regimen, living style and other required management for whole pregnancy and up to 6 month after delivery. Garbhini is much prone to diseases due to aggravation of already excited doshas. This further may be aggravated during delivery and puerperium due to loss of blood and other important dhatus of body. Therefore she needs special and proper care during pregnancy as well as during puerperium. Objectives of Postnatal care are to ensure a normal puerperium with delivery of a healthy baby, restoration of health of mother to maintain maternal and infants health, preventing illness, to establish infant feeding, encouragement of emotional support and educating mother about herself and her children’s future.