postpartum anxiety Archives

The Benefits of an Ayurvedic Diet for Postpartum Health

by Sonal Patel | Oct 11, 2023 | Blog

As a new mother, it’s common to experience a range of postpartum health concerns including fatigue, anxiety, and digestive issues. To address these issues, many new moms turn to supplements. While supplements can be helpful in some cases, relying solely on isolated nutrients can do more harm than good. A better approach may be an ayurvedic diet. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes the importance of balance in all aspects of life, including diet. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of an ayurvedic diet for postpartum health and provide some helpful tips for getting started.

A More Holistic Approach Tailored to the Individual

One of the biggest benefits of an ayurvedic diet is that it provides a more holistic approach to health. Rather than addressing isolated nutrients, ayurveda focuses on bringing balance to the body and mind through food. An ayurvedic diet is customized to suit the unique needs of the individual, taking into account their dosha (individual body type) and any specific health concerns. This tailored approach helps to address postpartum health issues at their root cause, allowing for long-term relief.

An Emphasis on Whole Foods

An ayurvedic diet emphasizes whole foods that are fresh and in season. These nutrient-dense foods help to nourish the body and bring balance without relying on supplements. Focusing on locally grown produce

Eating Fresh, Seasonal Foods

Another benefit of an ayurvedic diet is that it places a strong emphasis on eating fresh, seasonal foods. This means that the diet changes with the seasons, providing the body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy throughout the year. This approach is particularly beneficial for new mothers, who are often in need of extra nourishment after giving birth.

Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices Provide Micronutrients

Ayurvedic herbs and spices are an important part of the diet, providing the body with the micronutrients it needs to stay healthy. For example, turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory, while cumin aids in digestion. By incorporating these herbs and spices into their diet, new mothers can address specific health concerns while also supporting their overall health and wellbeing.

Problems with Relying on Supplements

While supplements can be helpful in some cases, there are some downsides to relying solely on isolated nutrients. For one, quality and safety regulations for supplements are limited. It can also be difficult to know which supplements to take and in what doses. Additionally, supplements don’t address the importance of lifestyle factors like emotional health, exercise, and sleep.

Tips for Getting Started

If you’re interested in trying an ayurvedic diet, there are a few steps you can take to get started. Firstly, it’s important to find out your dosha (individual body type), as this will help you tailor the diet to suit your own needs. You can do this by taking

Sample Ayurvedic Meals and Recipes for New Moms

Creating an ayurvedic meal plan can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some dosha-specific meal ideas with their benefits:

Vata: quinoa porridge with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (warming and grounding)

Pitta: steamed vegetables with coconut oil and cilantro (cooling and cleansing)

Kapha: lentil soup with turmeric and cumin (warming and stimulating)

For an easy recipe idea, try this kichari recipe:

1 cup brown rice

1 cup yellow mung dal

3 cups water

½ teaspoon turmeric

1 tablespoon ghee

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 teaspoon coriander powder

½ teaspoon rock salt

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Combine rice, mung dal, water, and turmeric in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the rice and dal are tender (about 30 minutes). In a separate pan, melt ghee and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and coriander powder. Cook until fragrant, then add to the kichari. Add rock salt and chopped cilantro and serve.

Lifestyle Tips to Support the Ayurvedic Diet

In addition to changing their diet, new mothers can support their overall health and wellbeing by incorporating these lifestyle tips:

Get enough rest and sleep

Practice gentle yoga, meditation, and massage

Use aromatherapy to uplift mood and energy

Spend time in nature and with supportive loved ones

An ayurvedic diet provides a holistic approach to postpartum health that addresses the unique needs of the individual. By focusing on balance through fresh, seasonal foods, herbs and spices, and dosha-specific meal planning, new mothers can support their overall health and wellbeing in a way that supplements simply can’t match. By incorporating lifestyle tips like rest, gentle movement, and supportive social connections, new mothers can further enhance the benefits of an ayurvedic diet. So don’t hesitate to give it a try and experience the transformative power of ayurveda for yourself.

The Health and Economic Benefits of Breastfeeding

by Sonal Patel | May 18, 2023 | Blog

In addition to being a natural and healthful way to feed infants, breastfeeding provides considerable financial advantages. According to studies, breastfeeding can lower healthcare costs by reducing risk of diseases in mom and newborns. However, despite the benefits of nursing, many women encounter obstacles that make it challenging to do so. In this blog post, we’ll talk about breastfeeding’s advantages for health and the economy, as well as its drawbacks and the necessity of societal pillars for encouraging women to breastfeed.

The Advantages of Breastfeeding for Health

Various minerals and other bioactive components found in breast milk offer protection from infectious and non-communicable diseases. Breastfeeding has been found to lower the incidence of respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in infants. Furthermore, breastfeeding has been connected to better cognitive growth and a lower incidence of obesity.

For mothers, breastfeeding has been linked to a decreased risk of breast, ovarian, endometrial, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Breastfeeding may also hasten postpartum recovery and lower the risk of postpartum depression.

The Advantages of Breastfeeding for Economy

Breastfeeding has a lot of positive economic effects in addition to health benefits. According to a study in the Journal of Pediatrics, if 90% of women nursed their kids for the recommended six months, the United States might save $13 billion annually on healthcare costs. In addition, breastfeeding can lower healthcare costs by reducing illnesses and problems like SIDS, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections that need medical attention. Furthermore, breastfeeding can minimize the time parents must take off of work to care for unwell children.

For families, breastfeeding has positive financial effects as well. Formula might be pricey; however, breast milk is less costly. Costs incurred with breastfeeding include purchasing breast pumps and accessories such as bottles. However, with the passing of the Affordable Care Act, breast pumps were mandated to be covered by insurance.

The Challenges of Breastfeeding

Despite the advantages of nursing, many women encounter obstacles that make it challenging to do so. Lack of support from family and friends, inability to access lactation consultants or other services, and having to go back to work soon after giving birth are frequent obstacles to nursing. In addition, some women struggle with physical issues like painful nipples or trouble latching.
Legislation surrounding breastfeeding also causes hurdles. Until the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, employers did not have to provide adequate space or breaks for pumping. Moreover, employers with under 50 employees still are not required by law to support a breastfeeding mother. Laws also vary by state. Issues associated with public breastfeeding to appropriate places to pump and store breast milk are still contingent on state. For a detailed summary around breastfeeding and laws, check out Breastfeeding State Laws.

Conclusion

Women, newborns, families, communities, and our society can profit from the health and economic benefits of breastfeeding. Although many women desire to breastfeed, they may encounter obstacles that make it challenging to do so. It is crucial to spread awareness of the advantages of breastfeeding among families, healthcare professionals, and employers. Moreover, it is necessary to work to foster an atmosphere that supports and promotes breastfeeding. By eliminating breastfeeding barriers, we all can benefit from its wealth of health and economic advantages.

References

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/maternal-and-economic-benefits-of-breastfeeding#!

https://www.eatsonfeetsresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/EconomicsofBF.pdf

https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/11-benefits-of-breastfeeding

Want more? Download a free copy of Dr. Sonal Patel’s bestseller, The Doctor & Her Black Bag: How old fashioned care tackles maternal mortality and benefits America’s economy.

The Difference Between Postpartum Blues, Postpartum Mood Disorders (Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety), and Postpartum Psychosis

by Sonal Patel | Feb 8, 2023 | Blog

The 4th trimester is a critical time for mothers as they navigate the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that come with the postpartum period. During this time, it is important to understand the different types of postpartum mood disorders that can occur and provide the necessary support and resources to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mothers and their families. In this blog, we will explore the difference between postpartum blues, postpartum mood disorders (postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety), and postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum Blues: Postpartum blues is a common experience for many mothers and is characterized by mild to moderate feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. These symptoms typically occur in the first two weeks after childbirth and are caused by hormonal changes, fatigue, and the stress of adjusting to life with a new baby. While postpartum blues can be distressing, it is usually a temporary condition that resolves on its own within a few weeks.
Postpartum Mood Disorders: Postpartum mood disorders include postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety and are more severe and longer-lasting than postpartum blues. Postpartum depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Postpartum anxiety is characterized by persistent feelings of worry, fear, and nervousness. These conditions can be severe and can impact a mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby.
Postpartum Psychosis: Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe mental illness that can occur in the postpartum period. It is characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, manic behavior, and psychosis. Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

It is important to recognize that these conditions can occur in any mother, regardless of her background or prior mental health history. Moreover, it is important to understand that these conditions are treatable and that there are effective treatments available, such as therapy, medication, and support groups.