Shukra & Artava Dhatu: The Reproductive Tissue
/

Shukra & Artava Dhatu: The Reproductive Tissue

Responsible for more than physical reproduction, our reproductive health provides the creative energy to achieve our goals and enjoy the fullest and most juicy version of our lives.

Read Article
ayurveda 101 /

Shukra & Artava Dhatu: The Reproductive Tissue

Responsible for more than physical reproduction, our reproductive health provides the creative energy to achieve our goals and enjoy the fullest and most juicy version of our lives.

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 7—Baby Skin and Rashes
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 7—Baby Skin ...

Stroking my baby’s soft cheeks, feet, and her soft hair is one of the most soothing and precious things to me. Not too long ago, however, her cheeks were not...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 7—Baby Skin and Rashes

Stroking my baby’s soft cheeks, feet, and her soft hair is one of the most soothing and precious things to me. Not too long ago, however, her cheeks were not...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 6—Baby Poop, Gas, and Other Digestive Issues
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 6—Baby Poop,...

We look to the baby's body language and body functions to tell us what they need and if they are doing okay. Like adults, babies’ bowel movements and digestion are very telling...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 6—Baby Poop, Gas, and Other Digestive Issues

We look to the baby's body language and body functions to tell us what they need and if they are doing okay. Like adults, babies’ bowel movements and digestion are very telling...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 5—General Care for the Baby
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 5—General Ca...

How can you create an environment that supports your baby as she goes through the changes? What are some practices that will nurture a newborn? You may find, as I...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 5—General Care for the Baby

How can you create an environment that supports your baby as she goes through the changes? What are some practices that will nurture a newborn? You may find, as I...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 4—Postpartum Blues and Mental Health
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 4—Postpartum...

The postpartum period is hard. Period. Consider these things to help maintain your equilibrium.

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 4—Postpartum Blues and Mental Health

The postpartum period is hard. Period. Consider these things to help maintain your equilibrium.

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 3—Breastfeeding
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 3—Breastfeeding

I probably have had every breastfeeding issue possible—latch issues, deep milk sinuses, blocked ducts, milk blebs, vasospasms — some of which, such as vasospasms and ductal candidiasis, even most doctors do...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 3—Breastfeeding

I probably have had every breastfeeding issue possible—latch issues, deep milk sinuses, blocked ducts, milk blebs, vasospasms — some of which, such as vasospasms and ductal candidiasis, even most doctors do...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 2—Sleep and Fatigue
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 2—Sleep and ...

Nothing prepared me for the anxiety that comes with not knowing why your baby is crying. Nothing prepared me for how difficult breastfeeding can be.

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 2—Sleep and Fatigue

Nothing prepared me for the anxiety that comes with not knowing why your baby is crying. Nothing prepared me for how difficult breastfeeding can be.

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 1—Nurturing the Mother
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 1—Nurturing ...

The key to postpartum care of the mother is to calm vata (the ether and air elements). The mother is full of the mobile, light, dry, and cold qualities after the loss...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum Part 1—Nurturing the Mother

The key to postpartum care of the mother is to calm vata (the ether and air elements). The mother is full of the mobile, light, dry, and cold qualities after the loss...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum—Introduction
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum—Introduction

My experience as a new mother during these past six weeks has only increased my respect for and faith in Ayurveda. They have been some of the most challenging weeks...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Postpartum—Introduction

My experience as a new mother during these past six weeks has only increased my respect for and faith in Ayurveda. They have been some of the most challenging weeks...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 40—Birth Rituals
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 40—Birth Rituals

Depending on your culture or traditional background, you may have a set of rituals that happen at the time of the birth of your baby. There are religious rituals, cultural...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 40—Birth Rituals

Depending on your culture or traditional background, you may have a set of rituals that happen at the time of the birth of your baby. There are religious rituals, cultural...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 39—To Circumcise or Not
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 39—To Circumcise or Not

The texts of Ayurveda do not mention anything on the routine practice of circumcision. So, your choice of whether to circumcise or not depends on your own judgment and personal...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 39—To Circumcise or Not

The texts of Ayurveda do not mention anything on the routine practice of circumcision. So, your choice of whether to circumcise or not depends on your own judgment and personal...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 38—My Silence Retreat Before the Delivery
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 38—My Silence Retreat B...

Of course, strengthening my mind’s equanimity also will help me during the labor and delivery process. Pain is also impermanent and plays a function. As thoughts of the labor and...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 38—My Silence Retreat Before the Delivery

Of course, strengthening my mind’s equanimity also will help me during the labor and delivery process. Pain is also impermanent and plays a function. As thoughts of the labor and...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 37—Preparing the Passageway for Baby’s Delivery
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 37—Preparing the Passag...

The last month of pregnancy is all about supporting the downward energy (apana vayu) and preparing the passageway. In the last month of the pregnancy, the classical texts of Ayurveda also...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 37—Preparing the Passageway for Baby’s Delivery

The last month of pregnancy is all about supporting the downward energy (apana vayu) and preparing the passageway. In the last month of the pregnancy, the classical texts of Ayurveda also...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 36—What I Put in My Delivery Bag
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 36—What I Put in My Del...

There are many lists for getting a basic delivery bag together (just Google “delivery bag” and click on images for many handy lists). I am sharing my list at the...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 36—What I Put in My Delivery Bag

There are many lists for getting a basic delivery bag together (just Google “delivery bag” and click on images for many handy lists). I am sharing my list at the...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 35—Trying to Get Some Zzzz’s
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 35—Trying to Get Some Z...

During the third trimester, many mothers have difficulties with sleep because of pregnancy discomforts and an active mind as the due date quickly approaches. There is some relief. Give these ideas...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 35—Trying to Get Some Zzzz’s

During the third trimester, many mothers have difficulties with sleep because of pregnancy discomforts and an active mind as the due date quickly approaches. There is some relief. Give these ideas...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 34—All About the Ojas!
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 34—All About the Ojas!

Have you been experiencing time periods where you are suddenly extremely exhausted? During this time, the eighth month or so, the essence of life and immunity (ojas) starts flowing back and...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 34—All About the Ojas!

Have you been experiencing time periods where you are suddenly extremely exhausted? During this time, the eighth month or so, the essence of life and immunity (ojas) starts flowing back and...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 33—Moving and Things to Be Avoided during Pregnancy
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 33—Moving and Things to...

Move during the third trimester!? Some basic principles of Vastu (it is like the Vedic version of Feng Sui) and general dos and don’ts during pregnancy (vastu is just one part...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 33—Moving and Things to Be Avoided during Pregnancy

Move during the third trimester!? Some basic principles of Vastu (it is like the Vedic version of Feng Sui) and general dos and don’ts during pregnancy (vastu is just one part...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 32—Assessing the Need for a Chiropractor and 7th Month Nutrition
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 32—Assessing the Need f...

For those of you who, like myself, are doing yoga while pregnant, you may have been noticing that you are more flexible than you were. Word of caution during this time—be careful.

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 32—Assessing the Need for a Chiropractor and 7th Month Nutrition

For those of you who, like myself, are doing yoga while pregnant, you may have been noticing that you are more flexible than you were. Word of caution during this time—be careful.

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 31—The 7 Month Ceremony
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 31—The 7 Month Ceremony

There are specific times in the life of a human being that, according to Vedic philosophy, are said to greatly impact his or her character. These are called sanskaras. One of...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 31—The 7 Month Ceremony

There are specific times in the life of a human being that, according to Vedic philosophy, are said to greatly impact his or her character. These are called sanskaras. One of...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 30—Slow Down!
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 30—Slow Down!

Ayurveda recommends taking more rest during the third trimester and for good reason, I am realizing.

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 30—Slow Down!

Ayurveda recommends taking more rest during the third trimester and for good reason, I am realizing.

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 29—Supporting the Urinary Tract and Occasional Swelling
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 29—Supporting the Urina...

This week I experienced some disturbances with the kidneys specifically. I had been traveling a bit and I knew my vata was imbalanced, and so it did not surprise me to see...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 29—Supporting the Urinary Tract and Occasional Swelling

This week I experienced some disturbances with the kidneys specifically. I had been traveling a bit and I knew my vata was imbalanced, and so it did not surprise me to see...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 28—Anemia and its Consequences in Pregnancy
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 28—Anemia and its Conse...

I had my third trimester labs done late last week, which included my gestational diabetes screening and complete blood count (looking at my red blood cells, platelets, amongst other things)....

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 28—Anemia and its Consequences in Pregnancy

I had my third trimester labs done late last week, which included my gestational diabetes screening and complete blood count (looking at my red blood cells, platelets, amongst other things)....

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 27—Ah…The Baby-Moon!!!
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 27—Ah…The Baby-Moon!!!

I use to feel that the idea of a baby-moon (think honeymoon before the baby is born) was a little silly… that was until I became the parent. Then I...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 27—Ah…The Baby-Moon!!!

I use to feel that the idea of a baby-moon (think honeymoon before the baby is born) was a little silly… that was until I became the parent. Then I...

Read Article
Birthing Ayurveda: Week 26—The Development of the Intellect (Buddhi) & Building a Healthy Brain
/

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 26—The Development of t...

The intellect (buddhi) part of the mind is likely the most emphasized part of our mind in today’s society. From a young age, we put our young ones in special...

Read Article
pregnancy /

Birthing Ayurveda: Week 26—The Development of the Intellect (Buddhi) & Building a Healthy Brain

The intellect (buddhi) part of the mind is likely the most emphasized part of our mind in today’s society. From a young age, we put our young ones in special...

Read Article

Ayurveda for Pregnancy and Childbirth

Ayurveda offers a wealth of wisdom and a long tradition of supporting healthy pregnancy and childbirth. It honors the entire journey from preconception through each trimester to labor, birth, and postpartum.

According to Ayurveda, the path to parenthood begins long before conception. It recommends preparing for pregnancy for several months prior to trying to conceive in order to nurture optimal fertility and support a healthy birth. This process nourishes and prepares the physical body, while also honoring the mental and emotional aspects of bring a healthy baby into the world.

With this recognition that fertility is equally spiritual and emotional as it is physical, Ayurveda offers guidelines and practices to support the entire mind-body system.

On a physical level, taking time to cultivate optimal health of the body and reproductive tissues before conception can greatly support a smooth and healthy pregnancy and birth. Ayurveda offers specific protocols for cleansing the body, rejuvenating the tissues, and incorporating a healthy, nourishing diet that will provide the nutrition needed for a healthy, happy parent and baby.

Ayurveda has plenty to offer in the realm of spiritual and emotional preparation as well. Through lifestyle practices, a nourishing daily routine, pregnancy yoga, and meditation practices, this ancient wisdom tradition provides tools to manage stress and experience greater self-awareness and ease throughout the journey of pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

Of course, pregnancy is a unique journey for each and every person, and challenges can arise even in the healthiest situations—dealing with things like morning sickness and digestive discomfort can be a natural part of the experience. Ayurveda offers effective ways to support the body throughout all the ups and downs.

Highlighted in these blog articles is a series called Birthing Ayurveda, written by Vrinda Devani, an MD, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and Ayurvedic Practitioner. These articles follow Vrinda's own journey through pregnancy and postpartum, offering expert advice on Ayurvedic self-care practices for each and every stage of the process.

Starting with Vrinda's positive pregnancy test at week six, the series provides a window into one woman's initiation into motherhood, complete with all the joys and challenges expectant mothers may face. It also covers the first weeks of postpartum, a time that is very important to the health and well-being of mother and newborn.

This postpartum time is a major threshold and transition for the entire family, one that can often leave new parents feeling alone, exhausted, and unsupported. Ayurveda emphasizes the continued importance of nourishing and nurturing new parents as well as the newborn child, in order to restore physical strength, build strong emotional bonds, and set everyone up for success as an entirely new cycle of life unfolds.

Throughout the journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, there are several Ayurvedic herbs for pregnancy that can support overall health and balance. For example, Ayurveda has traditionally used herbs like shatavari and ashwagandha to support the reproductive system, promote fertility, and even support the healthy production of breastmilk.

There are also Ayurvedic herbal teas for pregnancy, such as CCF Tea, which supports healthy and balanced digestion.

Of course, we always recommend consulting with your health care practitioner prior to introducing herbal products and health practices if you are pregnant or nursing.