As per the Indian culture a mother have a divine status as she goes through various hardships like
raising a foetus, bear the stress and strain of the labor and nurture the newborn on breast milk. The
birth of a baby creates a special and fascinating bond between the duos. The arrival of the baby
demands additional nutritional requirements for the mother to feed the baby. Breast milk is the best
nutrition for the newborn and is optimal food for human infants. In Ayurveda, the significance of
breast feeding is described under the heading of stanya vinjana in various text books
Lactation in Ayurveda
As per Ayurveda, the procedure of breast feeding is explained as a sanskara (a ceremony) where
the induction of breastfeeding should be done by chanting auspicious hymns. Sthanya (breast milk)
is produced from the ahara rasa (essence of food) and is sweet in taste. This provides pushti
(nourishment) and arogyam (good health) for the baby. Ayurveda describe about dhatri (wet
nurse) in case of lack of milk or abnormalities of mother’s milk. In Susruta samhita text, the author
pointed out that thought of baby, sight or touch as the factors which initiate milk ejection. The
stimulus for milk production initiate by the pressure of the sucking and milk ejection start by 2nd or
3rd day as per Susruta. Ayurveda highlighted psychological factors like love, concern and affection
towards the baby as the stimuli for milk ejection.
Method of breastfeeding
Ayurveda explained traditional ways for breast feeding which was known by sthanyapana vidhi. In
Charaka samhita, it is explained that mother should be taken bath before feeding the baby and she
should wear clean and tidy dress. Mother should wear or tie herbs like Aindri, Brahmi and Shatavari
which are galactogogue (enhance milk production) and they are foetus growth promoting drugs. It
is explained that after proper bathing of baby and washing of breast a small amount of milk is
pressed out and feeding should start.
Mother can choose any position that is comfortable to her and the baby. Mother can sit
comfortably on a chair or she can lie down. Make sure that baby’s body is supported not just neck
or shoulders. Mouth of the baby should be widely open and chin of the baby should touch the
breast.
Benefits of breastfeeding
Breast milk is the nectar for baby, which gives benefits for the baby as well as to mother.
A lactating mother provides all the basic nutrients like vitamins, proteins and fats in the
most easily digestible form.
Other than the basic nutrients, mother’s milk is the source of protective agents like
immunoglobulins.
Due to the release of oxytocin hormone during lactation, chance of postpartum depression
is reduced.
The release of hormones during lactation period contributes immensely for the shrinking of
uterus to the pre-pregnancy level.
Longer period of lactation reduces the risk of breast cancer, also other conditions like
ovarian cancer and heart disease.
The release of oxytocin and prolactin hormones encourages the bonding between mother
and baby and thus mitigating stress and anxiety.
Modes for healthy lactation
To obtain optimal quality and quantity of breast milk, Ayurveda advocates various measures like
herbal supplements, yoga, diet and lifestyle modifications.
Herbs which enhance the production of breast milk are called Stanyajanana
(galactagogue). Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Vidari (Ipomea digitata), Musali
(Chlorophytum borivilianum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Durva (Cynodon
dactylon), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), etc. comes under this category of herbs. Varieties of
ayurvedic preparation using these herbs have shown potent effect in enriching breast milk
production.
Diet: Intake of curd, ghee, sugar cane, brown rice, meat soup, wheat, barley, sesame, garlic,
black gram and coconut can promote the quality and quantity of breast milk. Ayurveda
suggest consuming food items which are rich in sweet, sour and salt in taste. Cow’s milk
processed with various galactagogue drugs is useful in condition of low breast milk
production. Juice prepared with herbs like Shatavari and ficus along with milk can improve
the quality of breast milk.
Lifestyle: Factors like improper sleep, over thinking, suppression of natural urges, intake
of unwholesome food and lack of mental peace can badly affect the production and
ejaculation of breast milk. Methods to correct this faulty lifestyle should be adopted after
consulting the Ayurveda physician.
Yoga: Practice of yoga, meditation and light exercises will provide a smooth pathway to
enjoy a blissful motherhood.
Postnatal yoga practice with asanas like Trikonasana, Artha chakrasana, Shashankasana
etc. helps in regaining strength and vitality, also contribute in lactation by stimulating
pituitary gland thereby facilitate prolactin production.
Lactation is the processed coupled with psychosomatic status and lifestyle. Breast feeding has been
found to promote a healthier lifestyle for the child and mother. As per saint Kashyapa, breast milk
is ‘Mahabhaishajya’ – the best medicine for the baby. It is the most precious gift a mother can give
to a baby. Practice Ayurveda guidelines for healthy lactation which is the ideal form of infant
feeding
