What does an Ayurvedic postpartum doula do?

September 30, 2024

Ayurveda

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I'm here to help you integrate the timeless principles of Ayurveda, lunar wisdom, and menstrual cycle alignment effortlessly into your daily routine.

I'm Andrea - your Seasonal living guide

What does an Ayurvedic postpartum doula do?

Ayurveda says the first 42 days postpartum will indicate your health for the next 42 years. It's such a profound time in a women's life but often we lack the support to help us truly heal, thrive and connect deeply with our little one.

That is where a postpartum doula can help you thrive, heal and bond with your little one. Postpartum doulas are here to make your life easier and help you heal your vata dosha the first year postpartum.

The Four Pillars of Ayurdoula care

  1. Rest
  2. Nourishment
  3. Herbs
  4. Massage

Tell me More About Ayurveda

Ayurveda (which literally translates to the wisdom of life) originated in India over 5000 years ago and it's ancient wisdom is still vital in today's world.

The first six weeks postpartum Ayurveda says is the sacred window to help heal your mind, body and soul. It's a time to be mindful of the vata dosha and help you nourish your tissues after giving birth.

Download your free Ayurvedic Guide to Postpartum Checklist below!

Postpartum Checklist for mama

    Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula care could include

    • Meal planning to help with digestion
    • Meal prep for the week
    • Abhyanga
    • Belly Wrapping
    • Basti on the womb
    • Closing of the bones
    • Ayurvedic Self-Care Practices
    • Custom Tea blends
    • Cooking full meals and grocery shopping
    • Custom flower essence tinctures
    • Yoni steaming support
    • Custom bath blends
    • Herbal Support
    • Pranayama
    • Yoga Asana poses for early postpartum
    • A listening ear for reflection on the birth experience.
    • Someone to watch the baby for a few hours so you can rest.

    Let's get real....

    Bringing a new life into the world is a transformative experience, filled with joy, wonder, and a profound shift in a mother’s life. Alongside this incredible journey, the postpartum period can also be one of immense physical, emotional, and mental challenges. This is where the nurturing role of an Ayurvedic postpartum doula becomes invaluable.

    An Ayurvedic postpartum doula blends the wisdom of Ayurveda—an ancient Indian system of medicine—with the art of doula care, offering holistic support to new mothers. Let’s explore how an Ayurvedic postpartum doula can be a life-changing companion for moms on their path to recovery and renewal.

    1. Healing Through Ayurvedic Nourishment
    The first six weeks after childbirth, often referred to as the "fourth trimester," is a delicate time when a mother’s body undergoes significant healing. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of warmth, grounding, and nourishment during this period. An Ayurvedic doula provides:

    - Custom Postpartum Meal Plans: Based on your unique constitution (dosha), the doula prepares warm, easy-to-digest meals infused with healing spices like turmeric, cumin, and fennel. These foods help rebuild strength, boost digestion, and restore energy levels.
    - Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Triphala are used to balance hormones, promote lactation, and aid recovery. The doula can recommend or even prepare these remedies, ensuring they’re tailored to the mother's specific needs.

     

    2. Emotional Support and Mental Well-being
    Childbirth can bring a wave of emotions, from blissful moments of bonding to feelings of anxiety and exhaustion. An Ayurvedic postpartum doula is trained to provide emotional support by:

    - Rituals for Mental Clarity: Practices such as pranayama (breathwork), meditation, and abhyanga (self-massage) are offered to help soothe the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety.
    - Mothering the Mother: The Ayurvedic doula is a compassionate, non-judgmental presence, offering emotional care and reassurance during this sensitive period.

     

    3. Balancing Vata Dosha
    According to Ayurveda, after childbirth, the Vata dosha—associated with air and space elements—can become imbalanced, leading to issues like fatigue, anxiety, and irregular digestion. An Ayurvedic doula focuses on:

    - Grounding Practices: Techniques like warm oil massage (abhyanga) are introduced to calm the Vata dosha, helping the mother feel more centered and grounded.

    -Establishing Routines: Consistency in daily habits, such as regular meal times, sleep patterns, and self-care rituals, is encouraged to balance the nervous system and restore a sense of normalcy.

    4. Physical Healing and Rejuvenation
    Postpartum recovery involves healing from the physical toll of pregnancy and childbirth. An Ayurvedic doula supports this recovery process with:

    - Postpartum Massage: Using warm, herbal-infused oils, the doula gives gentle massages to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and promote muscle relaxation.

    - Support for Lactation and Breast Care: Ayurvedic remedies and specific dietary recommendations support healthy lactation, while massages can relieve common issues like engorgement.

    5. Creating a Restorative Space
    A calm, nurturing environment is vital for both the mother and the newborn during the postpartum period. The doula helps create a supportive atmosphere by:

     

    - Setting the Tone: Incorporating soft lighting, gentle sounds, and calming scents like lavender or sandalwood to foster a peaceful home.

    - Boundary Setting: Helping the mother establish gentle boundaries with visitors, ensuring that she and the baby can rest and bond without overwhelming social pressure.

     

    6. Support for the Whole Family
    An Ayurvedic postpartum doula not only supports the new mother but also extends care to the family, including:

    - Partner Guidance: Providing tips and practices for the partner to feel involved and confident in their role as a new parent.

    - Sibling Integration: Assisting older siblings with the transition, ensuring they feel secure and included during this family shift.

    7. Long-Term Wellness and Empowerment
    The care of an Ayurvedic postpartum doula doesn’t end after a few weeks. They provide mothers with the tools and knowledge to continue their healing journey well into motherhood. This includes:

    - Ongoing Wellness Practices: Sharing self-care rituals and Ayurvedic knowledge that mothers can incorporate into their daily routines for long-term balance and health.

    - Empowering Mothers: Encouraging mothers to listen to their bodies, trust their instincts, and embrace the beauty of slow, steady recovery, rather than rushing through the process.

     

    A Holistic, Nurturing Path to Postpartum Recovery

    An Ayurvedic postpartum doula offers more than just physical support—they bring a deep, ancient wisdom designed to nurture the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Their approach respects the individuality of each mother, helping her to embrace postpartum recovery as a sacred time of renewal, healing, and transformation. With an Ayurvedic doula by her side, a new mother is not just cared for, but truly supported to thrive in her new role.

    Nurturing the New Mother Consults

    These virtual consults are perfect for moms to be on setting up your first 42 days postpartum through an Ayurvedic lens. Ideally scheduled between 28-28 weeks pregnant. If you prefer in-person offers I also offer in-person Ayurvedic postpartum doula support in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN area.

    Ayurvedic postpartum doula care

    Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula Benefits

    • Support during the crucial first 42 days postpartum.
    • Seasonal wellness practices to help you recover after birth
    • Get meal ideas that work for your lifestyle and mind/body type.
    • Gain stress management practices, & breathwork focused on your needs.
    • Find your new sense of self, no matter how many children you have.
    • Learn how to start balancing your hormones
    • Feel better about yourself.
    • Set yourself up for health the next 42 years
    • Embody the next version of yourself.

    Is Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula Support Right for you?

    • Someone who wants to plan for her health postpartum in a way that will nourish her for the next 42 years.

     

    • For the holistic minded mama who wants to do things differently than the western approach.

     

    • You want the support of a village to heal during the postpartum phase.

     

    • You want nourishing meals that support your digestion postpartum.

     

    • You crave accountability but are lacking support

     

    • You want to know simple self-care strategies that don't take hours to implement into your life.

     

    • You may not always be good at taking time for yourself but you know you need to, to take back your life and your time.
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    St. Paul/Minneapolis Support

    If you're in the St. Paul, Minneapolis Area and are looking for a postpartum doula support person. I do offer in-home support from 1-6 weeks in duration. You can find out more about my offers below.

    Learn More

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    Ayurvedic Pregnancy 

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    You'll also love

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    MORE ABOUT ME

    I'm here to help you integrate the timeless principles of Ayurveda, lunar wisdom, and menstrual cycle alignment effortlessly into your daily routine.

    I'm Andrea - your Seasonal living guide

    LEarn My Story

    I specialize in pre/postpartum wellness through an Ayurvedic lens. Pre/postpartum fitness has been something I've focused on for 17 years now and is my passion & calling in life. 

    I host a weekly podcast, Peaceful Power Podcast and have written two cyclical living books- Divine Body Wisdom and Ayurvedic Approach to Healing Your Menstrual Cycle. 

    I graduated from Shakti School in 2019 as an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor. I'm a 500 HR Yoga Teacher and Ayurvedic postpartum doula graduate from Inner Sun & Moon AyurDoula Program. 

    My other interests are playing tennis, watching the Hallmark Channel, and enjoying my morning cup of coffee. I also love exploring my favorite nature trail with my two boys and hubby. 

    I'm an Ayurvedic Wellness counselor, Ayurvedic postpartum doula & 500 HR Yoga Teacher and Personal trainer since 2007.

    I'm Andrea — your Ayurveda & Yoga  Guide to Postpartum Healing.

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