Baby Birth Preparation
Everything you need to prepare for the big day and beyond.
Early Signs
- Lightening (Baby drops down) — pressure reduces in upper abdomen.
- Frequent urination — due to baby pressing bladder.
- Loose stools — body preparing for delivery.
- Mucus discharge (show) — thick mucus plug comes out.
- Backache or lower abdominal cramps — start and go off at intervals.
Active Labor Symptoms
- Regular contractions — every 5–10 minutes, getting stronger.
- Water breaking (Amniotic sac rupture) — clear fluid discharge.
- Intense pelvic pressure — baby moving into birth canal.
- Feeling of heaviness — mother feels baby’s head downward.
🕉️ Vedic View
In Vedic view, this time is sacred — chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or “Mahamrityunjaya Mantra” gives mental calm and safe energy to both mother & child.
Immediately After Delivery
Physical Care
- Wipe mother with warm towel, cover well to prevent chill.
- Feed her warm water with ajwain, saunth (dry ginger) to balance vata.
- First food: Moong dal soup, rice gruel, ghee — easy to digest.
- Avoid cold, heavy, or stale food.
Spiritual Care
- Keep chanting peaceful mantras.
- Avoid negative talk or visitors for a few days.
- Mother should rest and bond with baby — skin-to-skin touch is divine (“संयोग संस्कार”).
Postpartum Ayurvedic Care (Sutika Kala)
A crucial 40-day recovery period for body, mind, and energy restoration.
Diet (Ahara)
Week 1–2: Warm liquids, ghee, moong dal, rice gruel, ajwain water. Week 3–4: Add wheat, vegetables, milk, jaggery, dry fruit laddoo (gond, methi). Week 5–6: Full balanced meal, but still avoid fried/spicy food.
Body Care (Abhyanga Snana)
Daily warm oil massage with sesame or mustard oil (by trained lady). Bath with water boiled with neem leaves or ajwain seeds. Keeps joints warm and removes fatigue.
Mental & Emotional Healing
Rest deeply, avoid stress or arguments. Listen to calming bhajans or soft mantras. Read peaceful scriptures (Sundarkand, Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12).
Newborn Vedic Care
First Touch & Care
Newborn should be wrapped in soft cotton cloth. Apply til (sesame) oil lightly on soles and palms. Keep baby warm and close to mother (skin contact promotes bonding).
Feeding
Breastfeeding should start within 1 hour of delivery. First milk (colostrum) is sacred in Ayurveda — “Amrit Tulya” (divine nectar).
Protection Rituals
Chant Gayatri Mantra or Shanti Mantra daily near baby. Keep a copper vessel with water and Tulsi leaves near baby’s head for purity.
Family Environment
Keep home peaceful, filled with love, not loud sounds. Use sandalwood or cow ghee diya daily morning and evening. Family should avoid stress or quarrels — baby absorbs vibrations. Speak sweetly; mother’s peace equals baby’s strength.
| Aspect | Remedy | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Weak digestion | Ajwain + saunth boiled water | Cleans uterus & improves appetite |
| Body pain | Warm sesame oil massage | Reduces vata, strengthens muscles |
| Lactation | Fennel, methi, and jaggery | Improves milk flow |
| Anxiety | Tulsi tea & mantra chanting | Mental calmness |
| Fatigue | Gond laddoo, almond milk | Restores strength |
Om Namah Shivaya
Gives endurance and emotional balance
Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah
Attracts nurturing and abundance
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Spiritual shield for mother & child
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Removes fear and pain
For Mother
For Baby
Feeding
Feed your baby on demand, whether breastfeeding or formula-feeding. Look for hunger cues like rooting or sucking on hands. Expect to feed every 2-3 hours.
Diapering
Change diapers frequently to prevent diaper rash. Clean the area with wipes or water and pat dry. Use diaper cream if needed.
Bathing
Give sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off. Then, you can use an infant tub. Use mild baby soap and shampoo.
Sleeping
Newborns sleep a lot, but in short bursts. Always place your baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. Keep the crib free of blankets and soft toys.
Umbilical Cord Care
Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry. It will usually fall off on its own within 1-3 weeks. Watch for signs of infection like redness or pus.
| When to Get | Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|---|
| At Birth | BCG, OPV-0, Hep-B 1 | Tuberculosis, Polio, Hepatitis B |
| 6 Weeks | DTwP 1, IPV 1, Hep-B 2, HiB 1, Rotavirus 1, PCV 1 | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hepatitis B, and more |
| 10 Weeks | DTwP 2, IPV 2, HiB 2, Rotavirus 2, PCV 2 | Continuation of protection |
| 14 Weeks | DTwP 3, IPV 3, HiB 3, Rotavirus 3, PCV 3 | Continuation of protection |
| 6 Months | OPV 1, Hep-B 3 | Polio, Hepatitis B |
| 9 Months | OPV 2, MMR 1 | Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella |