The birth of a child is a time of great joy in a family’s life. Though the focus should be on the infant and the changes that a child brings to a family, Ayurveda recommends taking care of the mother along with the newborn, says Priya Balmugren, an Ayervedic dietician with Shanthigram Wellness.

“A woman’s body has gone through a radical change after giving birth and needs time to rest and rejuvenate,” Balmugren says. “The baby has exited the womb, leaving stretched connective tissue, displaced organs and strained muscles. Proper rejuvenation is key to optimal health for a new mother.” The Ayurvedic practitioners at Santhigram recommend postpartum abyanga (warm oil) and steam baths to support recovery, as well as light, warm, nourishing, digestible food for good-quality breast milk. Ayurveda prescribes a very specific diet for about six weeks postpartum to redirect the body’s energy back to the woman’s own needs.

“A growing number of women in their third trimester of pregnancy are calling us to ask about postpartum care,” says Syno Pandeya, owner of Santhigram Wellness. “We offer abyanga and steam as well as showing them how to take care of themselves at home. This helps prevent back and joint pain in the long term, and restores the mother’s body to good health so she can be strong and healthy enough to care for her new infant.”

Santhigram Wellness is located at 1305 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY. For information, call 914.250.1417 or visit SanthigramWellness.com.