Woman Shares How Moms Get Postpartum Support in India

A mom born in Canada got married and gave birth in Mumbai. As per her post-birthing experience, it takes a village to raise a child in India, and the practice is essential for the mom's healing and the adjustment of the newborn.

In India, doctors advise women to stay home, avoid exercise, and stop walking, driving, or eating particular foods. There are also many superstitions surrounding certain events, such as the full moon or eclipse.

Raw cheeses, vegetables, and certain herbs are not allowed. Food for the expectant moms is mostly well-cooked with certain herbs. Cumin and turmeric are also staples in the meals, Insider reports. After birth, the new mom is expected to be in a "confinement" period in the care of family and close relatives.

Strong family support after birth

As per Erlings, the custom of joint families living together in one house or living with the in-laws make so much sense after a woman gives birth.

Families go out of their way to care for the new mother and her baby in every way possible. They cook for them, mix healing concoctions, bathe and massage the mother and the baby, and be with her through thick and thin.

The mother and the baby are cared for by the baby's mother, grandmother, and a Japas, or the women hired by the family to care for the mother and the babies during the 40 days of confinement after birth. The Japa is also expected to massage the mother and baby for 40 days using mustard oil to help the new mom's body recover and aid in the baby's growth, flexibility, and joints.

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At least six weeks of "confinement"

For the first six weeks after childbirth, it is generally recommended in India to stay at home for six weeks for confinement and recuperation. Across Indian cultures, postpartum care is given much emphasis. Erlings practiced the "40-day rest", and she admits that it gave her time to recover and her baby time to get used to the world.

Usually, the new mom returns to her mother's house for the end of pregnancy and postpartum. But if the new mother cannot do so, her mother will usually come and live with the new mother during postpartum rest. The new mom is supposed to rest, rejuvenate and replenish and not do any housework or other strenuous activities. Her diet promotes healing, boosts her immunity, and improves her milk supply.

According to Baby Center, confinement time and recovery of the mother are linked to the food she consumes. Although different regions in India has their version of confinement food, mothers are generally given warming or heating foods to hasten recovery from childbirth.

Restrictions during confinement period

As per Nutrition Care from Rochester, there are also several restrictions while in confinement period. These would include avoiding fans or air-conditioning, which cause the new mom's cold. Every activity that the new mom does has certain do's and don'ts. The moms in confinement, for example, are also not allowed to read and watch TV as it is supposed to cause headaches. There should also be no crying, engaging in stressful conversations, or doing household work.

Most restrictions are focused on the belief that heat will help moms recover faster.

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