Well-being Q&A: neonatal care and ulcerative colitis

I am in my 40s and would like to know what kind of neonatal care a woman requires after delivery. Also, can you tell me what to keep in mind when bathing a newborn baby?
S.K, by email 

The distinctive anatomical and physiological features of women in all age groups have long been studied in Ayurveda. Therefore the branch of obstetrics is very detailed, with regimens and treatments established from the period of conception to delivery. Neonatal care particularly refers to the speciality area of paediatrics that deals with the care of newborn babies. While the Ayurvedic postnatal care of a mother should be tailor-made in consultation with an expert, a basic plan traditionally practised is outlined below:

One to four days after birth:
 
10g cumin seeds (fried and powdered), mixed with ghee should be taken once daily.
Bamboo shoots or leaves boiled with water should be consumed.
Food should be light, easily digestible and fresh.

Four to ten days after birth:

• Mixture of jeerakarishtam* and dasamoolarishtam* (30ml) should be taken twice daily before food.
• A mutton soup made with ginger, small onions, curry leaves and cumin seeds should be eaten for nine days. 
• A massage with Dhanwantharam thailam* is recommended.

Ten to thirty days after birth:

• 15g of Pancha Jeeraka gudam*, Soubhagya shunti modakam* or Vidaryadi lehyam*; galactogogues promote lactation.
• A porridge of methi (fenugreek) seeds is recommended.
• Eating asparagus is beneficial.

The post-natal regimen has to be created in consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor. As far as your question on bathing the baby is concerned, you could use Lakshadi thailam* as a massage oil for the baby beforehand.

I have been suffering from ulcerative colitis for a year and am taking medication. Please could you give me some health tips. 
 AB, by email

Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, is characterised by abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The exact cause is not known, but autoimmune factors, genetic factors, infection and psychogenesis have all been suggested.

A few pointers:
Favour (Pathya): Asparagus, celery, cucumber, green beans, bitter gourd, snake gourd, leeks, peas, apples, avocados, sweet cherries, coconut, pomegranate, figs, mangoes, raisins, plums, almonds, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, fennel, saffron, turmeric, mint, peppermint tea.

Avoid or reduce (Apathya): Garlic, onion, popcorn, radishes, sprouts, tomatoes, berries, sour cherries, apricots, mustard, pickles, salt, fizzy drinks, curd, coffee. Keep a food diary on beans, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, butter, milk, grapes and banana; these can be taken if not problematic.
* Available at stores selling Ayurvedic products

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Well-being,
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