S2, Episode 3: Ayurveda During Pregnancy and Postpartum
In this episode, Nimisha and I discuss
What is Ayurveda? Why is it important to include ayurvedic practices during pregnancy and postpartum?
Ayurveda is a science that is over 3000 years old
It puts an emphasis on menstruation and health; menstruation is considered something to be revered
So, if you have a healthy period, you are more likely to be fertile and have a healthy pregnancy and birth
It will also cause people to have a healthier postpartum and later on menopause
During pregnancy, there are daily Ayurvedic rituals like massaging your body, tongue scraping, and washing your face
There is also the clinical aspect that focuses on using the practice of ayurveda to keep a pregnant person healthy
Some rules go out the window, and the emphasis is on being nourished. It also focuses on mental and physical stability
For postpartum, ayurveda focuses on the forty days of rest and recovery
How can an ayurvedic approach affect our diet during pregnancy and postpartum?
Start early, and look at your nutritional choices
Make sure you’re consuming minerals like B12 and magnesium bisglycinate
Take a good-quality prenatal / postnatal
Vitamin deficiencies can affect a baby
Mineral deficiencies can make pregnancy difficult
Address health issues like gut infections
Create a spiritual connection for yourself and with your community
Move however is best for your body
What are the dosha types?
Every person has a unique combination of these dosha types that describe the makeup of the elements of the earth. This can guide you and help you learn more about yourself.
Vatta
Pitta
Kapha
How can expecting / new families prioritize healing, rest, and nutrition during pregnancy / postpartum?
Set up a doula fund instead of presents
Set up a meal train or ask for a meal fund
Be more mindful with time by stocking up freezer with nutrient-dense food
Choose a hospital that comes with a doula
See if your insurance will cover a doula or lactation consultant
What are your favorite resources?
You can find Nimisha on her website, Instagram, Clubhouse, or Facebook.
Enjoy the episode!
Nimisha Gandhi is a functional medicine nutritionist, Ayurvedic counselor, Yoga Nidra/meditation teacher, and former tech founder. She holds a B.S. in pre-med Psychobiology from UCLA and has years of additional education in her field. In Nimisha’s private practice, Moon Cycle Nutrition, she specializes in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care with an emphasis on the mind, body, and soul. Nimisha combines functional medicine nutrition with ancient Ayurvedic principles to help her clients find deeply personalized eating and lifestyle plans. Her clients learn to awaken their untapped healer and empower themselves about their own health journey. She also uses the innate wisdom of changing hormones and cycles of nature to help her clients flow with their body. Moon Cycle Nutrition is a conscious evolution practice that draws on deep inner inquiry, food as medicine, meditation, sleep, rituals, lab work, movement, and insight that she has picked up along the journey.
