Diet/Nutrition before, during and after pregnancy

[Guest guest]

Hi,

 

I am currently studying holistic nutrition. As part of my final project I am

interested in researching and writing on the traditional ayurveda based

diet/nutrition during pre natal, delivery and postpartum. I know that a lot of

traditional Indian diets for pregnant women were based on ayurveda. There is

wealth of knowledge and good practices passed on through generations in India

from mother to daughter during this period. I feel like many of the traditions

are dying with the introduction and practice of modern medicine. Many of the

foods I was asked to eat by my mom during pregnancy were cooling foods. I was

told by my mom to avoid heaty foods like ginger and papaya. And post partum, I

was advised to eat warm foods and also lots of fats ...esp. cows ghee. One

member of this group confirmed that this diet helped as it would help build

" Ojas " , which was the most important thing during pregnancy.

There was also the role of body massage for the mother and the infant that

played an important role in healing and development. I was wondering if you

could direct me to resources I could use for this research. I am also

interested in researching traditional diets for infants once they are being

weaned off breast milk, including the different ages when different food groups

are introduced. Any insights will be very helpful.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Hiral