Raising a Child with Ayurveda

"When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies. And now when every new baby is born its first laugh becomes a fairy. So there ought to be" -James Matthew Barrie creator of Peter Pan

A child born into our world begins to experience a different environment from what it enjoyed till then. He was getting the warmth, atmost care and nutrition in his mother’s womb. So it is rather important to guide the new born well to adapt to our environment. 'Kaumarbhratya', one among the eight branches of Ayurveda, is especially dedicated to the bringing up a baby with good health and adequate physical and mental development.
With special emphasis on baby care, Ayurveda insists wholesome regimens from the very beginning of pregnancy itself. At most care is provided since then.
Care of Newbo

Just after birth, vernix has to be removed from baby’s body using rock-salt and ghee. Resuscitation of the body has to be done by cleaning the airways by providing stimulus to the baby. It is done by sprinkling hot or cold water on baby’s face. Secondly by rubbing two stones near the new born’s ear. These resuscitation measures go hand in hand with modern techniques.
In case of fluid aspiration, drugs are given to expel the aspirated fluid. The administration of emetics are not always advised.

Cutting of the Umbilical cordr
This process is described elaborately in the Ayurvedic texts. It is done by clamping it at a specified distance from the navel side. The other end is tied loosely to the neck of the newly born baby. It is carried out in aseptic environment.

General care of the baby.
At the time of delivery the fetus undergoes several mechanical adjustments and trauma. The baby should be massaged with Balaa taila to overcome the above said problems.
Thereafter the baby should be bathed with lukewarm decoction of Ksheerivrksha (latex yielding plants) or fragrant drugs. Gentle heating prevents hypothermia and also makes it aseptic.

Feeding the baby.
Ancient scholars were well aware of the less production of breast milk for the first 3-4 days. Hence on the first day a mixture of honey and is given thrice. And from the forth day onwards breast milk is given to the baby. Modern studies reveal that breast feeding enhances and increases overall mental and physical growth and development of the newborn.
Feeding of gold or suvarna praasa: - Gold along with some herbal drugs is administered to a neonate to gain required body growth, intelligence, strength, colour and goodness. The presence of Gold and its compounds in GI tract is believed to influence the different biochemical activities occurring in the baby.
Ayurveda emphasizes the prime importance of special premise intended for dwelling of the children. The concept of playgrounds ‘Kreedabhoomi’ and ‘Kreedanakani’ ascertains the proper early modulations of the arousal of various stimulations. Hundreds of toys were acquired from the remnants of Indus valley civilization.

Cultural ceremonies or Samskaarasr
Socio-cultural programs were organized during the childhood. It included:
Naming ceremonyr
Outing ceremonyr
Sitting ceremonyr
Ear piercing and so on..
Apart from the religious aspects, these rituals had a vital role from the view point of modern science.
For example, piercing the ear may help to activate immune mechanism and to generate a secondary immunity against several infections.
Protective measuresr
In ancient period, several measures were taken to protect the body from evil sprits. In Hindu mythology ‘Grahas’ and ‘Bhootas’ are believed to cause psychological and physical ill health to the neonate. The residence of the baby is decorated with branches of certain medicinal trees. A wooden pestle is kept at the entrance. Oblations and chanting of mantras are performed regularly. Fumigation of the room was done in a regular basis.

Conclusion.
The relics of this ancient virtue have prime ‘significance’ in the modern era also. Many of the practices of the present day evolved from these ancient rituals. It is said that the roots of our present life dwells in the pages of our history. So it is significant to understand the past and inculcate the essence of them in our day to day life. Above all, these practices are quintessential for the mental, physical, social and cultural development of the baby.