Every parent wants the best for their child. A healthy pregnancy is necessary to ensure the baby’s well- being after birth too. Garbh sanskar has gained popularity as an enabler for the mental and physical development of the baby.
Garbh sanskar is not only about the care taken during pregnancy, but about starting preparations at least a year before conception. Garbh sanskar covers pre- pregnancy, pregnancy as well as the breastfeeding phase, guiding parents until the child is about 2 years old.
According to Ayurved, Garbh Sanskar is one of the best ways to give birth to a healthy baby. It’s all about the mother maintaining a sound state of mind, not only mentally, but physically, emotionally and spiritually as well. Ayurvedic garbh sanskar suggests certain guidelines to keep in mind for the pregnant mother. These include:
- Healthy eating habits: The dietary regime is an essential aspect of pregnancy, as the growth of foetus depends upon the health and nutrition of the mother. According to ayurved the ahara- rasa, which is nutrition or energy obtained from the mother’s diet, helps in nourishment of the mother herself, the growth of baby and preparation for formation of breast milk. A balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals is recommended to this end. The garbh sanskar foods in pregnancy should have a balanced amount of calcium, folic acid and iron.
- Positive thinking: Pregnancy can make you moody and irritable. Garbh sanskar helps you manage your emotion which is good, both for the mother and the baby. You could cultivate a hobby or just do things that make you happy.
- Practicing yoga or some form of light exercise: Garbh sanskar recommends that pregnant women take up some light form of exercise or yoga for the physical well- being of both the mother and the child.
- Meditation: Meditation is an important aspect of garbh sanskar and is beneficial for the body as it de- stresses the mind. It involves getting into ‘zero state of mind’, which can help bring peace and tranquility, and enhance concentration. Visualizing good things about the baby while you meditate is also a great way to bond and think positively, which can help both you and baby.
- Prayer: Praying is an important part of garbh sanskar, and is believed to be good for spiritual development of the baby. Ancient scriptures contain mantras and shlokas which are beneficial for unborn babies.
- Listening to music which brings peace to mind: Garbh sanskar states that a baby can respond to music while in mother’s womb. In fact, ancient literature says that a baby starts hearing and responding to its surroundings from fourth month of pregnancy. This is why the mother should listen to melodious music which clams her. Soft and spiritual songs or mantras and shlokas are said to be beneficial for both the mother and the child.
- Reading calming or spiritual books: Garbh sanskar recommends reading spiritual books, which brings about a feeling of contentment and satisfaction. In fact, garbh sanskar also stresses on the fact that reading educational books shapes the personality of the child in the womb. It is believed that reading when pregnant can help pass on the wisdom to the unborn child.
- Keeping the mind relaxed and happy: As per garbh sanskar, the mother should not indulge in activities or practices which stress her out. Taking undue stress or watching or reading things which scare or worry you are not recommended during pregnancy as there they trigger the release of hormones which may have an adverse effect on the foetus. Try and be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually contented during the nine months for the sake of your baby.
- Consuming herbal ghee during pregnancy: Medicated ghee made from cow’s milk ghee is recommended during the 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th and 9th month of pregnancy by ayurved. It is said to be beneficial for the mental and physical development of the baby and can help prevent congenital abnormalities in the foetus. According to ayurved, medicated ghee might also help the mother have a full- term normal delivery.
