How can I help make a healthy baby?
If you are wishing to be a parent or are a ‘wannabe’ grandparent, uncle or aunty this question may be important for you. Read on to see what makes a healthy baby.
First things, first
In answering this question, Maharishi AyurVeda looks to the health of the reproductive system for the Mother and Father – the sperm, ovum, and uterus at the time of conception. So let’s see what is happening globally to impact the health of sperm and ovum and what Maharishi AyurVeda recommends to support the health and vitality of sperm and ovum.
Global impact on fertility – Modern Research
A study published in 2017 done by the Hebrew University and Mount Sinai medical school found that total sperm and the quality of sperm was in serious decline [1]. The research included men from North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia and showed a reduction in total sperm count of almost 60 percent. Scientist believe this decline is due to the high levels of pesticides and chemical fertilizers the body has been subjected to from our environment and food chain.
World Health Organisation published a study at the end of 2012 that confirmed a previous trend indicating 1 in 4 couples in the developing countries were affected by infertility.
1 in 4 infertile couples had an ovulation disorder; other causes can include damage to the fallopian tubes, endometriosis and uterine or cervical causes inhibiting implantation. In some cases, there is no known reason for the lack of fertility.
Also, many women are by necessity focusing on their careers throughout their 20’s – the most fertile years. Women then face a natural decline in fertility when they attempt to conceive in their 30’s. A woman’s fertility starts to fall after the age of 30 and drops steeply after the age of 35. By the age of 40, only two in five women statistically are able to conceive naturally.
Many women, men, and couples are reaching out to natural systems of health care to learn more about what they can do to improve their odds of conceiving, holding the baby and growing a healthy child.
What does Maharishi AyurVeda say?
This 3000+-year-old wisdom is more important today than ever, with the conditions of modern life putting ever-growing pressure on our bodies and minds, and thus the ability to conceive and grow healthy children.
Maharishi AyurVeda proposes time-tested, natural, and affordable methods of enhancing the ability to conceive. The Ayurvedic approach focuses on the bigger picture; aiming not only to improve fertility through diet and lifestyle changes but also to create and raise healthy families. Conception is just the beginning!
How can I support fertility?
It is beautiful to consider how the body takes our food and through a process of digestion and metabolism creates step by step the various bodily tissues until the most important tissue is formed, Shukra – Reproductive Tissue. The primary function of Shukra is the production of the embryo and the formation of Ojas – a life-giving substance Ayurveda explains is created from full and complete digestion.
To support fertility, we focus on the healthy formation of Shukra or reproductive tissue. Shukra formation is impacted when we are tired or exhausted, experience mental and emotional stress, have poor nutrition; taking unwholesome foods lacking in nutrient, or not eating enough, have inadequate sleep or diminish our reproductive fluids with excess sexual activity or frequent childbirth.
Modern life is hard on our reproductive tissues with its constant challenges and stress, the 24-hour lifestyle that impacts our sleep, the relentless drive to satisfy our desires and the pollution in our food chain to top it off. Even saying that the desire to be parents can be a turning point where one makes choices against the flow of modern life; to re-establish a natural flow of life that is more in step with the rhythms of nature and more likely to support making a healthy baby. Here’s what you can do:
Getting Ready
Step 1:
First cleanse, so the nourishment of your tissues is optimal.
For 1 month take the following herbals to help cleanse and strengthen digestion and tissue formation:
Woman: Take Apana Balance (MA3347) 1 tablet 3 times a day with 1 tablet of Vital Woman (MA5923) 30 minutes prior to breakfast, lunch and evening meals. At bedtime take 1-2 tablets of Triphala Rose (MA505).
Men: Take Vital Man (MA924) 1 tablet 3 times a day with 1 tablet of MA218 Indian Asparagus/Ashwagandha formula 30 minutes prior to breakfast, lunch and evening meals. At bedtime take 1-2 tablets of Triphala Rose (MA505).
Step 2:
If you have access to Panchakarma the deep cleansing and nourishing therapies of Maharishi AyurVeda, a week’s treatment is highly recommended.
(Health centres in the United Kingdom)
Step 3:
For the third month continue to take the herbals from month 1.
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
- Meditate and practice Yoga – Transcendental Meditation which is backed with significant research and is easy to do is my favourite meditation technique.
- Get 8-9 hours of sleep a night.
- Identify areas of emotional or mental stress and deal with them.
- Eat your main meal at lunchtime and a light, tasty meal by 6.30 PM.
- Take time together to talk about your future plans and be happy together.
Through the cleansing time (Step 1-3), it is helpful to abstain from the sexual activity so you can build up the health and energy of Shukra.
- Favour fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables and take them freshly prepared.
- Favour asparagus 2-3 times a week, broccoli, spices such as ajwain powder, cumin, turmeric, and black cumin, mangoes and one sweet juicy pear each day.
- Eat dates, figs, and raisins, milkshakes, paneer cheese and lassi.
- Eat rice pudding made with basmati rice, raisins, chopped nuts, saffron and organic raw sugar to taste.
- Include walnuts, pecans, and blanched almonds into your daily food choices.
- Avoid, tinned, canned or frozen foods and leftovers.
- Choose room temperature or warm drinks and warm foods over cold options.
- Aim to have your most substantial meal of the day at lunchtime and a light evening meal by 6.30 PM.
- Drink 1.5 L of water or herbal teas each day.
- Choose the seasonal tea: Vata tea for Autumn and Winter, Kapha tea for Spring and Pitta tea for Summer.
When it’s time to conceive
When you are ready to conceive continue with the dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Stop taking the cleansing herbals above and start taking Amrit Kalash Nectar (MA4) paste and Amrit Kalash Ambrosia (MA5) tablets. Continue to take the two Amrits through the pregnancy and while breastfeeding. They are both gentle and nourishing formulas that are very rejuvenating.
If you are experiencing difficulty at any point, consider having a personal consultation with a Maharishi Ayurvedic Professional near you.
Wishing you the bliss of balance
Linda Sinden, Maharishi AyurVeda Consultant.
Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi AyurVeda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our health articles. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity.
Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz
Mobile: +64 212237525
Skype: Linda.Sinden
DISCLAIMER: The information in this document is presented for the sole purpose of imparting education on Maharishi AyurVeda and neither the information nor the products are intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, or are pregnant or lactating, please consult a health professional and it is recommended that you speak with your physician before making significant changes to your diet or routine.
