Colic In Babies: The Ayurvedic Perspective

When it comes to postpartum recovery, there's no shortage of misconceptions—and today, I want to shed light on a big one: colic in babies.

In Western medicine, it's often said that colic "just happens" and there's little we can do about it. But according to Ayurveda, the root cause of colic lies in the diet and digestion of the nursing mother.

Below are some Ayurvedic insights into how you can support your little one's digestive health (and your own!) during the postpartum period.

What Ayurveda Says About Colic: 

Ayurveda teaches us that a baby's digestive system is directly impacted by the food and lifestyle of the nursing mother.

 If mama's digestion is imbalanced—perhaps due to cold, heavy, or processed foods—this can lead to gas, bloating, or discomfort in the baby, which we often recognize as colic.

Here are three key principles from Ayurvedic postpartum care to help ease colic and restore harmony for both you and your baby:

1️⃣ Warm, easy-to-digest meals – Prioritize cooked, spiced, and nourishing foods like soups, stews, and kitchari. These are gentle on your digestion and help create breast milk that's less likely to cause digestive discomfort in your baby.

2️⃣ Spices are your allies – Spices like fennel, cinnamon, fenugreek, cumin, and ginger not only help balance your digestion but also reduce gas and bloating for your baby when passed through breast milk.

3️⃣ Avoid "cold and raw" – Cold drinks, salads, or uncooked foods can weaken your digestion postpartum, leading to imbalances that may contribute to colic in your baby.

4️⃣ Sip on Teas – Herbal teas such as fennel, chamomile, and ginger can be beneficial. Fennel tea, in particular, is known for its digestive properties and can help reduce gas in both the mother and baby. You can brew fennel seeds in hot water, strain, and sip throughout the day to help ease discomfort.

5️⃣ Baby Abhyanga (Massage) – Gently massaging your baby with warm oil can be a soothing ritual. Use a light, warm sesame oil and perform light, gentle strokes in a clockwise direction on their tummy. This can help promote digestion and relieve gas.

6️⃣ Burp After Every Feeding – Ensure you burp your baby after every feeding to help release any trapped air in their tummy. This simple practice can significantly reduce colic discomfort and help your baby feel more at ease.

7️⃣ Warm Compress – Applying a warm compress to your baby's tummy can provide soothing relief. Use a warm cloth (not hot) and place it gently on their belly to help relax any tightness and ease discomfort.

8️⃣ Create a Calm Environment – A peaceful, quiet space during feeding times can help your baby feel more relaxed and aid digestion. Soft lighting and gentle music can create a serene atmosphere that supports both you and your little one.🕊️