Traditions, fact-checked
Many cultures, including India's jaapa or sawa mahina, set aside around 40 days for a new mother to rest and be cared for. A lot of that wisdom holds up well. Some practices need a small change, and a few are worth dropping.
Keep backed by evidence Adapt helpful with changes Avoid may cause harm
40 days of rest and care
The mother stays home, family takes over household work, and she focuses on healing and her baby.
Rest and practical support really help recovery and mental health. Just add gentle daily movement, like short walks and breathing exercises. Lying in bed all day raises the risk of blood clots.
Daily oil massage (maalish)
Warm oil massage for the mother, often by a trained maalishwali.
Gentle massage can ease aches and help you relax. Use warm, not hot oil. Keep it off your C-section scar and stitches until they've fully healed, and don't allow deep pressure on your stomach.
Belly binding (pet bandhna)
Tying a cloth or belt tightly around the stomach to "flatten" it and "put organs back in place".
A supportive (not tight) binder can make moving more comfortable after a C-section. It doesn't flatten your stomach or fix muscle separation. Only exercise does that. Tight binding pushes pressure down onto your pelvic floor, so stop if it causes heaviness or makes breathing hard.
Hot water baths and sitting over smoke or heat
Very hot baths, or sitting over an angithi or herbal smoke to "dry" the stitches.
A warm bath or sitz bath is soothing and clean. Very hot water can burn healing skin, and smoke irritates your lungs and your baby's. Keep stitches clean and dry. That's enough for healing.
Drinking less water
The belief that water makes the stomach bulge or slows healing.
Not drinking enough water leads to constipation, urine infections and tiredness, and makes breastfeeding harder. Drink when you're thirsty and keep water close while feeding. Warm water is fine if you prefer it.
Avoiding "cold" foods
Avoiding fruits, curd, rice or many vegetables because they're "cold".
There's no evidence that these foods harm healing or breast milk. Cutting out whole food groups can mean missing out on vitamins and fibre. Eat a variety, served at a temperature you enjoy.
Ghee-rich laddoos and panjiri
Energy-rich sweets with nuts, gond, ghee and jaggery.
They're nourishing, but a single laddoo can be very high in calories. One small piece a day alongside balanced meals is plenty. See nutrition.
Covering ears and head, staying indoors
Keeping warm and avoiding "air".
Dress comfortably for the weather. Overheating in summer isn't good for you or your baby. Fresh air and gentle morning sunlight help your mood and vitamin D.
Ajwain, jeera and saunf water; dry ginger
Used for digestion and gas.
Safe in normal kitchen amounts and often comforting. Don't use them in place of medical care for fever or severe pain.
These traditions come from love and experience. Combining them with modern safety advice gives mothers the best of both.
- World Health Organization (2022). WHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience. Link
- NHS. Your post-pregnancy body (pelvic floor exercises, separated stomach muscles). Link
- ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (2024). Dietary Guidelines for Indians. Link
See all references. This information is educational. Always consult your doctor for advice about your own health.
Cultural practices vary by region and family. This page offers general guidance, not medical advice.