Abstract

NAVJAAT SHISHU PARICHARYA (NEONATAL CARE) IN AYURVEDA: A REVIEW

Kadwal Sonia and Poonia Jaipal*

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Abstract

Kaumarbhritya is one of the branches in Ashtang Ayurveda which deals with care of infant, children; their disease and management. Navjaat Shishu paricharya (newborn care) has been mentioned in both Ayurvedic and modern texts. Following the delivery of the baby through the mother's vaginal canal, medical practitioners should follow these fundamental procedures. In Ayurveda texts Acharyas stated full description to care of new born from birth to full stability of new born. Different Acharyas advised various procedures for the stability of new born with a few differences in options regarding the sequence of that procedure. Ayurveda mentioned very scientific approach toward newborn care as jatamatra paricharya, means protocol. Neonatal period is very crucial phase of life. One has to provide systemic, luxurious and so phisticated neonatal care. This article deals with the various procedures advocated for early and specified management of newborn as per ayurvedic samhitas like Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtang Hridaya and modern texts appellated as resuscitation procedures. The materials were collected from the classical Ayurvedic texts, pediatric textbooks, magazines and research journals. The measures care of new born described in our ancient texts indicate their wisdom regarding resuscitation, prevention of hypothermia, aspiration and infections and promotion of rooming in and early initiation of breast feeding.

Keywords: Navjaat Shishu paricharya, resuscitation, hypothermia, neonatal protocols, care of the newborn, jatamatra paricharya.