Abstract

RETROSPECTIVE CONCEPT OF DHATRI THEN IN AACHARYAS TIME & NOW UNDER WHO

Dr. Devanshu Sharma* and Dr. Kiran Sharma

Abstract

Ayurveda, the native healthcare system of India, is a rich resource of well-documented ancient medical knowledge In ancient science of ayurveda the concept of dhatri (wet nurse) is stated by many Acharyas as Charaka, Sushruta and Kashyapa. In deficiency of breast milk, the concept of dhatri- a wet nurse – to feed the baby gains its importance. Breastfeeding is well known, A Nature’s gift and is the best nutrition for Human Infants even for Animals. There are several problems in motherhood so in such cases there is an alternative source for breastfeeding is mentioned by Acharyas. This is due to the fact that baby should not be supplemented with food but also be provided with an affection, by experienced and nurturing support. The best food for baby whose mother cannot breastfeed, should get milk expressed from the mother’s breast or from any other healthy female. In Ayurveda Acharyas has described some characteristic features which are needed to be considered for selecting the Dhatri. These features are of grave importance for the child. WHO on the other hand understands the concept of same for the care of baby, Understands the care of Infant from the birth to complete development of body in all segments let it be development, cultural adaptation, care in Prematurity, low birth weight, Growth and failure to thrive by the use of Caregiver, qualities of whom resembles to the qualities and responsibilities of Dhatri stated in Ayurveda. In today’s world, there’s one more advancement through which we can preserve mother's breast milk and form milk bank and formula feed for baby. But it lack’s love, care, and nutritional values when compared to Breastmilk. So the purpose of the this study is to review the concept of ancient Dhatri and Modern day Care Givers seeking the characteristic features.

Keywords: Dhatri, Ayurveda, Who, Care Giver, Wet Nurse.