Kaumarbhrutya Tantra is also called Balopacharaniya. Ayurveda has eight specialised branches of Ashtang Ayurveda, Kaumarbhrutya is among them. This study of Kaumarbhrutya deals with pediatric issues. The study covers all aspects of growth of child, i.e., from neonatal to adolescence stages. It also includes treatment of various problems at different stages.
Kaumarbhrutya is mainly based on the caring aspects of child in prenatal, natal and postnatal stages, in addition to obstetrics and gynecology. This branch of Ayurveda recognizes link between mental and physical health of an expecting mother and her child. The branch also deals with infertility problems.
Basics of Kaumarbhrutya Tantra
The study of Kaumarbhrutya deals with following aspects of child care –
Child care –
- The study of Kaumarbhrutya is especially devoted to good health of a child.
- There are several ayurvedic preparations to develop healthy body and a sharp mind in a child. They are used since ages, right from infancy to childhood.
- Ayurveda also relies on various medications and tonics to build immunity power in a child and to guard them against various diseases.
Importance of Breast Milk –
- It is the most important starting nutrient to a baby.
- Breast feeding is called lactation, which benefits both the mother as well as the child in numerous ways.
- Breast feeding is a requirement for baby’s growth and should never be neglected as it is a way to show a mother’s love towards her baby.
Child Diet –
- Ayurveda studies are based mainly on healthy living than on treatment of diseases.
- As per Ayurveda, a healthy body is able to fight and ward off various diseases, hence it is necessary to build up the child’s immunity by required foods.
- Healthy foods will help in proper regulation of body’s organs.
Dhatri –
- A mother’s milk is of utmost importance to her baby.
- Its the mother’s first milk which provides immense immunity to a child.
- For few initial months, a child does not require anything apart from breast milk.
- A mother’s milk is an ideal diet for a baby, which is rich in nutrients and enough to fulfill a baby’s gastrointestinal requirements.
Baby Teething –
- At the age of 5-6 months, a baby will start teething or growing of teeth.
- The time of teething can vary from child to child. Order of tooth emergence and rate of teething also varies in children.
These are some of the aspects of Kaumarbhrutya tantra.
