All pregnant mothers consult obstetricians and nutritionists, they read a lot of educative books and are very conscious of what they do and eat during their pregnancy. But in spite of all the recommended books and consultations from doctors, the old and traditional formulas of the grandmothers and great grand mothers in families in India are still very popular.  Pregnant women are likely to follow their mama’s and grand mama’s tips without doubting their expertise. Try our granny’s original tips- simple to follow and highly effective.

• First and foremost, the mental status of the would-be-mother should be very relaxed. She should be calm and in a peaceful environment. Don’t stress yourself and try and be happy.

• During your pregnancy, read good books. Read 2-4 chaupais from Ramayana (or any other religious epic, depending upon your belief and religion) and read the Hanuman Chalisa everyday. It will give you a lot of peace of mind and tranquility. As a result, your child will have god thoughts and will grow up to possess the right morals and principles.

• Mothers generally want their child to have a clean and fair complexion, for this an expecting mother should chew coconut pieces everyday, this will not only clear your baby’s complexion but also help your teeth and gums get stronger during this period.

• Chew some rice grains everyday, early in the morning, your baby will be fair and lovely.

• Never go out of the house during a solar or lunar eclipse. Stay at home inside your room and try and do some prayers or meditation.

• Put 2 tea spoons of asafetida in 1 cup of water, and bring it to boil, cool the solution and keep it in a bottle. You never know when your baby may start crying, he is likely to be suffering form a stomach ache. Apply this asafetida water around his navel, and watch the pain vanish within minutes.

• To facilitate your delivery, mix 3 tea spoons of lime juice with ¼ tea spoon powdered pepper and 1 tea spoon honey along with 1 cup of water and drink for 3 months.

• For easy childbirth, mix a pinch of saffron with ½ teacup milk and take daily. (This can be folded into a betel leaf and taken as well.)

Caution: Large doses to be avoided as it may cause abortion.

• To increase milk flow in lactating mothers, grind a handful of bitter leaves into a fine paste and apply on breasts.

• To increase lactation, take ½ a tea spoon of finely ground cinnamon along with 1 teacup milk every night. 

Note: This indirectly helps delay menstruation.

To increase lactation, mix together 1 teaspoon each of cumin powder and sugar and take with warm milk after dinner everyday for a few days.

• Boil 2 tea spoons cumin in ½ cup water. Filter. Mix in ½ cup milk and 1 tea spoon honey. Drink once a day for a few days.

• To stop lactation, tie warmed leaves of dhatura (herb) on the breasts.

• To increase lactation, mix ½ tea spoon powdered fenugreek along with dalia (cracked wheat) or rice porridge and eat daily.
  

• Eat cooked unripe papaya frequently, to increase milk flow in lactating mothers.

• To stimulate lactation in nursing mothers, boil 2 tea spoons of saunf in barley water and take twice or thrice a day