A Cross Sectional Study On Stanya Dushti (Breast Milk pH And Foam Test) In Lactating Mothers Of Rural Vadodara

Ayurveda advocates the advantages of Stanya (mother or wet nurse’s milk) over other feeding options to newborns. Ayurveda considers mother’s milk as ‘Piyush’ or Amrut (nectar) [i][1]. Kashyap Samhita states that pure breast milk gives unimpeded strength, longevity, growth, and development to child and also to the mother or wet nurse[ii] [2]. Modern science has described composition of various types of animal milk and has proved that mother’s milk is suitable for the newborn as it is digestible and also contains adequate nutrients. Also, there are no suitable feeding alternatives for the well-being of infants.

Ayurveda classics have emphasized on the aspect of abnormalities of breast milk and their consequences on infants and as well as on mothers. In this pursuit, Ayurveda has a unique theory on milk vitiation which explains non-suitability of breast milk for infants[iii] [3]. The theory also describes signs of vitiated milk and its adverse effects on the infant. This concept too is in accordance with Ayurveda’s theory of three patho-physiological doshas viz., Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas are regulators of homeostasis if maintained in balanced state by means of appropriate diet and deeds. Mother’s indulgence in inappropriate diet and in unusual practices can vitiate doshas and the imbalanced state of doshas in turn can vitiate breast milk[iv],[v] [3,4,5]. The vitiated breast milk also affects mother’s health by causing diseases like jwara [2]. Ayurveda also describes the change in quality of breast milk and the adverse effects of vitiated milk on the infant[vi] [6]. According to Charaka Samhita, the milk which is normal in colour, smell, taste, and touch, dissolves completely in water and is wholesome to infant and can be considered as normal breast milk[vii] [7]. Different Acharyas have mentioned qualities of pure breast milk and their effect on infants.

1.      Yadavji T., editor. Charaka Samhita, sutrasthanan; annapanavidhi adhyaya. Chaukhambha Surabharathi Prakashana; Varanasi: 1994. p. 166. Chapter 27, Verse 234.

2.      Tewari P.V., editor. Kashyapa Samhita vriddha jivakiyatantra; sutrasthana. 1st ed. Chaukhambha Vishwabharati Oriental Publishers; Varanasi: 1996. p. 12. Chapter 19, Verse 26.

3.      Sharma P. In: Yonivyapad chikitsa adhyaya. Chikitsasthan Charak Samhita., editor. Chaukambha Sanskrit Pratishana; Delhi: 2006. pp. 781–783. Chapter 30.

4.      Tripathi B., Hrudayam Astanga. Vagbhatta, utara tantra, balaupacharaniya adhyayam. Chaukhambha Sanskrit Pratishthan; Dehli: 2017. p. 878. Chapter 1 verse 19.

5.      Upadhyaya Y. In: Part II stanyadushtinidanam. Nidanam Madava, Vibhushitam Madhukosha Vyakhya., editors. Chaukhambha Prakashan; Varanasi: 2007. p. 450. chapter 67, Verse 1.

6.      Sharma P., editor. Charak Samhita sharirsthan; jatisutriyasharir adhyaya. Chaukambha Sanskrit Pratishana; Delhi: 2006. p. 801. [Chapter 08], Verse 54.