Fashion designer Masaba Gupta recently shared her postpartum experience 13 months after giving birth to her daughter Matara. She revealed on social media that her body is still adjusting to hormonal changes, noting that her homoeopath mentioned 18 months as a typical timeline for hormones to stabilize. Gupta highlighted her use of castor oil tummy patches to manage bloating and improve energy levels. She also mentioned alternating with cold-pressed almond oil for deep skin hydration and expressed interest in trying ghee next. Medical experts explain that while such traditional oil-based remedies are part of many cultural practices, their benefits are primarily related to the ritual itself rather than direct healing. The practice can offer comfort and support the feeling of self-care during postpartum recovery, though it should not replace essential health routines.
Expert Views on Navel Oil Application for Postpartum Recovery
Dr Shruti Chandak, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, explained that postpartum recovery journeys are complex. Using oils on the navel is a traditional practice in many households aimed at providing warmth, relaxation, and easing dryness. For postpartum women, this ritual offers a sense of self-care as the body continues adjusting. While the navel does not absorb nutrients directly, massage and warmth can help the abdominal area feel calmer. The expert emphasized that most benefits come from the ritual itself—gentle massage, slower breathing, and warmth can ease abdominal tightness. Additionally, oils moisturize dry skin, which is common postpartum due to hormonal changes. However, these methods should complement essential care like hydration, sleep, and gradual strength-building rather than replace them.
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