Medknow Publications and Staff Society of Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
Abstract
Our rich heritage of Ayurveda has detailed description of maternal and
child health care. Sushruta in his Sushruta Samhita, had devoted a
chapter to Kaumarabrita (service to children).1 This was perhaps the
first record of Paediatrics in ancient India. Paediatrics was called
Kaumarbhritya tantra.2 The Atharva Veda (1500 BC) describes children's
diseases and Kaushika Sutra included Paediatrics.1,2 Kashyapa and
Jeevaka (400 BC) were well known Paediatricians of ancient India.1,2
Kashyapa Samhita deals exclusively with Paediatrics.1,2 Charaka wrote
in details about the care and management of newborn in Sarira-Sthana
and Ashtanga-Hridaya.1 The Charaka Samhita in fact mentions an
international conference of scholars.2 Kaumarbhritya and Prasuti tantra
talk of prenatal care, and also lay emphasis on neonatal care, care of
the baby including feeding and management of illnesses of children.3
This includes - maternal care (with respect to food, drink, leisure,
restricted work, sleep, etc.), neonatal care (cleaning, dressing, bath,
procedure akin to cardiac compression), care of the umbilical cord,
breast feeding (including concept of a wet nurse), annaprasana (initial
eating of solid food), daily care of eyes and skin, and common
symptomatology in childhood illnesses.2,