Ayurvedic Rice Pudding (Postpartum)

If you’re a new mama or just someone who’s looking for a cozy, nourishing meal that makes you feel good from the inside out, I want to share something with you that I love making for women postpartum: rice pudding.

It’s not just any dessert—this dish has been enjoyed for centuries across many cultures, and for good reason. It’s not only comforting and delicious but also packed with goodness to support your body, especially after birth or when you're looking to balance your hormones.

Why Rice Pudding is a Postpartum Must-Have

When you’re postpartum, your body is doing a lot of healing. You need food that’s gentle on your system, gives you energy, and helps you feel supported. Rice pudding is my go-to comfort food for this because it’s easy to digest, packed with essential nutrients, and it’s incredibly satisfying.

Besides the fact that it’s a real joy to eat, it nourishes you on a deeper level. The warm, creamy texture is like a hug for your tummy, and the gentle spices I use—cinnamon, cardamom, and a dollop of ghee—work together to ground you and calm your system, which is exactly what you need during those first weeks after childbirth.

I include rice pudding in my postpartum program because it’s so much more than just food. It’s nourishment for your body, comfort for your soul, and a little moment of peace on a busy, new mama’s day.

Ayurvedic Wisdom: Rice Pudding for Balance

Ayurveda calls rice pudding a Vata-pacifying food. If you’ve just had a baby, your body might feel a little out of balance—tired, dry, and maybe even disconnected. This is where rice pudding comes in. It helps restore balance to your body, bringing warmth, grounding energy, and soothing digestion. The milk in the pudding offers a good dose of healthy fats and protein to support your recovery, and the ghee adds just the right amount of richness to fuel you without making you feel weighed down.

And let’s not forget the spices. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar and calms your nervous system, while cardamom aids digestion and soothes any bloating you might be feeling. All of this comes together in one bowl to help you feel nourished, restored, and ready to take on the world (even if that world is snuggling with your little one).

Rice Pudding for Hormonal Health and Fertility

Now, if you’re not postpartum but looking to balance your hormones or support fertility, rice pudding can be your best friend here, too. Full-fat milk and ghee are great for balancing hormones, especially those vital for fertility. They give your body the healthy fats it needs to produce hormones and maintain hormonal health. For me, that’s the foundation—healthy fats are essential for keeping our hormones in check, whether you’re trying to conceive or just looking to maintain balance.

If you want to take it a step further, I like to add some extra herbs and spices to the mix to support fertility and hormonal balance. For example, Shatavari is an incredible herb known for its benefits to women’s reproductive health. It can support the body in maintaining a balanced cycle.

Another option is turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help support overall hormonal function, and ashwagandha, which helps reduce stress and supports adrenal health.

Ayurvedic Rice Pudding

Rooted in Ayurvedic traditions, this warm drink isn’t only delicious but also heals postspartum

Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 30-40 mins
Total time: 45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1:6 parts organic rice (short rice like jasmine rice or Carolona ( Portugal) : organic whole milk (you can also use coconut milk if you prefer dairy-free)
  
• 1-2 handfuls of organic raisins or Medjool dates (depending on your sweetness preference)
  
• 2 whole organic cinnamon sticks
  
• 1 teaspoon freshly-ground organic cardamom
  
• 1 teaspoon organic ghee (or coconut oil if you’re dairy-free)
  
• 2-3 tbsp organic coconut sugar (or palm sugar, your choice)
  
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Shatavari powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon ashwagandha, and a pinch of ginger
  

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice and add it to a pot with the milk (or coconut milk).
   
   
2. Let it simmer at low heat, stirring occasionally. Some of the milk will evaporate, which helps create a creamy texture.
   
   
3. Add the whole cinnamon sticks and cardamom. These spices are not just for flavor—they bring balance to your digestion and nervous system.
   
   
4. When the pudding is about half cooked (about 15 minutes in), toss in the raisins or dates.
   
   
5. In the last 5 minutes, add the ghee and coconut sugar to taste.
   
   
6. Continue cooking until the pudding becomes thick and creamy (around 30-40 minutes total).
   
   
7. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite.
   
   
8. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for a finishing touch and an extra hint of spice.