Evaluation of breast milk quality (Stanya Dushti) in mothers with Ajeerna and its association with pediatric GI Disorders

Background: Breast milk (Stanya) is considered the foundational nourishment for neonates in both modern and Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda emphasizes that maternal digestive disorders, particularly Ajeerna (indigestion), can lead to the vitiation of breast milk (Stanya Dushti), thereby causing gastrointestinal (GI) ailments in infants. Objective: This review explores the classical Ayurvedic understanding of Stanya Dushti arising from maternal Ajeerna and correlates it with modern scientific insights into breast milk composition and infant GI health. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Kashyapa Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya was conducted to identify the etiopathogenesis of Stanya Dushti. This was compared with current biomedical literature examining maternal gut health, breast milk biochemistry, and neonatal GI disorders. Clinical case observations and existing studies on maternal-focused interventions were also reviewed. Results: Both Ayurvedic and contemporary findings reveal that maternal indigestion contributes to qualitative and immunological changes in breast milk, which are associated with infantile colic, diarrhea, regurgitation, and dysbiosis. Ayurvedic diagnostic models and interventions-including Agni Deepana, Ama Pachana, and Stanya Shuddhi-demonstrate therapeutic effectiveness in improving infant outcomes by addressing maternal health. Conclusion: The integration of Ayurvedic diagnostics with modern clinical observation supports the hypothesis that maternal Ajeerna is a significant factor in pediatric GI disturbances. A mother-centric, preventive healthcare approach rooted in Ayurveda offers a viable and holistic strategy for improving neonatal digestive health.