Preparing grandparents for their role in garbh sanskar

13 October 2026 · By Garbh Katha editorial team

How Nani, Dadi, Nana and Dada can join the pregnancy journey — with songs, stories and support — while respecting new parents' choices.

In many Indian families, grandparents are the original keepers of garbh sanskar. They remember the lullabies, the foods, the prayers and the stories. Bringing them into your pregnancy can be a gift for everyone — especially when done with warmth and clear communication.

Why grandparents matter

Grandparents carry family memory. A song your Nani sang, a story your Dadaji told — these connect your baby to generations before. Their support also practically helps: cooking, company, rest and reassurance.

Ways grandparents can join

Sing the old songs Ask them to sing the lullabies they sang to you. Record them on a phone. These recordings become treasures — for the pregnancy and for bedtime after birth.

Tell family stories How did they meet? What was your parent like as a child? What festivals did they celebrate in their village? Baby will love the sound of their voices; you will love the stories.

Read or speak to baby Even on a video call, grandparents can say a few words to baby every week. Repetition helps baby hear familiar voices.

Share recipes and rituals Many families have traditional pregnancy foods and customs. Cook together, and talk about why each one matters.

Give blessings A short written or recorded blessing for the baby can be kept in a memory book.

Having gentle conversations

Sometimes advice from elders differs from what doctors recommend today. Some tips:

• **Thank them first.** Their advice comes from love.
• **Share the "why."** "The doctor says to sleep on my side now because..."
• **Find common ground.** Most traditions — rest, good food, calm, prayer — fit well with modern care.
• **Let your partner help** with their own parents.
• **Hold firm on medical decisions** made with your doctor: supplements, scans, medicines, safe foods.

Common topics where gentle updating helps

• **Food quantity:** "Eating for two" is not needed; balanced meals are.
• **Rest vs activity:** Most healthy pregnancies benefit from gentle movement.
• **Massage:** Gentle massage can be soothing; deep abdominal pressure should be avoided.
• **Newborn care:** Current guidance on safe sleep (on the back, clear cot), not putting anything in the baby's ears or nose, and exclusive breastfeeding for six months may differ from older practices.

A role after birth

Grandparents can be tremendous support in the first 40 days — cooking, watching baby while the mother sleeps, singing to the newborn. Discuss expectations before birth: who will stay, for how long, and what help is most useful.

For grandparents reading this

Thank you. Your presence, your songs and your patience are precious. The most useful gifts are often the simplest: a hot meal, a listening ear, a lullaby, and trust in the new parents as they find their way.

Sources and further reading

• World Health Organization: recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience (2022).
• American Academy of Pediatrics: safe sleep recommendations.

*General information only.*