What is jātakarma, and what is done right after the baby is born?

the birth saṁskāra — the father welcomes the child, whispers a blessing and prays for long life; any taste ritual should be only symbolic and doctor-approved.

Jātakarma is the first saṁskāra after birth, described in the Gṛhya Sūtras. The father looks at the child, says blessings for strength, intelligence and long life, and traditionally whispers “vāk” (speech) or a mantra near the baby’s ear. In the old texts a touch of ghee and honey with a gold spoon was given.

Today doctors advise that newborns should not be given honey or anything other than breast milk or formula, so families simply touch the gold ring to the lips without anything on it, or write “Om” on the tongue lightly with a clean finger — or skip that part entirely. That is completely acceptable.

In hospitals, jātakarma is often done quietly at the bedside or folded into the naming day. Many families also note the exact birth time for the kuṇḍalī. The core is gratitude and a heartfelt blessing; the rest can wait until mother and baby are home and well.

Source: Gṛhya Sūtras · No honey for infants — follow the paediatrician

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