Giving birth is quite an experience! The joy, the anticipation, the bonding... For most women it is exhilarating, but it is also exhausting. Even after you deliver your baby, you still need to deliver the placenta, and care for your newborn child. Of course, there are several chemical options to assist you during this stage of delivery in the hospital, if you're considering that route, but there are natural alternatives too. There are several natural herbs that you can use to assist in the expulsion and delivery of the placenta and production of breast milk.
Unlike harsh conventional treatments, natural herbal remedies will not cause side effects. Take Black Cohosh (also known as Cimicifuga racemosa), for example. While never recommended during pregnancy, if taken after you give birth, it helps to relieve the pain of uterine contractions and calms emotional stress. Black Cohosh is also excellent for speeding up the third stage of labor (delivery of the placenta) because it produces endometrial stimulation by increased blood flow to the pelvic area. (Parsley, Juniper, and Mugwort, as well as Angelica Root, are other herbs that can be used to promote uterine contractions and expel the placenta.)
Taken with a fennel seed compound, tea or tincture, it is a wonderful combination to also very effectively promote breast-milk production. Fennel also helps to relax the intestines and reduce bloating caused by digestive stress, also common during pregnancy. It also works as an antispasmodic and has anti-inflammatory properties. Another well-known use for Fennel is to make "Gripe Water" for your baby's colic, utilizing those wonderful intestinal relief properties. (Fenugreek, Caraway and Milk Thistle may also be used to promote milk production after delivery.)
You may also consider Cramp Bark (also known as Viburnum prunifolium) to relax the tension and ease the stress of childbirth. Cramp Bark also relieves pain, specifically in the pelvic area and originating from the uterus. But as a muscle relaxant, it also affects other organs, including the intestines and the skeletal muscles. Cramp bark is considered the most potent uterine antispasmodic of the various Viburnum species because it contains more of the antispasmodic constituent scopoletin.
Other wonderful additions to your postnatal herbal apothecary are Pasque Flower (also known as Pulsatilla vulgaris), which is widely used for relief of nervous tension, and Red Raspberry Leaf. Pasque Flower has analgesic properties known to be particularly useful during childbirth and it is highly effective in treating pain and exhaustion in women. Pasque Flower also improves mood and is helpful for preventing post-natal depression. Red Raspberry Leaf is high in vitamins and minerals and will also help the uterus to recover and regain its size and shape quickly.
You may find various postnatal products on the market that contain these wonderful herbs in therapeutic measures. Always remember to consult your OB/GYN, midwife or doula before adding supplements to your pregnancy regimen. And NEVER take Black Cohosh or Cramp Bark prior to the date of delivery.
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