PREPARING FOR CHILDBIRTH NATURALLY

PREPARING FOR CHILDBIRTH NATURALLY

by Debbie Markel, CH, CNHP

Throughout history, women have used plants and herbs to help them stay healthy and comfortable during pregnancy and to help them prepare for childbirth. There are various herbs and nutritional supplements that provide safe alternatives to drugs for the various problems that might arise during pregnancy. Following are some suggestions that will optimize the chances for a problem-free, healthy pregnancy and birth.

A healthy diet is essential to an easier pregnancy and birth. A natural, high quality, whole food diet will maintain the mother’s health and provide the best possible conditions for the baby during development. This diet should be based on whole grains, nuts and seeds, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of fish, organic eggs and hormone-free white meat if desired. Since Americans already consume more proteins than we need, the mother will get plenty without eating red meats and dairy products, which carry high risks of contamination from the chemicals, hormones and antibiotics given to meat and dairy-producing animals. Remember, all toxins consumed by the mother are passed to the fetus. Also, adding Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) like vegetable, nut, fish, and seed oils, to the mother’s diet helps the baby develop its nervous and immune systems and also enhances brain development. 70% of all EFA’s go to the brain.

Exercise and rest are other important factors for a healthy mother and baby. If a mother has a regular exercise routine, it can usually be followed during pregnancy as long as the doctor approves. Yoga is particularly good for pregnant mothers as it includes exercises that are specific for childbirth preparation. Women who exercise regularly during pregnancy have easier deliveries. Also, pregnant women need more rest than others. Relaxation, meditation and reflection give adequate time to eliminate stress, which can contribute to physical problems during pregnancy and childbirth.

Hopefully, pregnant mothers will avoid caffeine in all forms (chocolate, sodas, tea and coffee) since it passes to the baby via the placenta. High amounts of caffeine can lead to increased incidence of birth defects and miscarriages. Also to be avoided are the following: smoking, alcohol in all forms and drugs. Even over-the-counter medications should be used with great caution and a healthcare practitioner should be consulted before taking any medicine.

There are lots of minor ailments experienced by pregnant women, but fortunately there are herbal remedies to help. Here are a few of the most common:

Constipation –Taking a natural fiber supplement (like psyllium husk powder) on a regular basis can help alleviate this problem, as can eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Yogurt helps maintain intestinal balance, as does a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water first thing in the morning before breakfast.

Nausea – Usually nausea is a temporary condition that starts around week 4 and ends at about weeks 14 – 16. It can be helped by drinking teas made from lemon balm, lavender, chamomile or raspberry leaves. Some women find relief by sucking a piece of crystallized ginger or drinking ginger tea. If one thing doesn’t help, switch to another.

Varicose veins – A lotion made from 1 part witch hazel, 1 part vegetable glycerin and 1 part rose water can be rubbed on the legs 2 to 3 times daily. Taking teas made from hawthorn or peppermint will increase circulation internally and may help, as will eating plenty of garlic. Keeping the legs elevated at night can make a difference in some women.

Insomnia – Drinking chamomile and/or lemon balm tea before bed and avoiding all caffeine and stimulants will aid sleep. Also, rubbing the temples with lavender oil or adding some to a warm bath will be helpful.

Stretch marks – Rubbing oils of coconut, almond, Vitamin E, wheat germ or olive with a few drops of lavender oil added (10 drops of lavender essential oil to 1 cup of main oil) into the skin several times a day before the marks appear may help avoid them. Aloe vera gel applied to the skin is another good treatment for stretch marks.

Heartburn – Eating slowly and having several smaller meals during the day might help alleviate heartburn. Herbal teas, sipped slowly and drunk frequently, of any of the following will help digestion: chamomile, licorice (avoid if blood pressure is high), peppermint, lemon balm and ginger.

High blood pressure – Hawthorn flowers, leaves and berries taken as teas or non-alcoholic tinctures and eating oats, garlic, onions, carrots and barley will all regulate blood pressure and are completely safe for pregnant women.

There are many other minor problems experienced during pregnancy that can be controlled with herbs and diet. Most holistic healthcare professionals can make appropriate recommendations.

Finally, there are certain herbs that will prepare the mother’s body for labor and delivery and have been used for centuries all over the world. Taking a combination of raspberry leaves, blue cohosh, motherwort and false unicorn root during the last 6 – 7 weeks of pregnancy will strengthen the pelvic muscles and keep them elastic and relaxed. Many women will experience a shorter and easier labor after using this tonic formula. During delivery, there are herbs that will regulate contractions, relax the mother and relieve pain, prevent tearing and heal the perineum. The best overall herb to begin taking regularly during the last weeks of pregnancy and during labor is a tea made from raspberry leaves. It has specific actions for the uterus. It relaxes, tones and soothes the body, and aids digestion. It reduces pain and shortens labor. After delivery, continue drinking 3 cups a day to strengthen the pelvic tissues.

By being aware of alternatives to drugs, women can deal with the symptoms experienced during pregnancy, aid delivery and contribute to having a healthier baby. And as with everything related to healthcare, always consult a professional before adding any alternative or traditional modalities.

Before Becoming Pregnant

Being healthy before giving birth is extremely important. The healthier a woman is before getting pregnant, the easier her pregnancy will be and the healthier her baby will be. All of the nutritional guidelines that apply during pregnancy also apply before. Quitting smoking, exercising and abstaining from alcohol are also great ways to get ready to conceive. Often, a woman will become pregnant and not find out for a month or two. If she smokes, drinks or eats junk, she could be harming her unborn baby without even knowing it!

FEMALE FERTILITY BOOSTERS

1. Give up all caffeine (coffee, sodas, tea, chocolate, etc.)

2. Give up all alcoholic beverages

3. Take the following every day:

a. One multi-vitamin supplement with extra anti-oxidants

b. Take an herbal formula that contains vitex & dong quai, both of which help with fertility

c. 50 mg of PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid - it stimulates the pituitary gland)

d. 100 mg of zinc - DO NOT EXCEED THIS DOSAGE DAILY. Take in two 50 mg doses.

e. Selenium - 200 to 400 mcg daily

4. Sprinkle 2 T. wheat germ on your cereal or mix into your food at least twice a day

MALE FERTILITY BOOSTERS

1. Give up all alcoholic beverages

2. Take the following every day:

a. 100 mg of zinc - DO NOT EXCEED THIS DOSAGE DAILY. Take in two 50 mg doses.

b. Coenzyme Q10 - Follow labeling for dosage

c. Selenium - 200 to 400 mcg daily

d. Vitamin C - 2000 mg daily in four 500 mg doses

e. Vitamin E - 800 mg daily in two 400 mg doses

f. Ginseng - Follow labeling for dosage

g. Saw Palmetto - Follow labeling for dosage

h. L-Arginine - Great for sperm motility. Take 4000mg daily in divided doses.

3. Sprinkle 2 T. wheat germ on your cereal or mix into your food at least twice a day OTHER

CONSIDERATIONS FOR BOTH

1. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Being at peak health is important for organs to function optimally. When you eat junk foods, sugar, lots of animal fats & fried foods, the body becomes sluggish and can't maintain its natural balance and functions. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

2. REDUCE STRESS! Learn stress management techniques and RELAX.

3. Do not smoke marijuana or take any other drugs. These have been proved to diminish sperm counts, as does alcohol.

4. Sometimes women develop antibodies to her partner's sperm. Try using a condom for 30 days, then have intercourse without the condom during ovulation. It may help the woman's body be more receptive to the sperm.

Useful Herbs During Pregnancy & While Nursing

The following herbs have been used traditionally for various reasons during pregnancy. Choosing which herbs to use depends on individual circumstances. It is not necessary to use all the herbs in the hopes of avoiding all possible problems that may occur during a pregnancy. Use only those herbs, singly or in combinations as teas or tinctures, which fit your needs. As always be in contact with your health practitioner if you are experiencing serious problems or discomfort. The information given is not meant to be used to diagnose a problem, and the herbs listed here work well in combination with allopathic medicine. It may be necessary to use more than one medical system to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Caution: You don't want to use all of these herbs at once. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the correct combination for your needs.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) -- rich in calcium, trace minerals and vitamins E, K, and carotene

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) -- tones uterus; regulates contractions at birth; -- use only during third trimester

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) -- helps relieve leg cramps; helps prevent possible miscarriage

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) --tones and prepares uterus; regulates contractions at birth; -- use only during third trimester

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) -- reduces constipation with regular use; calming -- 1-2 cups daily; avoid high doses

Cleavers (Galium aparine) -- diuretic to reduce edema (fluid build up esp. in feet and wrists; helps decrease high blood pressure

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) -- antispasmodic (relieves muscle cramps); helps prevent possible miscarriage

Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxacum officinales) -- rich mineral source; root tea or tincture decreases constipation; root & leaf tea are diuretic decreasing edema and high blood pressure; enriches mother's milk.

False Unicorn Root, a.k.a. Helonias Root (Chamaelirium luteum) -- helps prevent possible miscarriage; eases nausea - use during last trimester only.

Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare) -- reduces constipation, carminative (relieves excess gas)

Ginger (Zingibar officinalis) -- relieves nausea; -- use in small amounts only; good during first trimester for morning sickness.

Hawthorn (Cratageus spp.) -- improves circulation; decreases high blood pressure

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) -- calming; relieves nausea -- 1-2 cups daily; avoid high doses Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) -- calming; relieves nausea; carminative (relieves gas)

Nettles (Urtica dioica) -- rich mineral source; enriches mother's milk.

Partridge Berry, a.k.a. Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens) -- tones uterus to prepare for birth; use during last 4 weeks of pregnancy only.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) - carminative (relieves gas)

*Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) -- tones and prepares uterus; improves contractions; decreases constipation (Drink only 1 cup of tea daily until last 4 weeks, then drink 1 quart daily)

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) -- calming

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) -- relieves constipation; nourishing

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) -- relieves uterine pains

* Indicates the premier herb for pregnancy.

HERBS TO AVOID OR USE WITH CAUTION DURING PREGNANCY

Many herbs contain steroids that can affect the baby's development during pregnancy and/or nursing. Others may be of a mild toxic type, and others may be strong uterine stimulants. Please read this section carefully and take heed.

Angelica - stimulates suppressed menstruation

Black Cohosh - uterine stimulant - mostly used during labor or during last trimester and only in small amounts.

Blue Cohosh - a stronger uterine stimulant - used during labor or to induce labor during last trimester. Borage oil - a uterine stimulant - use only during the last few days of pregnancy

Comfrey - can cause liver problems in mother and fetus - use only briefly, externally only, for treating sprains and strains -

Dong Quai - may stimulate bleeding

Elder - do not use during pregnancy or lactation

Fenugreek - uterine relaxant

Goldenseal - too powerful an antibiotic for the developing fetus, also should not be used if nursing Henbane - highly toxic

Horsetail - too high in silica for the developing fetus Licorice Root - OK in small amounts for heartburn or digestive disturbances, but use carefully… can create water retention and/or elevated blood pressure

Motherwort - stimulates suppressed menstruation

Mugwort - can be a uterine stimulant

Nutmeg - can cause miscarriage in large doses

Pennyroyal Leaf - stimulates uterine contractions (NOTE: Pennyroyal essential oil should not be used by pregnant women at any time!) - do not handle if pregnant or nursing

Rue - strong expellant Saffron - can cause miscarriage and other problems

Shepherd's Purse - used only for hemmorhaging during/after childbirth

Uva Ursi - removes too much blood sugar during pregnancy and nursing

Yarrow - uterine stimulant

Useful Herbs When Nursing

Alfalfa - stimulates milk production; contains minerals

Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)-- stimulates milk production; especially in combination with red raspberry leaves

Calendula (or Pot Marigold) (Calendula officinalis)-- use cream or ointment externally on sore nipples between feedings Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)-- calming; useful in colic; both mother and baby can benefit from tea; helps with teething pain

Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)-- stimulates milk flow; relieves colic and gas

Goat's Rue (Galega officinalis)-- stimulates milk production

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)-- calming; relieves gas pains Also, any herb pregnancy herb listed as nourishing or rich in minerals.

A good tea for enhancing milk and for reviving you when you feel tired:

Raspberry leaf tea with honey PLUS 1 ½ teaspoons of a mixture of equal amounts of powdered ginger, cinnamon & cloves.

Good teas for you to drink that will boost the baby's immune system: Thyme, rosemary, chamomile, peppermint, yarrow, lemon balm, elderflowers & garlic.

Walnuts and almonds also help with milk production, as do seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, etc.) Eat lots of fresh salads, fruits, vegetables and natural juices.

TO DRY UP MILK: Parsley or sage taken in tea or capsules.

For Babies

New mothers sometimes have no clue how to help their babies deal with common health issues. Here are a few of the most common with corresponding natural treatments.

Colic - Catnip and fennel tincture (non-alcoholic), 3 - 4 drops for newborns, can work up to 12 drops for older infants; could make a catnip & peppermint tea & give in a bottle (lukewarm).

Constipation - Diluted prune juice or molasses diluted in water.

Coughs - Red raspberry tea with lemon & a little bit of maple syrup to sweeten

Cradle Cap -Aloe vera shampoo or rubbing the scales with pure aloe gel (no alcohol)

Diaper Rash - Aloe vera gel; cornstarch; Calendula cream

Diarrhea - 1 T. slippery elm to 1 pint formula. Feed 1 - 2 T. of mixture each time there's a bowel movement. Give lots of water to prevent dehydration; 1 tsp of whole cloves steeped in 1 quart of water, strained - helps with cramping and adds fluids.

Earache - Mullein, garlic & olive oil drops; Echinacea tincture formulated for babies

Fevers - Tepid bath of vinegar (1 C.) and salt (1/2 C.) or ginger (3 - 4 T)

Sore gums - Swab with Aloe vera gel or juice or with goldenseal tea (use cotton ball or swab)

Stuffy nose - Dissolve ½ tsp. salt in 1 C. warm water. Put 2 drops in each nostril, wait 45 minutes, then suction out with nose syringe.

Teething - Rub lobelia extract on gums

Also, there are wonderful homeopathic remedies made especially for babies' needs.

References:

Keith, Velma and Monteen Gordon, The How To Herb Book, Mayfield Publications, Pleasant Grove, UT, 1984, pp. 169 - 174.

McIntyre, Anne, The Complete Woman's Herbal, Henry Holt Co., New York, 1994, pp. 121-132 & p. 172. Naturopathic Handbook of Herbal Formulas, Herbal Research Publications, Ayer, MA, 1995, pp.90-126, 176.

Debbie Markel, CNHP, Professional Herbalist, graduated from the East West School of Herbology. She received her Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP) designation through the National Association of Certified Natural Health Professionals and has given lectures on natural menopause, natural allergy relief and herbal medicine in the Richmond area. Debbie’s herbal and nutritional consulting business is Apothecarian Herbals, LLC in Powhatan, VA (www.herbalconsultant.com), and she is also available for classes and lectures. She can be reached at (804) 598-5352.

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