Preparing for Childbirth (Herbal Remedies)

 
While modern preparations for childbirth are quite complex and usually involve high levels of hospital intervention, we must remember that our ancestors often worked through labor and childbirth using only herbal remedies and the help of midwives.

Today, the most readily available herb accessible to mothers preparing for labor is raspberry leaf, sold as capsules, tablets and dried leaves for tea. Consuming this herb will strengthen the womb and enhance pelvic flexibility for labor. During the last six weeks of pregnancy, drink two cups of raspberry leaf tea every day to prepare for labor. To help calm nerves before the big day, use equal amounts of motherwort and St. John's wort (1 tsp of mix/cup) in a daily concoction.

For home use in the early stages of labor make a herbal tea consisting of equal amounts of wood betony, rose petals, raspberry leaves and squaw vine. Place 2 teaspoons of this mixture in a cup of boiling water, sweeten with honey if needed. Make a massage oil of 10 drops of lavender and jasmine essential oil in 2 tablespoons of almond or olive oil. Apply this oil and massage the mother's lower back, abdomen and inner thighs.

In terms of herbs to take to the hospital, try a bottle of diluted sage oil, about 10 drops per tablespoon of almond oil to massage the mother's abdomen as the labor advances. Take a thermos of tea consisting of warm wood betony, rose petal and mugwort tea with a couple cloves added. This will help increase contractions in the later stages of labor.

Immediately after birth, consuming a cup of tea consisting of equal amounts of dried basil and motherwort will help to clear the placenta. To help heal perineal damage, bring a small bottle of marigold oil infused with 5-10 drops of lavender oil.

At home after the birth it still may be necessary to use some herbal remedies to help the mother recover from childbirth. Dried raspberry leaf and fresh ginger root can be used to remedy birthing afterpains. If breastfeeding becomes uncomfortable, marigold cream can be used on sore or cracked nipples. Four ounces of dried lemon balm or St. John's Wort can be used to treat baby blues or mild forms of postnatal depression.

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