Natural Remedies for Labor and Postpartum

[Guest guest]

Some info I figured might be helpful for all the postpartum and

expecting moms we have here

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

 

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

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Natural Remedies for Labour and Postpartum

http://www.motherandchildhealth.com/materia_medica.html

 

Stacelynn Caughlan, Cl.N., C.H., R.N.C.

 

Please Note: This handout reflects the experience and research of the

author. Please do not use this information for therapeutic purposes

without the consent of your primary care-giver. The author does does

hold any responsibility for the use or misuse of the information

contained herein. *denotes that caution must be taken

 

Before the Birth

PREPARATION FOR CHILDBIRTH

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) prepares uterus

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictriodes)* " (reserve for special

circumstances only)

Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) "

Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens) "

Evening Primrose/Borage Oilprepares cervix

 

HYPOTENSIVES (reduces blood pressure)

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia)

Valerian (Valeriana off.)

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Hops (Humulus lupus - do not use in depression

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Lemon Balm (Melissa off.)

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)

 

 

DURING LABOUR

Calcium/Magnesiumimproves contractibility, decreases risk of

hypertension

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)aids contractions, reduces hypertension

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia)relaxant

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)relaxes muscular tension

Crampbark (Viburnum opulus)relaxes muscular tension, may prevent blood

loss

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)*systemic relaxant, allows mom to rest

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforlatum)helps relieve some discomfort

Ginger (Zingiber off.)*aids nausea, provides some stamina

Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)uterine tonic, nutritious

Vervain (Verbena off.)relaxes nerves, may reduce pain

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)*direct effect on contractions

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)direct effect on contractions

Homeopathics i.e. Pulsatilla, Traumeel, Calms Fortefor discomfort,

progression, etc.

Rescue Remedyfor shock, exhaustion, fear, etc.

Essential Oils (Jasmine, Rose, Lavender, Clary Sage, Neroli)soothing,

invigorating, etc.

Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens)supports uterus

 

 

 

After the Birth

 

RETAINED PLACENTA

Angelica (Angelica archangelica)*emmenagogue

Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)

 

 

HAEMORRHAGE

Prevention

Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)

'Green Foods' i.e. alfalfa, nettlevery high in natural vitamin K

 

Acute*

Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)astringent

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)astringent

 

 

SHOCK/TRAUMA

Rescue Remedy

Homeopathics i.e. Traumeel, Calms Forte

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

Valerian (Valeriana off.)

Nervine Herbs i.e. Passionflower, Vervain, Chamomile, Lemon balm

 

 

AFTER-PAINS

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)

Crampbark (Viburnum opulus)

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia)

Vervain (Verbena off.)

 

 

PERINEAL TEARS or CESAREAN INCISIONS

See Postpartum Healing

 

 

Lactation

GALACTAGOGUES (improves milk flow and quality)

Goat's Rue (Galega off.)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Blue Vervain (Verbena off.)

Blessed Thistle (Carbenia benedicta)

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Marshmallow (Althea off.)

 

ANTI-GALACTAGOGUE (slows milk production)

Garden Sage (Salvia off.)

 

ENGORGEMENT

Evening Primrose/borage oil

Cabbage Leaves

 

MASTITIS

Echinacea, yarrow, elderflower, etc internally

Garlic

Vit C

Zinc

Calendula, yarrow, marshmallow, elderflower, externally

 

 

POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION ( treated much like PMS)

St. John's wort

Essential Fatty Acids

Wild Yam, Motherwort, Black Cohosh, Damiana, Vitex, etc.

B complex

 

SELECTED MATERIA MEDICA

 

Evening Primrose, Borage, or Black Current Oil

Action: Prostaglandin Metabolism

Indications in the Childbearing Year:

Contains Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid which is

excellent nourishment for both maternal and fetal health.

Stimulates effacement and thus may facilitate an easier labour. A fully

effaced cervix allows for better fetal positioning which may stimulate

more rapid dilation and quicker delivery.

 

 

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Actions: Emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic, alterative, nervine, hypotensive

Indications in the Childbearing Year:

Prepares/tones the uterine muscle for an easier delivery.

May initiate labour.

Can dissipate unproductive contractions (false labour) allowing the

mother to rest. Can also encourage active labour contractions to be more

regular and productive.

Has spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory effects specifically on the

uterus. It is also a vascular and neuralgic anti-spasmodic which may

lead to a reduction in pain and reduced maternal anxiety.

May reduce cervical rigidity.

 

 

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Actions: Uterine tonic, emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic, anti-rheumatic,

diuretic

* use only under the advise of a caregiver!

Indications in the Childbearing Year:

Prepares/tones the uterine muscle

May initiate labour

Used to dissipate unproductive contractions

It is anti-spasmolytic and may reduce the severity of labour pains.

Coordinates muscle contractions of the uterus which makes it useful when

contractions are irregular and varying in productivity. The chemical

constituent caulosaponin had been identified to stimulate uterine

contractions and promote blood flow to the pelvic region.

Relieves 'after-pains' of a spasmodic nature, and reduces uterine

inflammation.

 

 

Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens)

Actions: Parturient, emmenagogue, diuretic, astringent, tonic

Indications in the Childbearing Year:

Prepares and tones the uterus for childbirth. Taken throughout the

pregnancy.

Increases uterine circulation and reduces spasms of the uterus.

Used to prevent miscarriage in early pregnancy.

 

 

Blue Vervain (Verbena off.)

Actions: Nervine tonic, anti-spasmodic, galactagogue, analgesic

Indications in the Childbearing Year:

Nervine specific to uterine conditions. May help reduce the pain of

labour.

Helps reduce nervous fatigue and anxiety. Safe to use throughout

pregnancy.

Helps stimulate milk production.

 

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Actions: Emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic, nervine, sedative

Indications in the Childbearing Year:

Promotes productive uterine contractions by way of the constituents

leonurine and stachydrine. Reduces 'false' or unproductive contractions.

Reduces hypertension.

 

 

Calcium and Magnesium

Indications in the Childbearing Year

May prevent the development of pregnancy induced hypertension and

pre-eclampsia if taken throughout the pregnancy. (NEJM 1991, vol. 325;

Am J Clinical Nutrition 1992, vol. 55)

Magnesium deficiency has been linked to preterm delivery and fetal

growth retardation. (Science 1983, vol. 221; Br J Obstret Gynaecol 1988,

vol. 95)

May help coordinate productive uterine contractions and minimize

cramping. Used to reduce the sensations of pain. Cal/mag is directly

responsible for activating the mechanisms in striated and smooth muscle

contractions. Magnesium functions prominently in muscle relaxation and

neuromuscular transmission and activity.

Maintains a steady and progressive labour. Cal/mag are co-factors in the

production of ATP, an important source of energy for muscle contraction.

 

 

Homeopathic Remedies

Actions: Homeopathic remedies are extremely diluted, yet potent,

medicines. Constituents are undetectable by science, indispensable in

practice. Side-effects are extremely rare, never dangerous, and usually

indicative of the healing process. Homeopaths believe that if the body

manifests a symptom, such as a rash, the remedy may need to be adjusted,

but the body is responding appropriately. A sampling follows:

Pulsatilla: useful for 'weepy' mothers, feels she can't go on, wants to

give up, feels 'sorry for herself'. Also used for slow, long labours.

Traumeel: a composite remedy ideal for pain, shock, discomfort, etc.

Often used for injuries and accidents which makes it useful for

immediately after delivery.

Calms Forte: a composite remedy that is useful for treating 'hysteria'

and sleeplessness. Useful when the mother needs to rest and relax such

as in early labour and between transition and second stage. Will not

sedate or make the mother groggy.

 

 

Bach Flower Remedies: Rescue Remedy

Actions: Similar to Homeopathics in principle. No risk of side-effects.

Rescue Remedy is a composite remedy comprised of Rock Rose, Clematis,

Impatiens, Cherry Plum, and Star of Bethlehem, that is used for shock,

anxiety, fear, trauma, anger, etc.

Indications in the Childbearing Year

Safe for use at any time during pregnancy and childbirth. No side

effects. Often used when a women feels 'out of control' emotionally.

This remedy does not address physical problems, only emotional. 4 drops

under the tongue as needed.

Safe for the infant after a traumatic delivery. One drop between the

lips or placed on the breast feeding mother's nipple prior to nursing.

Used during postpartum, particularly for a first-time mother who may be

prone to feeling overwhelmed by a newborn.

Very useful for anxious partners who are not handling the birth as well

as they expected!!