Herbal Choices Post-Partum for Easier Transitions
The busy and happy new mother not only has the joy of a new baby but the duties of a growing household; and, of course many hormone changes. Did I forget to mention that you are breast feeding and most likely sleep-deprived? Historically herbs have been safely used to help new mothers adjust to new motherhood, stay calm and healthy, and produce the breast milk so important for baby’s health.
Whether you have children at home or not, you are still a new mother. It’s time to treat yourself with TLC because you are the hub of the home. Knowing before baby comes about the historical use of herbs can prepare you to take herbs safely that have been tested for thousands of years longer that modern science. And while keeping up with the needs of older children after delivering a new family member can feel almost impossible, especially so if there were complications at birth: vaginal tearing, C-section or excessive bleeding, it can be done with proper healthy self-care.
Herbs have been historically used for millennia and when used with educated caution will definitely assist mother to transition from the gestation period to breast feeding baby. Making sure that medications and herbs do not end up as contraindications is a responsibility that should be addressed with your doctor. It is wise to be informed if you have used such herbs as Gingko Biloba for better peripheral artery flow or to increase memory function that pregnancy, delivery and immediate post partum is not the year to use such herbs. This is because it will also increase the risk of too much blood loss.
Herbs that are safe for nutritional support during pregnancy, such as Alfalfa, Red Raspberry, Spirulina, Passion Flower, Dandelion, Chlorella are sage for post partum use. These are food grade herbs and will support the bay also as well as breast milk production and quality. These herbs are high in vitamin and mineral content and are more of the kingly-type of herbs which is food that feeds certain organs and systems. They are not medicinal in nature.
An outbreak of Candid Albicans can be normal after giving birth because of the rapid change in hormones. This is the same reason many women experience post partum depression or “let down” feeling: changing hormones, ensuing candida albicans, lack of rest and good nutrition. For this Passion Flower is considered an anti-fungal making it a wonderful postpartum herbal choice. Passion Flower also is an anti-spasmodic which will assist the uterus to take its original position within the peritoneal cavity with less painful cramping.
Alfalfa and Dandelion have long been used to clean and restore the entire body. Both herbs are foods high in vitamin and mineral content, good for mother and baby. Dandelion again is an anti-spasmodic and assists to restore healthy intestinal balance. Alfalfa has for centuries been known to help the body produce breast milk. Dandelion is especially high in Vitamin A.
When choosing herbs it is best to stay with choices that are tested centuries and millennia longer than even modern medicine for efficacy and safety. While breast feeding it is important to remember that, like any food you eat, they will feed the baby too. Choose herbs that have food grade qualities above those that are purely medicinal. Remember that herbs are vegetables and that all of it was placed here as a natural pharmacopeia. With that in mind, have a precious time of connection with your new baby.
Everyone deserves support to heal. Coaching works! Your body has the innate infinite intelligence to Regenerate! Ellen Valentine is a Clinical Nutritional Counselor and Wholistic Wellness Coach. Your body has the innate infinite intelligence to Regenerate!
