To prepare for the birth:

From 6 weeks before the birth take Raspberry Leaf tea to strengthen & tone uterine muscles.

For the last week & up to 4 weeks before the birth use the essential oils for childbirth (see below) in a diffuser. Use the oils sparingly, 2 drops in a bowl of water/burner is adequate. Or a couple of drops to a small bowl of water, moisten some cotton wool with it & put it under the pillow.

Soften the perineum with Rose Maroc oil (1 drop in 10ml base oil) applied once per day.

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The birth:

Use essential oils in a diffuser for a week or so before child-birth & the same oils in a diffuser during labour. Use the oils sparingly, 2 drops in a bowl of water/burner is adequate. Or a couple of drops to a small bowl of water, moisten some cotton wool with it & put it under the pillow. Use the oils singly rather than blending them.

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Choose from:

Rose-uterine relaxant, helps ligaments to soften enabling the pelvic bones to expand; to regain elasticity after the birth. Natural anti-septic, slight analgesic effect, cardiac tonic.

Geranium-circulatory stimulant. Pulls together dilated tissues so good for after the birth. Anti-depressant.

Clary-sage-DO NOT CONFUSE WITH “SAGE”. Use with restraint! Tonic to uterine, respiratory & muscular systems. Mild analgesic, uterine tonic, euphoric, relaxant (specifically to lower spinal cord).

Lavender-circulatory stimulant, slight analgesic effect, calming. Anti-biotic, anti-septic, disinfectant; slight anti-viral properties, anti-inflammatory. Promotes wound healing. Eases headaches & light-headedness.

Neroli-tonic to nervous system & promotes easy breathing, especially during panting. Increases oxygen supply to blood & brain & helps to prevent hyper-ventilation. Low doses (1-2 drops per day in a diffuser) are sedative, higher doses are stimulant. Anti-septic, disinfectant. Increases confidence, anti-depressant.

Nutmeg-analgesic, calms central nervous system, alleviates anxiety. Circulatory stimulant.

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For massage during labour Rose Maroc or Geranium are recommended, either singly or in equal parts in a blend. Max 5 drops in 30ml base oil. The back can be massaged throughout labour, only massage the abdomen once or twice & only during the first stage.

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HERBS FOR CHILDBIRTH

The following herbs are safe for use according to directions. Other herbs should only used during childbirth under supervision of a qualified medical herbalist.

Chamomile tea can be drunk throughout. Frozen ice cubes of Chamomile tea can be prepared beforehand & sucked throughout or rubbed on lips.

Raspberry Leaf tea can be drunk during the first & second stage & is indicated if contractions become ineffective.

Ginger in any form can be taken as a stimulant to combat exhaustion during the second stage.

Dr Bach’s Rescue Remedy in water as directions can be sipped or rubbed on lips during second stage to combat exhaustion & overwhelm.

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POST-NATAL CARE

Wound/bruise/cracked nipple healing - Calendula Officinalis (English/Pot Marigold) infusions.

                                                             1 part dried Calendula: 2 parts solvent (water or oil)

Water infusion-use just boiled water &steep overnight, strain, keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or pour into ice cube tray, freeze & defrost as required. Use to drench sanitary pads, freeze them & use to relieve post-labour bruising, grazing & swelling. You’ll probably need to sit on a towel! Lavender essential oil can be added to the sanitary pads to prevent/treat infection. The essential oils Lavender, Yarrow & Chamomile could be added to the bath (max 4 drops) for this purpose.

Witch Hazel Aromatic Water can also be used.

Oil infusion-make in a lidded jar in a warm place. If in the sunlight, cover jar with a couple of brown paper bags. Shake every day for at least 3 weeks. Strain. Will keep in a cool place out of sunlight for many months, dependant upon the oil used. For sore nipples, I recommend using a base oil that does not have any allergic potential or hormonal effects-extra virgin olive oil or cold pressed, organic grapeseed oil, rosehip oil, rice bran oil, avocado & apricot kernel oil are all suitable. If nipples become cracked & infected Chamomile essential oil can be added to the infused oil 5 drops in 30ml. Clean nipples & breast thoroughly before putting baby to the breast.

To Increase the flow of breast-milk-Always start with with small amounts (1 cup of tea per day) or add culinary amounts to foods & gradually increase amounts until maximum recommended dose is reached or until the desired effect is achieved.

Teas of fenugreek (plant & seeds), fennel (seeds), nettle, milk thistle, goat's rue (dried herb only) & alfalfa as a fresh salad herb. 

Essential oils- 15 drops of oil fennel oil in 30ml vegetable oil to massage the breasts once daily. Use circular motion, start under the arms, move inwards & downwards then up between the cleavage. 15 drops of geranium or 10 drops of Clary sage are alternatives. Do not use a blend of oils, choose one essential oil only for this & clean breast/nipple thoroughly before feeding baby.

For exhaustion-Oats in any form for exhaustion, constipation, insomnia, depression.

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