Brookhaven is hosting an exciting class soon! One of our students, Cassandra, has been working hard and compiling these informational tidbits about some herbs. These are the kinds of things Kat will be discussing in-depth at the class, plus much much more! Tickets and more details can be found here.
Benefits of Nettles in Pregnancy and the Postpartum
Nettle tea contains iron, which helps the blood carry oxygen through the body. Low iron can make people,
especially during pregnancy, feel fatigued and moody, and can cause headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, leg cramps, and in some cases, insomnia. Nettles are known to help with constipation bloating, which are common discomforts in pregnancy. In the postpartum, it’s important to nourish the body with nutrients to replenish what was lost during the labor/birth, and iron is something that is often low in the postpartum due to both normal and abnormal blood loss from the birth. Iron can help re-build blood, which can help build energy, mood, and overall well-being.
Nettles also contain other nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. Magnesium can help prevent preterm labor/birth, can help lower high blood pressure and stress, and it can help to maintain blood sugar levels. Magnesium and calcium are also really important for bone support, for both mom and the developing fetus. Nettles in the postpartum not only help to support blood-building, but can also be helpful in the production of breastmilk.
Red Raspberry Leaf in Pregnancy
Most pregnancy tea blends include Red Raspberry leaf. It is known to be a uterine tonic, which means it strengthens the uterus. It is thought to improve labor outcomes and prevent excessive postpartum bleeding. Some studies show that drinking red raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy will reduce the need for medical intervention at birth. Other studies suggest that red raspberry leaf tea can shorten labor with no side effects for babies or the women who take it; a decreased likelihood of preterm or postterm birth; decreased rates of interventions such as vacuum extraction, forceps, and c-sections.
Recommended dose during pregnancy (per Aviva Romm, MD and midwife): Red raspberry infusion – pour boiling water over dried herb and let it steep until infusion is room temperature – drink 1-3 cups daily.
Sitz Bath for Postpartum Healing
Sitz baths are essentially packets of herbs/salts that are brewed like a tea, strained, and then used as a healing solution for your vagina, perineum, and bottom. The herbs included in a sitz bath are often astringent and antiseptic, meaning that they both draw out excess moisture/swelling as well as prevent infection and keep the area clean without drying out the healing tissues. Many have reported that regular sitz bath soakings postpartum have helped heal their tears/scrapes faster; have relieved pain, swelling, and burning; have reduced inflammation and infection; and have helped to soothe or heal hemorrhoids. Sitz baths also help to stimulate blood flow to the area, decreasing overall recovery time.
Recipe for Sitz Bath (Per Aviva Romm)
*Keep in mind that sea salt can be drying. Use or omit it at your own discretion. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Turn off heat, and place 1 oz (1 large handful) of the above mixed herbs (bot the salt) into the pot. Steep herbs – covered – for 30 mins. Then, strain the liquid well with a fine mesh strainer, and discard herbal material. Add 2 quarts of liquid to tub, along with 1/2 cup of salt. You can pour this herbal bath into the tub and add hot water to soak in, or, you can prep peri bottles with this solution to use as a healing vaginal/perineal rinse. Another option is to place this herbal solution into a spray bottle and spray pads that can then be stored in the freezer until the postpartum.