Natural Treatments for Postpartum Problems

[roses25]

I'm trying to figure out what I need to treat common postpartum problems naturally. Here is what I have so far and I'd really like to hear any suggestions you may have. I will be breastfeeding.

* Alfalfa supplements for getting vitamin k into my breastmilk instead of giving my baby a vitamin k shot
* Echinacea to have on hand incase of an infection
* Chlorofresh (mint flavored) incase I'm loosing too much blood
* Witch hazel to freeze on pads for perineal pain
* Arnica for after pains & discomforts
* Peri bottle
* Rescue Remedy if needed for relaxing during labor & afterbirth
* Herbal sitz bath formula
* Ring to sit on after birth
* Preemie size prefolds for afterbirth bleeding

Carolyn

[katmann]

After birth, my blood pressure dropped and my pulse was really high, which is not altogether abnormal. I was shaking as I got out of the birth pool and to my bed, and I was freezing! MW gave me motherwort and shepherd's purse (the former is sort of an all purpose tincture, the latter more for bleeding, I think). I had to hold each under my tongue for about a minute.

I also had WICKED hemmorhoids, which, after two weeks, are not totally gone, but improved (I can at least sit now). I checked the MDC threads for advice, and found some, but nothing that really helped. My MW suggested grated raw potato as a poultice, which I tried, but again it didn't seem to help. What did help was geranium oil, either mixed with a little lube or in witch hazel (I would say about 15 drops in 3 oz witch hazel or 10 drops in a tsp of lube). You can add a little lavender, too. That was more soothing than prep H.

I also soaked in the tub with black tea and epsom salts. And, I stretched. I got in puppy pose (hands and knees, down to elbows, slowly arching my back to stretch my pelvis). This really seemed to help relieve the swelling, or at least give the extra fluid somewhere to go.

Oh, and I didn't need to use this, but my MW suggested cabbage leaves for engorgement when your milk comes in. I think you just stick them in your bra. It helps relieve the discomfort of having really stiff, swollen boobs (which in turn helps your baby nurse better).

[mizlizzy]

Liked your list, here's what's on mine:
*Lansinoh lanolin cream to condition sore nipples. Can also be used to re-lanolize wool diaper covers.
*Raspberry leaf tea, helps the uterus contract and combats after pains
*Motherwort tincture for labour and afterpains
*Rescue Remedy
*Comfrey root, witch hazel and sea salt for infusions for perineal after care
*Slippery elm bark powder can help hear perineal tears. Also remedy for infant colic (from Susun Weed)
*Skullcap and Lemon balms herbs for tea for soothing post-partum anxiety and moodiness (for me seasonal effective disorder+ an extra cold winter have me on guard against PPD).
*EFA supplement, again helps with mood stability and helps to build the baby's brain through your milk
*Propolis and Echinacea tinctures in case of infection.

Would love to hear what remedies other found helpful.