Herbs to fscilitate labor and ease afterpains

[magentamomma]

Hi all! This is 5th baby for me and I am looking for any suggestions for herbs that help make labor more efficient. All my births are homebirths so I know there is no quick fix, but my labors hae gotten longer each time and i was wondering if there wer herbs to speed it or make contractons more effectie. Also, after my last birth the after pains were more intense than labor and i was wondering if there were tricks or herbs to help with that. Thanks all!

[jeslynmo]

I'm sure you've tried red raspberry leaf tea? If not, I can type out the list of red raspberry's benefits from the sheet my midwife gave me.
I'm pg with my third, but my after pains were really bad with my second and I'm kind of expecting them to get worse with each birth...
I'd love to hear what other herbs other mamas suggest.

[emnic77]

My midwife's birth kit includes a tincture called "afterease":

WishGarden Herbs' After Ease tincture contains uterine relaxants that dramatically ease afterbirth pains for most women.

Afterbirth pains become increasingly common the more often a woman gives birth, but can be present after any birth. Use prophylactically or build up to adequate dosage for significant symptom relief in the moment. Women have reported that it is the only thing they carry around from room to room with them besides their new baby.

Ingredients: Crampbark, Black Haw bark, Yarrow flower, & Motherwort leaf extracted into approx. 55% grain alcohol & Rocky Mtn. spring water.

SUGGESTED USE: 2-4 dropperfuls in water. Repeat if needed for desired effect.

haven't used it yet, as I haven't had the baby yet, but there you go

[aloneinid]

I used Afterease after my last birth with pretty much no effect. I have horrible afterpains (even after my first baby), though. The instructions for using 2-4 dropperfulls made me laugh. I actually drank mine from a shot glass. It tastes beyond horrible and I am someone who can stand strong flavors. I don't ever want to smell it again! That said, if anyone has any other ideas I would love to hear them, as I am pregnant with my third.

[Juvysen]

i used cramp bark last time (which I see is an ingredient in after-ease)... I found if i kept sipping the water w/cramp bark in it, my afterpains were much less than when I didn't/forgot. i was happy with it - glad I didn't have to go with ibuprofen.

[loveneverfails]

ContractEase worked absolute wonders for my uterine irritability, and I'm on baby #5 too. That would be my first course of action for afterpains.

[Coco_Hikes]

From Natural Health after Birth:

Herbs for After Pains:
chamomile tea: 1 TBSP of blossoms in 1 cup boiling water, cover, steep 10-15minutes. Strain, sweeten if preferred.

catnip tea: same as chamomile, or combine the two. 1-4 cups daily.

motherwort : Prepare cup of catnip tea, add 1 tsp motherwort tincture. 1/2 to 1 tsp up to 4 times daily.

From Herbal for the Childbearing Year:

After-Pain Brew
1 oz dried cramp bark or black haw root bark (to relieve pain of uterine contractions after birth or during mentral flow)
1/2 oz dried blue cohosh root (helps uterus return to regular size)
1/2 oz dried hops flowers (sleep-inducing, milk-producing pain reliever)

Add herbs to 1 quart jar boiling water and seal. Infuse for 8 hours, strain, and refrigerate. Reheat brew and sip throughout the day or as needed.

I haven't tried any of these yet, but plan to as needed after no. 2 comes!

[lastrid]

I am currently using Afterease with success, but I wouldn't call my current pains excruciating, so YMMV.