preventing pph

[MandyGail]

we recently found out that we are newly pregnant with our 5th:)  My first 3 were hospital births full with interventions galore, but no pph.  My 4th was a beautiful homebirth, but i had a moderate to severe pph. It was managed by my wonderful mw with a shot of methergine, manual removal of clots, massaging, and she cathed me - only then did the bleeding stop.  It was a very long recovery after that.  I do not want to go through this again!!

 I am almost certain the cause of it was because I could not urinate during labor because of the way the baby was laying.  I tried several times, but i could simply not go.  I also had a hard time going during the end of the pregnancy & would have to wiggle around just to get a good angle to get it out.

So in thinking about my next homebirth I am wanting to prevent this at all costs.  I havent met with the mw yet, so i will of course ask her all of this, but do you all have any good pph preventing tips?  Can the mw cath me during labor if I cant go again? 

[IdentityCrisisMama]

I have read about peppermint being used to encourage urination after delivery.  I don't know more about it, however.  I did decide to make myself some peppermint tea during the start of labor, which I will either drink or save for after the birth.  

Having also recovered from a PPH I can totally understand that being your first concern fro this pregnancy.  It's such a PIA and an unfortunate thing to deal with when you're caring for a new baby.  

In addition to treatment methods you may want to look into blood building during pregnancy.  I'll admit, though, that I got all into it, ordered supplements and etc. and then really slacked on taking them.  Things to look into are: Iron supplements (the various forms and etc., and interactions with other supplements), alfalfa, vitamin K, chlorophyll and probably way more that I'm either forgetting or decided not to use.  

Shepherd's Purse is also another herbal remedy.  I don't know how to use it but got some to have on hand for my MW.  It was very cheap at the herbal store so I figured it couldn't hurt.  

Also, what your MW and others will probably say is to not expect the same outcome for this next birth (something you probably know all too well, having had 4 births).  I found this vaguely reassuring but it didn't relieve my need to be at least a little more prepared for a PPH.  

I hope you have a lovely, quick clamp down!