Herbs/homeopathy for labour?

[muse]

What herbs/homeopathic rmedies do you plan on having at hand for your hoembirths? I've heard aconite and arnica are useful, as well as the cohoshes, angelica, shepherd's purse,etc etc...but not sure on specific uses and amounts. I'm particularly interested in anything to aid with the third stage, since I had complications with bleeding and retained placenta last time.

[our veggie baby]

I dunno, I was reading the other day that pure chamomille flowers tea was good for cramping during your period because it does something for uterine contractions and makes you bleed less...I may ask my midwife about this today (first visit) because I am theorizing that it may help to not bleed so much both immediately after labor, and in the weeks following....

Oh well can't hurt anyway, if anything it calms me down...I will have some lavender on hand for calming effects, but other stuff I will have to ask about!

good luck!

[Music-mommy]

Here's some stuff I found on a website:

Shepherds purse is the best herb to immediately stop post-partum hemorrhaging. Take one dropperful of the tincture. Be sure it is made with fresh, not dried, shepherds purse to be the most effective.

Raspberry leaf helps expel the placenta after birth, slow afterbirth bleeding, and increase breast milk. For convenience, prepare a tea or ice chips ahead of time to sip or suck on during labor. Add chamomile tea for a relaxing effect.

http://www.motherlove.com/article-na...y_may_2000.php

http://www.motherlove.com/faq_birth.php


This website also has info on retained placenta

http://www.moondragon.org/mdbsguidelines/rtnplcta1.html

[muse]

Thanks for the info, music mommy

good to know about the shepherd's purse, since I have it on hand from my last miscarriage..and thinking back it really helped with the bleeding then. I guess PPH is my biggest concern since it was my bleeding that made quick removal of the placenta essential last time. Just having the right herbs on hand this time might help me overcome any fear during the labour.

ETA: reading that last web page reminds me I didn't have retained placenta, but adhered.