[juicypakwan]

I know this has been gone over before but can anyone refresh my memory. All my books are in storage. What herbs do you use for hemorrages? And in what doses? I am inclined to use Shepherds Purse but can't remember the dose. I've also heard Mistletoe is good. I want to use something directly after birth as a preventative! Also I need some tricks for urinating after birth I have an extremely hard time and have tried alot of things that don't work. I am considering having a catheter on hand. My last birth I bled badly and ended up going in for an IV and catheter after several hours and have no intention of doing that this time!<br>
Thanks

 

[Arduinna]

I've only used Shepards Purse tincture, followed the dosage on the bottle which was in essence one dropperful in a small amount of water. It worked great and quickly. Repeat if needed. I've used it twice for scarily heavy periods where I thought a Dr would be necessary if I didn't get it to stop. I never had a bleeding problem after birthing, so sorry I can't confirm dosages or anything in that case.<br><br>
For urinating, warm water flowing over the area either by pouring it from a cup while sitting or getting in the shower works well. I'd do anything to avoid a catheter, yuck. Had one once, don't want to repeat that.

 

[Carolinamidwife]

Shonda Parker makes an herbal tincture called Hem-Halt, you can follow the directions on the bottle.<br><br>
Also, what have you tried to encourage urination? I find what helps me is to put my thumb in my mouth and low, similar to blowing your nose. There are many techniques but I agree that you are wise to keep a catheter on hand. Hemorrhage from a full bladder must be avoided at all costs.<br><br>
Amy

 

[spyiispy]

Hi Emily.....<br><br>
What I suggest for postpartum urination comfort is putting comfrey tea in your peri-bottle and using that to rinse with. Comfrey is extraordinarily healing for to the tissues and you'll be amazed on how quickly those tiny tears (the ones that you don't know you have til ya pee!) will be a non-issue. ALSO......a big, big suggestion....make yourself some of Dr. Christopher's burn creme. I know many midwives who stick this stuff on a maxi pad and allow the new mama to hold it in place right after she's given birth....ahhhhhh, its lovely.<br><br>
If you need more info on how to prepare either of these two things....fire me a PM <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
Oh...also, liquid chlorophyll if fabulous for blood building AND energy.<br><br>
Lisa

 

[lorijds]

Your difficulty urintating after birth probably had to do with tired pelvic floor muscles, dehydration, and/or pelvic floor trauma.<br><br>
So, do those kegels, squats, and go for walks, or even better yet, walking up and down stairs, to strengthen your plevic floor muscles. Good pushing technique--mother directed as opposed to the pushing where you push as hard as you can, holding your breath, for the count of ten. Stay off of the birthing chair, especially if you are a shorty. This can cut off the circulation to your perineal area, and increases swelling. Spend as much time in warm water during labor and birth as you can. Drink plenty of fluids during labor and post partum.<br><br>
After birth, if you can't pee, get into a tub full of warm water and try to pee there. You can also try to sit on the toilet and put a couple of drops of peppermint oil in the toilet; sometimes this stimulated mom to go.<br><br>
I don't know the situation with your first birth, but don't let people pull unnecessarily on the placenta. There is a difference in applying traction to the placenta to see if there is any give to determine if the placenta has already detached and is sitting there, and tugging to ttry to get it to prematurely detach from the uterus. Nurse the babe, or at least put the babe up to the breast. The babes lips only have to brush the nipple to release oxytocin. But, if you are stressed, oxytocin release can be inhibited, so surround yourself with supportive people in a calm environment.<br><br>
Hope some of this has been helpful! The other replies are also very good; I just wanted to add some ideas that popped into my head, as well.<br><br><br>
Lori<br><br>
eta: get ice on that perineum right away, even before th placenta comes, if it is possible, to prevent difficulty due to swelling. We make our pads by putting a maxi pad under a running faucet (do saturate it, it will be a brick) and putting them in the freezer. Some of our clients have put comfrey tea on the them, or watered down witch hazel instead of just plain water before freezing. These feel great and help control swelling, which in turn helps control pain and eases difficulty in urination that is due to trauma to the tissues.<br><br>