1. For Childbirth & Postpartum Dee Anne Domnick, CPM, MH
Herbs
For Childbirth & Postpartum
Dee Anne Domnick, CPM, MH

2. Ergot Secale cornutum
Formerly the most commonly used herbal drug used for postpartum bleeding
Ergot, Rye Ergot or Secale Cornutum is the dried sclerotium of Clamceps purpurea, developed on rye plants.
The hemostytic action of chemical substances in ergot, especially ergonovine and methylergonovine, is due to uterine contractions.
These substances are not as potent in the non-gravid uterus

3. Shepherd’s Purse Capsella bursa Pastoris
Shepherd’s Purse Capsella bursa Pastoris Contains: flavonoids, (quercetin, diosmetin, luteolin, hesperetin), their glycosides (rutin, diosmin, hesperidin), various amines (acetylcholine, choline, histamine, tyramine), volatile oils (predominantly camphor), carotenoids, fumaric acid, sinigrin (mustard oil glucoside), and vitamins C & K
Mild hemostyptic
High in Vitamin K

4. Blue Cohosh Caulophylum thalictroides
The glycosides caulosaponin and caulophyllosaponin can provoke strong uterine conctractions
Contains the alkaloid N-methylcystine (caulophylline) which stimulates the small intestines, lowers blood sugar levels, and increases blood pressure
Use with caution!
The same chemicals that stimulate the uterus to contract could potentially damage the heart by dangerously narrowing the arteries that supply blood to the heart.

5. Black Cohosh Cimicifuga racemosa Chemical components include: steroidal terpenes, acteina, cimigoside, and 27-deoxyactein, (Berger, et al., 1988) Other constituents includetannins, salicylic acid, & an isoflavone, formononetine.
Hypotensive effect through vagal nerve activity, believed to be attributed to acteina
Antimicrobial
Anti-inflammatory
May cause miscarriage or premature birth in large doses

6. ….Black Cohosh Cimicifuga racemosa
Cautions & Contraindications:
Black Cohosh may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and hypotension at higher dosages.
Use with caution in individuals allergic to salicylates.
Contraindicated throughout most of pregnancy, since it tends to cause uterine contractions

7. Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca
Uterine tonic
Anti-inflammatory & antineoplastic activity
Antiicoagulant

8. Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca
Actions: Emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic, nervine, sedative
Promotes relaxation
Reduces emotional anxiety
Strengthens heart
Helps prevent hypertension
Promotes productive uterine contractions by way of the constituents leonurine and stachydrine. Reduces ‘false’ or unproductive contractions.

9. Angelica root Angelica archangelica
Helps expel
retained placenta

10. Arnica Arnica angustifolia
Homeopathic Arnica taken sublingually to reduce swelling of swollen tissues:
Swollen cervical lip
Bruised or swollen yoni

11. Postpartum Compress (optional) 3 Tbsp. fresh ginger, finely cut
2 tablespoons comfrey root, finely cut
2 tablespoons comfrey or plantain leaf
8 cups of water

12. Hemorrhoids
Yellow Dock root tincture (1/2 dropperful taken orally 3 times daily)
Vitamin E ( IU daily)
Vit. C with bioflavonoids (at least 500 mg. & up to 3 grams daily)
Sit or squat with knees at level higher than hips during bowel movements
Gently replace prolapsed hemorrhoids back inside
Witch Hazel infusion or extract, on soft cotton material, placed in or against anus
Homeopathic Hamamelis
Re-hydrate dry rolled oats with cold Aloe Vera gel, and use as a pack
Keep bowels moving
Drink plenty of water
Eat plenty of fruit
Eat a high fiber diet
Use flax seed oil
Exercise
Pelvic rocks
Kegel exercises
Avoid hydrocortisone creams
Avoid prolonged sitting
Nettle infusion
(drink 1 to 2 cups daily)
Hawthorne berry extract
(1/4 tsp.—1-3 times daily)

13. Witch Hazel
The mechanism of witch hazel astringency involves the tightening of skin proteins, which come together to form a protective covering that promotes skin healing.
used to treat damaged veins. Its ability to tighten distended veins and restore vessel tone is employed in varicose vein treatment
valuable for bruises and sprains.
action on skin lesions also protects against infection.

14. Herb Bath for Immediate Postpartum
Comfrey leaves or root
Shepherd’s Purse leaves
Uva Ursi leaves
Sea Salt
Lavender flowers
Calendula flowers

15. Comfrey Symphytum officinale L.
Helps heal tears, episiotomies, caesarian incision sites, etc.
Currently recommended for external use only

16. Calendula Calendula officinalis
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-fungal
soothing tea for gastrointestinal problems
healing wash for skin wounds
easily infused into oil for a healing salve or balm
Great for baby diaper area.

17. Echinacea
Extract can reduce the growth of Trichomonus vaginalis and reduces recurrence of Candida albicans infections (Combest and Nemecz, 1997)
In vitro studies using the fresh pressed juice of the aerial portion of E. purpurea & the aqueous extract of the roots inhibited herpes infections. (Professional’s Handbook of Complimentary & Alternative Medicine)

18. St. John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum
St. John’s Wort Oil rubbed on abdomen helps reduce afterbirth pains
Studies needed to confirm safety for postpartum depression

19. Therapy for Building Blood may include Vitamin C with:
Dark green vegetables
Sea-weed and/or blue green algae
Nettle leaf infusion
Dried apricots, raisins, prunes
Dark berry juices
Black-strap molasses
Organic iron supplements
Iron tincture

20. Iron Tincture
Nettle (leaves)
Yellow Dock (root)
Dandelion (root)

21. Red Raspberry Rubus idaeus

22. Mother’s Milk Tea Sweet fennel seeds Anise seeds Coriander seeds
Spearmint leaf
Lemon verbena leaf
Althea root
Blessed Thistle herb
Fenugreek seeds

23. 1 teaspoon each vitex berries and blessed thistle leaves
Breastfeeding provides your baby with natural defenses against disease, but is not always as natural for the mother as she might wish. If your milk comes slowly, try milk thistle, blessed thistle, nettles, vervain, vitex or the seeds of anise, dill, fenugreek, fennel and vitex. Then, when you are ready to wean your baby, drink a tea of sage or eat lentils flavored with sage to slow your milk flow.
Nursing Tea
1 quart boiling water
1 teaspoon each vitex berries and blessed thistle leaves
½ teaspoon each nettle leaves and vervain leaf (optional—it may be hard to find)
¼ teaspoon each fenugreek seed and anise seed
Pour boiling water over herbs and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain out herbs. Drink 1 to 3 cups daily.

24. YOU ROCK. Mamma Tea and Infusion Moms will need extra nutrition
YOU ROCK! Mamma Tea and Infusion Moms will need extra nutrition. Let this tea be a staple in your herbal and doula practice.
The following herbs for common postpartum problems support mother in a holistic fashion.
2 parts chamomile flower (Matricaria recutita)
2 parts hibiscus flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
1 part rose petal (Rosa spp.)
1/8 part lavender flower (Lavendula officinalis)
1/4 part rose hips (Rosa canina) 3 parts lemon balm leaf (Melissa officinalis)
Make this by the gallon. It is rich in nervines, vitamins and minerals. Mom, family and care providers can drink this throughout the day, hot or cold.
Clients love it, as do the midwives and family members.