I love Aviva Romm, and her book “Natural Health After Birth” (available in my reading materials section) is a must read for new mothers. I know you can’t plan your birth and a new baby can bring many different experiences so it makes sense to give yourself the best start possible in those last few weeks before a baby is born. (The image is of the Nettle plant - read on for its beneficial qualities).

Aviva writes, “Excellent nutrition and adquate rest in late pregnancy improve the likelihood of a smooth birth and easy postpartum. Like many other times in our lives when we are tired or poorly nourished, we are more vulnerable to stress, irritability, depression, further fatigue and illness. When we’re exhausted small challenges can seem like insurmountable obstacles, and little issues can quickly be blown out of proportion, leading to an emotional meltdown.”

“Too many women run themselves ragged before the birth, trying to get everything in order for the baby. Considering the need to urinate four times a night and other physical discomforts that interfere with sleep, it is easy to see how women enter birth with a deficit of rest.”

Below are the ingredients of a tea recipe that was inspired by Susun Weed. I call it my “Nervine Tonic,” and you can order these herbs (try to get organic) online. I have found a site in the UK and this site in the US to buy organic herbs.

Oatstraw - Oatstraw is a nervine, that nourishes strong nerves, helps people deal with stress (Vitamin B complex), maintains restful sleep patterns and reduces the frequency and duration of headaches

Nettle - Nettles have traditionally been used to strengthen and support the whole body. They contain potassium, magnesium and vitamins A, B and C. The plant is rich in chlorophyll and is a high-quality source of beta-carotene, tannins, iron, calcium, phosphates, silica and various other minerals. Nettles are a great food source and wonderful in pregnancy
and nursing.

Lemon balm- Known for its viral and calming qualities - plus it has a delicate lemoney scent.

I like to take a tablespoon of each and brew them in a teapot add honey to sweeten. You might also want to throw in a tablespoon of raspberry leaf which sustains and tones the tissue of the womb, supports contractions and checks hemorrhage during labor. It is also very rich in iron, calcium and vitamin E.

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March 15th, 2007 | Permalink