Natural Solutions
and Alternatives for Pregnancy
Delivery and Post-Pregnancy Herbal Info
Online Catalog of Pregnancy Products
Pregnancy can be exciting, fulfilling and even delightful.
It can also be a time of uncertainty and change. Bringing a new life into the
world is an important and sacred thing.
The body needs good nutrition during pregnancy
because the mother is literally "eating for two." If
the nutrients needed by the growing fetus
aren't present in the mother's diet or
supplemental intake, they will be borrowed
from her body.
This is why women become anemic (iron
deficiency), get diabetes (chromium
deficiency), and have poor
hair and nails (calcium or silicon deficiency) when they are pregnant.
These are just a few of the symptoms which reveal that baby is borrowing
mom's body of essential nutrients.
Whole, natural foods are better than anything else the expectant mom can take.
Avoid refined and processed foods with sugar, white flour, and artificial flavorings
and colors. These provide empty calories without much real nutrition. Eat several
portions of fruits and vegetables each day, and don't forget to get enough
protein (between 25 and 40 grams). To supplement your nutritional profile, Nature's
Prenatal is an excellent choice for a natural profile of nutrients.
Water is vital
to human life and fluids should be taken freely during pregnancy. You should
drink an average of six to eight glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeine containing
beverages, such as colas, teas, and coffees. Please do some research on caffeine
consumption during pregnancy.
Do not do any cleansing during pregnancy. It's not a time to be pulling toxins
out of the tissues and liver to be circulating around in the bloodstream that
is supplying the fetus. The best time to cleanse is before pregnancy. Be sure
to note the list of herbs below that you should NOT take during pregnancy.
Moderate exercise is very important for a healthy pregnancy. Walking is one
of the best exercises. It helps to build muscles and strength for delivery
and can even help "drop" the baby into place. Exercise will also increase circulation
which is good for those legs!
When nearing the end of pregnancy, a formula called "5-W" helps to prepare the body for labor. You can read about it below. A
great drink to use during labor is Liquid
Chlorophyll. It keeps the energy up during labor and nourishes the
blood since there is some loss during delivery.
Here's a list of ideas on using herbs during various stages of pregnancy:
Prenatal Options
Nature's Prenatal Vitamin/Mineral Supplement provides a balanced combination of vitamins
and minerals to support the nutritional needs of both mother and baby and also
contains ginger root to help soothe the stomach. Free of artificial colors,
flavors, preservatives, sweeteners, sugar, yeast, gluten, lactose, milk, soy
or wheat so you can use it with complete confidence.
Calcium Plus - Generally recommended during pregnancy for structural support
of fetus and to avoid leg cramps, back aches, etc. for the mother. This comes
with an Alfalfa base which is also rich in necessary trace minerals. If
you prefer an herbal source of calcium, use Herbal
CA.
Herbal Trace Minerals contains
Alfalfa, Kelp and Dandelion. A rich source of trace minerals and glandular
support during pregnancy. The
North American Indians adopted Alfalfa for
human use and thought it helpful for every condition of the body. Kelp is
a source
of iodine which feeds the thyroid gland and contains many trace minerals. Dandelion was
used
by early Arabian physicians, this herb has a beneficial effect on female
organs and kidneys. Contains natural Vitamin A and many trace minerals.
Flax
Seed Oil - Essential fatty acids will prevent
dry, flaky skin that occurs with changing hormones. Rich in Omega
3's and 6's this provides nutrition needed for healthy skin.
Acne Treatment Gel -
Help with acne sometimes experienced during pregnancy.
Rosehips has
a high content of non-acid Vitamin C factors, Vitamin E, organic iron, calcium,
and B complex.
Red Raspberry is
the classic pregnancy herb; tones and nourishes uterine muscle; contains easily
absorbed iron; reduces bleeding after birth, speeds recovery, boosts milk supply,
and helps with nausea. World famous Quaker herbalist Henry Box says, "a tea
made from Red Raspberry is the best gift God ever gave to women." It strengthens
and acts as a tonic for the whole body, thus making childbirth easier.
White Oak Bark, Vari-Gone,
or Butcher's
Broom - Used for hemorrhoids and or varicose veins.
Liquid Chlorophyll is
one of the best blood-builders being rich in easily digestable iron, avoiding
constipation. It also provides a tonic effect, giving a bit of energy that
is needed during pregnancy.
Papaya-Mint contains
papain, an enzyme that breaks down protein food, and peppermint, a traditional
digestive aid to help with belching, bloating and bad breath.
Ginger has been
proven effective for morning sickness and nausea. Aids digestion. Open capsule
into cup and add hot water to sip when capsule can't be taken.
Slippery Elm -
A safe, gentle fiber to prevent constipation and settle acid stomach. Use with
a large glass of water.
Five Weeks Before Delivery
5-W -
A formula that gives elasticity to pelvic
and vaginal areas, and generally
strengthens the uterus for easier delivery.
It stimulates braxton hicks (contractions
which start labor) and helps ensure timely
delivery.
This formula includes Black
Cohosh which stimulates the braxton
hicks. While this herb, along with Dong
Quai, which is also included in the formula,
should be avoided
earlier in the pregnancy, they can be used
in the final stages to help bring on
labor (which is why they are avoided
earlier).
Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy
Goldenseal, Rue, Tansy, Artemesia, Comfrey, Coltsfoot, Mandrake,
Mistletoe, Pennyroyal, Poke Root, Black and Blue Cohosh, Motherwort, Yarrow, Senna,
Cascara Sagrada, Buckthorn, Ephedra and Ma Huang. Avoid any hormonal herbs such
as Licorice, Dong Quai, and Ginseng.
Caution
This isn't a complete listing, it is imperative that you consult your health care provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before you consume any natural health care products.
Delivery
and Post-Pregnancy Herbal Info
Online
Catalog of Pregnancy Products
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