From the Garden
Postpartum Herbal Bath
Start up a big pot of hot water for steeping herbs for a postpartum bath soon after birth. Strain the tea before adding to bath water. Steeping in glass gallon jars is very effective, then strain directly into bath through cheesecloth placed in a plastic colander.
For the bath I combine: one quarter cup sea salt, one ounce uva ursi (bearberry), one to two ounces comfrey, two ounces shepherd's purse, and one crushed fresh garlic bulb.
Place a bath towel in the bottom of the tub for comfort and to prevent slipping. Let mom enjoy the bath until she asks for baby, at which time the baby can be introduced to the bath slowly, feet and legs first, then bottom. The salty garlic is astringent and mildly antiseptic so immersing the baby's cord is OK.
Since the bath is quite warm (102 to 104 degrees F), I have mom drink three cups of a strong infusion of shepherd's purse at room temperature soon after birth and before entering the bath.
The following are my criteria for using the herbal bath soon after birth:
-mom's uterus has good tone
-any source of significant bleeding has been identified and repaired
-the baby has been assessed and is fine
-mom is able to walk to the tub with minimal assistance
-mom and babe are not left alone in the bath
-Linda Lieberman, excerpted from "Postpartum Herbal Care," Midwifery Today Issue No. 25. Call or e-mail to order this issue for just $7 plus shipping.
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My midwives were herbalists with lots of experience under their belts. One of them made me a wonderful herbal cocktail that is delicious and effective for not only postpartum blues but for fortifying breastmilk. I make a tea from red clover, great for purifying the blood and helping improve breastmilk; lemon balm, which works wonderfully for lifting the spirits; red raspberry leaf, which helps the uterine walls contract so the uterus can shrink back down to size; and nettles, which contains vitamin K, important for clotting. Nettles also is a good source of iron which is important for breastfeeding babies. I steep a teaspoon of each per cup of tea for about five minutes. It is best fresh! It is hard being a new parent, especially if you have never done it before. Be patient and make sure to get as much fresh air as you can.
Grace
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issue 13, Mar. 26, 1999)
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