While Emergen-C is, indeed, a great electrolyte booster, the high content of vitamin C can cause excessive bleeding after birth, surgery, dental work, or other "bleeding potential" event. High doses of vitamin C can promote anti-coagulence. Caution should be exercised when employing this powder during labor. Dr. Andrew Weil (Spontaneous Healing) cautions against high doses of vitamin C before surgery. While childbirth isn't surgery, one bleeds naturally. Since we are all concerned that mothers do not bleed more than necessary, the use of regular strength "Emergen-C" during childbirth is *not* a good idea. Diluting it in twice or three times the water called for in the package directions may be a more appropriate solution than using it full strength. This dilution would then reduce the total Vitamin C intake accordingly.
For a better option, try this:
"Labor Aid" Mix
1 qt water
1/3 c honey
1/3 c juice from a real lemon
1/2 t salt
1/4 t baking soda
2 crushed calcium tablets
Serve cold or freeze into small ice.
-Kim Mosny, CPM
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issue 42, Oct 15, 1999)
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