This is an article by our nutritionist:
Brooke Seiz, NTP, E-RYT – Read more about her at www.newlifenutritionandyoga.com
Fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are phases in a woman’s life when the needs of the body evolve and change. Our nutrition needs shift, as do the herbs we take in our morning tea, or for therapeutic reasons. You’ll find conflicting information out there as to what herbs are okay to take during this period in your life, versus what you should avoid. We will go over the basics, but it’s important that you learn to listen to your body.
I see every client as an individual. Each person’s energetic qualities, both psychological and physiological, are unique. Every herb mentioned in this article is safe for you if you’re trying to conceive, if you’re pregnant, or if you’re breastfeeding. However, it may not be the most effective choice for you. Learn to listen to your body. If you eat a specific food or drink an herbal tonic, notice if this enhances your energy and how you feel, or if it ‘just doesn’t feel right’. Heed that intuition. In addition to practicing nutrition, I teach yoga workshops that help couples connect and prepare for childbirth. During these classes, the greatest lesson that I hope women walk away with is to trust your intuition. When you learn to listen to your body, and trust the feedback you get, you will have a tremendous tool to guide you towards greater health.
If your focus is conception, there are many herbs that can be supportive of fertility. However, if you’re dealing with infertility, it’s important to discover the possible cause, because it will affect which herbs are appropriate for you. For example, if you’re under severe stress, you’ll likely need something different than somebody who has PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome; can be a cause of infertility). All the herbs listed in this article can be wonderfully supportive of your nervous system, and a great overall support to your body while you’re trying to conceive.
For pregnancy and during the postpartum period, one of the number one ‘go to’ herbs is oat straw. It’s high in magnesium, which is critical for energy production, and in muscle cells. If you’re dealing with aches and pains this is a wonderful choice. It’s calming, takes the ‘edge off’, and helps support the immune system. Herbs high in magnesium are also indicated when you’re dealing with leg cramps or other muscle cramping. Other herbs that support the whole system are lemon balm, passionflower, nettle, and dandelion. Dandelion helps to move hormones out of the body making it a great post-partum choice.
Raspberry leaf is tonifying to the uterus, so it’s a fantastic herb to use before, during, and after pregnancy. Some people worry that this herb is stimulating to the uterus, and can induce contractions, but this is not the case. It helps to tone and strengthen the uterine muscles, so that it is prepared and ready for childbirth when the time comes.
Dealing with morning sickness? Give ginger a try. It’s anti-inflammatory and harmonizing. Ginger also helps to move heat through the system, so that it doesn’t get ‘stuck’ and concentrated in the stomach, thus helping with morning sickness. If you feel great during your pregnancy, ginger is still a good herbal tea to drink, as it provides circulatory support, and helps to drive energy into the pelvis.
Cinnamon can be a good herb to use for fertility or towards the end of pregnancy. It’s warming to the system, and can be added to all kinds of foods, or taken as a tea in a blend with other herbs.
Hibiscus has a long history of traditional use during pregnancy. It is harmonizing, meaning that it tonifies, and helps the system to stabilize, as opposed to eliminating. This helps to build the body, particularly the uterus.
For childbirth and once you’re home with your baby, red roses is a lovely aromatherapy option. Keep it nearby and rub it on your heart and your baby’s heart. It’s a nice way to connect and bond your heart space with your baby’s, particularly in cases of postpartum depression or other perinatal disorders.
There are many herbs that would be contraindicated during this time in a woman’s life. If you have an herb in mind that you’d like to try and it’s not listed here, consult with an herbalist to determine if it is the most therapeutic option for your situation. I live in Denver, and we have a stellar resource here for herbal therapy: Apothecary Tinctura. Their Nurturing Tea is my ‘go to’ tea for fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. It contains alfalfa, nettle, raspberry leaf, red clover, spearmint, calendula, lavender, and stevia. It’s mineral rich, and has a slightly sweet, but mild, soothing flavor. If you don’t live in the area, you can call the store to ask questions, and place orders. Don’t forget to ask about their sitz bath for right after childbirth!
Remember: listen to your body and it will speak to you.
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