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Environment
Postpartum Bath
Afterpains
Prolapsed Uterus & Cervix
Healing After A Cesarean Section
Nipple Soreness
Milk Fever & Mastitis
Compresses
Fever With Engorgement
Increasing Milk Supply
Decreasing Milk Supply
Postpartum Bleeding
Newborn Eye Care
Umbilical Cord Care
Jaundice
Colic
ENVIRONMENTAL
The room in which the birth has taken place should be kept warm and comfortable for the mother and the baby. Warmed blankets should be available to prevent chilling of both. The mother should not be given cold drinks after the birth. Warm herbal tea is better. If the woman becomes chilled and has to warm her body, or warm the contents of her stomach, she will be wasting vital energy that is needed for her recovery. Respect and conserve it.
2 Parts Red Raspberry Leaf
1 Part Nettle Leaf
1 Part Alfalfa Leaf
1 Part Peppermint Leaf
Mix dried herbs thoroughly and use a portion to make up a half gallon to a gallon of tea. This blend makes a nice sun tea that can them be refrigerated for a refreshing iced tea to be consumed throughout the day. It provides red raspberry leaf for hormonal balance and uterine toning, Nettle and Alfalfa are high in blood building vitamins and minerals, and the peppermint leaf is good for soothing the digestive system and getting it back to normal as well as giving the tea a nice minty flavor. It tastes fine unsweetened, but if the mom would like a little sweetener, use honey. Honey is high in nutrients and digests easily. A great tea blend for not only pregnancy, but postpartum recovery. It makes a great tea blend for adding recovery tinctures to, if needed, since the flavor of the tea will help "hide" some of the flavors of the tinctures (not all of them taste good). Bulk herbs are available through Mountain Rose Herbs (see banner ads at the bottom of the page or click on the herb above. They have a nice selection of organic bulk herbs for a reasonable price).
POSTPARTUM BATH
by Janice Kalman & the Chico Midwives
If a woman has been consistently stable in immediate postpartum hours, a healing bath is offered:Boil one large bulb of Garlic in a big pot of water, for 20 minutes.
Turn off the flame and add dried herbs:
1 handful of dried Comfrey leaves
1 handful of Witch Hazel
1/2 handful of Uva Ursi leaves
several slices of fresh or dried Ginger root
1/2 handful of Yarrow flowers
large pinch of Rosemary
Steep covered for at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, scrub the tub thoroughly and rinse carefully. Then paint the tub's entire surface with iodine (betadine), and let stand 20 minutes. Rinse tube completely. Run warm (not hot) water to fill, include a large handful of sea salt, and strain the herbal concoction into the tub. The mother and baby may both get in the bath, provided someone stays with them constantly.
MoonDragon's Postpartum Care: Bathing
AFTERPAINS
These can be very painful and distracting for the new mother.
Strongly brewed Ginger tea brings relief from afterpains. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 3 to 5 slices of fresh ginger and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
Motherwort tincture also eases afterpains -- begin dosage at 1/2 dropperful and increase as needed.
Helonias-Viburnum Blend Tincture by Herb Pharm. One dropperful as needed to relieve afterpains. This tincture is a combination of these herbs: A blend of the liquid extracts of:
- Helonias (False Unicorn) rhizome (Chamælirium luteum) 25%
- Squaw Vine (Partridge Berry) herb (Mitchella repens) 25%
- Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) 20%
- Blue Cohosh rhizome & roots (Caulophyllum thalictroides) 20%
- Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale) 10%
Mixed in grain alcohol (70-75%) and distilled water.
You can make your own Afterpain Relief by making a tincture using the bulk herbs mixed with 100 proof vodka and allowed to "steep" for 6 weeks in a cool dark place.
PROLAPSED UTERUS & CERVIX
Sometimes a woman's cervix comes down to the opening of her vagina after giving birth. If so, re-glove and gently push the cervix back up to its usual position.
Instruct the woman to stay in bed as much as possible, and to begin Kegel exercises.
Homeopathic Sepia 200C offers vital support. This remedy is also indicated when a woman reports feeling her insides dropping or sagging when she walks or stands. Have her take several times a day, and continue to rest in bed.
Obtain the assistance of a skilled practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to assist a woman with a uterine, bladder, or hemorrhoidal prolapse or when a woman seems to be especially exhausted and compromised during the weeks postpartum. This is an indication of compromised Liver Chi. Please note that a prolapse at any age and/or recurrent yeast infections are also indications of a weakened Liver Chi. This can be corrected with TCM.
HEALING AFTER A CESAREAN SECTION
Homeopathic Staphysagria 30C promotes healing after a cesarean section or any surgical procedure when taken several times daily. This will support full recovery. When painful symptoms ease, discontinue use.
NIPPLE SORENESS
Expressing a few drops of breastmilk and rubbing it into the areola will help sore nipples heal.
Allow nipples to air dry completely after nursing.
Expose nipples to sunlight.
If nipples are cracked and bleeding, try homeopathic Graphites 30C, taken several times daily.
HELPFUL PRODUCTS FOR SORE NIPPLES
MILK FEVER & MASTITIS
Most engorgement and milk fevers occur during nighttime hours. For this reason, it is wise to have the necessary remedies on hand before this problem occurs.
It is important that when the breasts are full, tender, and hot to the touch, the nursing mother needs to get the baby to nurse. If the breasts are too full for the baby to obtain a good nursing hold, expressing a bit of the milk before hand will help the baby to latch on. It is crucial that the baby nurses as frequently as possible.
In addition to frequent breastfeeding, try using homeopathic Bryonia 30C and Phytolacca 30C. Alternate the two remedies every 20 minutes until engorgement symptoms are resolved. This will usually occur in a few hours.
Echinacea tincture with a dosage of 1/2 dropperful per pound of body weight - can be taken several times a day when the breasts are engorged to prevent the onset of mastitis.
COMPRESSES
Compresses can be used to stimulate the flow of milk, preventing it from backing up in the breasts and the breasts becoming infected.
Warm water may be used alone or steamed, fresh Comfrey or Cabbage leaves, or strong Comfrey tea compresses are more effective than warm water. Bruise the comfrey or cabbage leaves and place them on the sore breasts. Keep compresses on for 20 minutes. During this time, a woman may cry and express concerns, disappointments or fears. The midwife should be present and willing to listen, offering support as needed. Have some warm drink available for the mother during this treatment.
FEVER WITH ENGORGEMENT
Engorgement or lumpy soreness in the breast accompanied by a rising fever can be resolved with homeopathic Belladonna 30C. This should be taken every 20 to 30 minutes. Fever should reduce to normal in the next few hours, and the homeopathic remedy can be discontinued.
While receiving treatment, the nursing mother needs to nurse the baby or express her milk by hand or breastpump from the congested areas.
Coating the breasts with Aloe Vera helps reduce the risk of secondary infection.
Echinacea tincture taken several times a day will also support the body in healing mastitis.
Make sure the nursing mother stays well hydrated and getting complete rest with treatment.
BREAST PUMPS
INCREASING MILK SUPPLY
Galactagogues help women maintain an abundant supply of breastmilk. They may be helpful to any mother having a difficult time recovering from birth.
A classic galactagogue is Dark Beer. Have the mother drink one beer a day, with a raw egg mixed in.
Hops tincture can stimulate milk production.
Fennel Seed & Barley Water is another remedy used to stimulate milk production. Boil 1/2 cup of pearled barley in 3 cups of water for 25 minutes. Save the barley water, and reheat it (do not boil) to make fennel tea. One cup of barley water to one teaspoon fennel. Do not steep longer than 30 minutes.
Tincture of Blessed Thistle leaves can be taken in a dosage of 1/2 dropperful, 2 to 4 times daily.
Borage tea can be made from borage leaves brewed as tea and drunk a few times a day.
MILK INCREASE PRODUCTS
Nursing Milk (Increase) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - The Nursing Milk (Increase) Formula is for nursing mothers who wish to use herbs to increase their breast milk. Suggested Dosage or Use: Use 6-12 drops in juice, water, under the tongue, or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool, dark place. Keep out of reach of children.
DECREASING MILK SUPPLY
Sometimes a woman may choose not to breastfeed. This may be due to an illness, miscarriage, or stillbirth or some other reason. In making this choice, they will have to deal with their milk supply.
To help ease engorgement, follow the instructions above.
In addition, she will need help in binding her breasts with a long, stretchy wrap.
Cold compresses also act to dry up the milk. Caution should be used using cold of any form during postpartum treatments since it undermines postpartum healing.
Drinking Sage (Salvia officinalis) tea is a dependable method for reducing milk production.
Two drops daily of Poke root tincture can be added to minimize engorgement.
Nursing Milk (Dry Up Milk) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - The Nursing (Dry Up Milk) Formula was created to help dry up breast milk. Suggested Dosage or Use: Use 6-12 drops in juice, water, under the tongue, or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool, dark place. Keep out of reach of children.
EXTENDED POSTPARTUM BLEEDING
Some women continue bright red spotting after six weeks postpartum. Many times this is due to "doing too much" and not resting like they should immediately postpartum and during the six weeks after the baby's birth. Taking it easy and resting more can help.
Shepherd's Purse tincture at a dosage of 1/2 dropperful twice a day for up to a week.
Moxa therapy applied midline between pubic bone and umbilicus (known as the Conception Vessel) and over the sacroiliac joints supports uterine involution. Referral to TCM is appropriate.
HELPFUL PRODUCTS FOR DECREASING BLOOD FLOW
Menstruation Decrease Formula Tincture (For Heavy Menstruation), 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Use Menstruation Decrease Formula for heavy menstruation. Mistletoe helps strengthen nerves and improve circulation and Native Americans used it to stop bleeding after childbirth. Blessed Thistle is used for menopause and menstrual cramps. Suggested Dosage or Use: Use 6-12 drops in juice, water, under the tongue, or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool, dark place. Keep out of reach of children.
NEWBORN EYE CARE
Common causes of red, sticky eyelids, and eye irritations in newborns are blocked tear ducts, irritation from the use of silver nitrate or prescription antibiotic drops, yeast (candida) infection, inclusion conjunctivitis, gonorrheal infection and pinkeye.
As a preventive measure after the birth of a baby (since I do not use any prescription medications in my birth bag), I use a combination of Echinacea root, Goldenseal root, and Red Clover plant & flowers and/or Eye Bright herb in a strained infusion that has steeped in a closed quart jar of boiling water for 4-8 hours or longer (overnight) at room temperature. Many times I will begin to brew this solution during labor so it will be ready to use before I leave the birthing mother. It is used as a wash or compress for the babies eyes for the first few days, sometimes longer.
Use salt water to unblock a tear duct. Remedies for pink eye can also be used.
Pinkeye is a bacterial infection of the conjunctiva, the lining of the eyelid and eyeball. It is also known as conjunctivitis, of inflammation of the conjunctiva. It is highly contagious and can be easily spread through contact with the pus (exudate) found on towels, bedding, and fingers. Rubbing your own eyes after contact with your baby can give you the infection as well. Be sure to carefully wash hands and anything else that comes in contact with the bacteria to minimize the spread of infection. If you want to try a herbal blend instead of prescription medication, use the Newborn Eye Wash above that I carry in my birthbag. If the infection persists or worsens, contact a health care provider for a prescription medication for treatment.
Breastmilk is a favorite remedy for pinkeye. For mild infections, squirt a stream or two of breastmilk directly into the eye from the breast. For a more infected eye, carefully flush the eye with a tablespoon of fresh breast milk at least five times daily. Do not use this remedy if the mother has mastitis (breast infection).
Chickweed poultice is another great remedy for conjunctiva. Chickweed is found in yards, gardens and in the wild. Use the green stalks with leaves and tiny flowers, a handful will do, and steep with hot water. If you use dried Chickweed, let it soak in boiling water for 15 minutes or until it looks plump. Apply the warm plant directly to the eyelid of the infected eye(s). Leave it on until it cools and discard the plant material after use. Depending upon the severity of the infection, poultice 4 to 10 times daily. Results can appear immediately and clear up completely within 48 hours. Continue to use the poultice for another day or two after all symptoms have disappeared to complete the healing process.
Goldenseal, Eyebright, and Chamomile are favorite herbs used for conjunctiva. These can be used alone or in combination, brewed and used as a wash or compress to wash the baby's eyes.
In china, Human saliva is used to prevent or cure conjunctiva. The mother licks the newborn eyes (since it only attacks the eyes, it is safe to lick it away).
Caution: If you do not see improvement after using a remedy for pinkeye for 3 days, contact your health care provider without hesitation.
Goldenseal and Red Clover eyewash infusion that has been well strained is used for yeast (candida) infection.
Inclusion conjunctivitis is caused by chlamydia bacteria. This bacteria infection is found in 10 percent of all women and is usually is non-symptomatic. As many as 50 percent of babies born to women having this infection will get inclusion conjunctivitis. The infection will be obvious within a week or two of the birth, but can take as long as 6 weeks to appear. If left untreated, it can cause permanent scarring of the conjunctiva. It is usually treated within 15 days with sulfonamides (a prescription drug). Echinacea may be helpful for successful treatment.
Gonorrheal infections appear soon after birth, usually within the first week. If left untreated in the newborn's eyes, it can lead to blindness. This can be prevented if the infant is treated with antibiotics within one week.
UMBILICAL CORD CARE
The cut end of the umbilical cord is a likely doorway to bacteria. Bacteria prefers moist, airless environments so the usual approach to cord care is keeping the umbilical stump exposed, dry, and clean until it is completely healed and falls off.
Allow your newborn to be naked. If possible, the baby should be placed in the sunlight with fresh air for a few minutes every day. Air and sunlight are both potent healers and infection preventers. If the weather is prohibitive for outdoor sunbathing and the baby must be indoors, be sure the room is warm, comfortable, and the baby is placed in a sunny window. This is a highly effective way of insuring a dry and air umbilical stump and the sunlight will help with newborn jaundice, which commonly appears about 3-4 days after the birth, by breaking down the bilirubin in the baby's body. When the baby is diapered, be certain to fold the front of the diaper down below the umbilicus. This will keep the umbilicus away from a wet diaper.
Use honey to coat the umbilical stump. This may sound messy or strange to you, but this is an old remedy that women have sworn by over the years. It absolutely prevents infection and helps the cord to dry quickly. Honey is a safe and sterile dressing plus an astringent. It can be used for all types of wounds and burns.
A few drops of Echinacea tincture on the newly cut cord stump is a reliable way of treating the umbilical cord. Apply this several times a day to encourage rapid healing. It will discourage bacteria and eliminate mild infections. If infection is clearly present (redness, extreme tenderness, pus), use echinacea tincture internally as well as externally (see link for an alcohol-free child's tincture). The usual dose is 1 drop of tincture per pound of body weight, once a day. The tincture can be given to the baby, or the mother can take it herself and the baby will obtain the benefits through the mother's milk. With this method, the mother should drink a cupful of infusion or a dropperful of tincture in some water 15 or 20 minutes before nursing, 3 times daily. Whichever way you decide to administer echinacea to counter an established infection, continue using it for at least a week and until the infection is completely gone.
Goldenseal tincture may also be used. Treat the cord several times daily until the stump falls off.
Comfrey leaf compresses can be used externally to sooth and relieve pain and promote rapid healing. To make comfrey leaf infusion, use 1 ounce of dried leaves (2 handfuls of cut-up leaves, three handfuls of whole leaves) in a quart jar. Fill the jar to the top with boiling water, put the lid on and let it steep for four hours at room temperature.
Rosemary leaves have antiseptic and healing properties. Rosemary will challenge a mild infection at the umbilical stump. Use Rosemary tincture or powdered Rosemary directly on the umbilicus at every diaper change to quickly dry it and kill bacteria.
JAUNDICE
There are 3 different types of jaundice that your newborn may exhibit. They all produce the typical yellow cast in the skin and eyes. PHYSIOLOGICAL JAUNDICE, BREAST MILK JAUNDICE, and PATHOLOGICAL JAUNDICE. The first two types of jaundice, although alarming, are not to be worried about. Untreated pathological jaundice, however, can lead to kernicterus and brain damage. The type of jaundice is determined by the general health of your baby, the level of bilirubin in your baby's blood, and how the bilirubin level increases or decreases.
PREVENTING JAUNDICE - Your fetus received oxygen from your placenta. To aid in this oxygenation, the fetus had a large number of red blood cells available to pick up this placental oxygen and transport it back to the fetal body. After birth, the baby no longer uses placental oxygen but supplies its own oxygen by breathing. As a result, the extra red blood cells that were needed before birth, are no longer needed after birth and begin to break down by enzyme action in the baby's liver. The baby's intestine is immature and cannot fully eliminate the broken-down red blood cells. Bilirubin is a byproduct of this cellular breakdown process. Bilirubin is reabsorbed and circulates in the blood stream of the baby, tinting the skin and eyes yellow.
The mother should eat a diet rich in minerals, vitamins, and protein while pregnant. Well- nourished mothers bear children with healthy livers, capable of clearing the extra red blood cells more rapidly.
Dandelion included in your prenatal diet and during early lactation helps your fetus/baby to develop a strong liver. Dandelion leaves, cooked or raw, and Dandelion root, tinctured or decocted is used. A tablespoon of decoction or 10 drops of tincture several times a week, or one serving of Dandelion weekly during the last three months of pregnancy. This is especially recommended if you had a previous child with pathological jaundice. If you gather your own dandelion greens for consumption, avoid areas that have been treated with chemicals or are found near roadways where car exhaust is a problem. Wild gather them only in safe areas away from populations and herbicide controls.
Avoid all drugs during labor. Pitocin, routinely used in hospitals to induce and hasten labor, is known to cause high bilirubin levels. Many allopathic drugs, and stress in general, also slow down the functioning of the newborn's liver and thus increase the duration of jaundice.
Although many midwives, including myself, will wait until the cord is no longer pulsating to cut the cord after birth (this gives the newborn a little extra oxygen support until he can stabilize his own breathing), if necessary, the umbilical cord is cut as soon as practical after the birth. A long wait forces the newborn to accept more blood and more red blood cells from the placenta.
Breastfeeding the newborn frequently during the first week helps to prevent jaundice. Every four hours is a minimum. Most newborns will feed every 3 hours as an average. Babies that nurse often excrete bilirubin more efficiently and are often less likely to be jaundiced. Make sure the mother is getting plenty of fluids to help establish a plentiful supply of breastmilk.
Natural Sunlight is helpful. Place the baby's crib or bassinet in a room with lots of natural light. Babies in a hospital do better and have less jaundice if placed near a window. Bilirubin lights used in the hospital work on the same principle as sunlight.
PHYSIOLOGICAL JAUNDICE - is the term used for normal jaundice of newborns. This usually appears one to five days after birth (about the same time the mother's milk comes in). About 70 percent of all newborns show some physiological jaundice. Blonds and Native American babies, babies born with the aid of drugs, babies not allowed to breastfeed at once and on demand, and premature babies are at greatest risk of developing severe physiological jaundice. The symptoms are yellow skin, yellow eyes, a bilirubin level of 12 or more which decreases soon after the third day, and an active baby. If the newborn is healthy, nursing well, and is active, he can be treated safely at home. Normal jaundice usually disappears within a week.
Breastfeeding is the most important remedy a mother can use. The breast milk, especially the colostrum, helps the baby colonize the intestinal bacteria that is needed to help bind and excrete the broken down red blood cells. Nursing also provides the baby with extra protein, which protects the brain from damage while the bilirubin level is elevated. Nurse the baby immediately. Nurse the baby frequently.
Sunlight breaks down bilirubin. Undress the baby, covering his eyes and put him in the sun every day. Five minutes in early morning or late afternoon, even filtered through clouds or glass, is the recommended minimum. Continue sun baths for at least a week, or until the baby's skin returns to normal.
Catnip or Catmint tea sipped by the mother and given in small amounts to the newborn is good for treating physiological jaundice. The mother should drink at least 2 cups a day, preferably just prior to nursing. Catnip tea is also helpful for colic.
If the mother has insufficient breastmilk, supplement the breastmilk with Comfrey leaf tea for the baby. The controversial ingredient in comfrey is only found in the fresh young comfrey. Once dried, the tea made from the leaves is safe and beneficial. Comfrey contains several amino acids necessary for proper brain growth of fetuses and babies. It also helps to colonize the intestines of the newborn with beneficial bacteria.
Agrimony infusions help resolve jaundice. It is good for correcting liver, gall bladder, spleen, and kidney problems. Pick the whole fresh plant while it is flowering and dry it well. Half a cup of the pleasant, astringent tea will pass its affect through the breastmilk to the jaundiced newborn if taken several times daily just prior to nursing.
If the newborn's jaundice is severe, have the mother sip Dandelion root infusion or decoction throughout the day. The brew is bitter but tolerable if salt (not sugar) is added to it. Drops of the infusion or decoction can also be given directly to the newborn. Either way, directly or through the breastmilk, dandelion stimulates and supports liver function in the newborn. There is no limit to the amount of dandelion the mother can use (except the taste), the daily minimum is one cup of the infusion for the mother and one teaspoon of the decoction for the baby.
BREASTMILK JAUNDICE - usually appears sometime after the first two weeks of the newborn's life. It is quite rare, occurring in only 0.5 percent of all newborns. Its symptoms are yellow skin, yellow eyes, a bilirubin level of up to 20, and an active, nursing baby. As the name implies, this jaundice is caused by breastmilk. It is thought that steroids in breastmilk occasionally act as an antagonist to the enzymes that break down the extra red blood cells in the infant. Breastmilk jaundice often persists as long as two months.
Relax!. There is no need to treat breastmilk jaundice as long as your baby is healthy, active, and nursing strongly.
The homeopathic remedy, Cheladonium 3X is for all types of jaundice. This remedy can stimulate strong liver functioning. Caution: do not use the herb Cheladonium (Celandine) itself, only use the homeopathic preparation or the flower essence.
To check for breastmilk jaundice and the baby is getting yellower, the mother can stop breastfeeding for a very short time, no more than 48 hours. If this is true breastmilk jaundice, the bilirubin level will drop 5-10 points. Resume nursing immediately. There is no reason to stop nursing altogether. If anything, it may complicate the jaundice if the mother removes the nurturing closeness of breastfeeding.
To increase enzymatic activity in the baby's liver and intestines, use small amounts of fresh Wheat Grass Juice (see Juicing). The baby may take up to 20 drops daily. The mother can pass on the benefits through her breastmilk by drinking up to 2 ounces daily. Large amounts of this chlorophyll concentrate can produce minor side effects such as nausea.
PATHOLOGICAL JAUNDICE - is due to pathological processes in the newborn, such as Rh or ABO blood group incompatibility, or a damaged or malformed liver, or as a side effect of several maternal conditions, including drug use. This jaundice appears within the first week of life, often by the first day. Symptoms include yellow skin and eyes, a bilirubin level of 12 or more which continues to rise after the third day, and a dehydrated, lethargic baby. It is highly advisable not to treat a baby with pathological jaundice at home without the aid of an experienced health care provider. Untreated, pathological jaundice can lead to brain damage.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) offers a very effective remedy for newborn jaundice, which parents can obtain from a Chinese apothecary or herbalist. Simmer this root, and swab the liquid inside the baby's mouth. One or two applications will usually clear jaundice.
In china, midwives customarily feed a dose of Mishmi Bitter (Lat: Coptis sinensis or C. teeta; Chinese: Huang lien) to newborn infants as a general antidote against all poisons, particularly venereal and other infections possibly contracted in the womb from the mother. It is used to treat jaundice as well as many other "full-heat" symptoms.
COLIC
Colic is severe abdominal pain in a baby and is caused by spasmodic contractions of immature intestines or gas trapped in the intestines. This will cause the baby to fuss, cry loudly, and simply be miserable, which of course makes the baby's mother and other family members miserable as well. The baby's digestion is affected strongly by the mother. Her emotions, the foods she eats (while breastfeeding), her sense of security and well-being, and other individual factors will contribute to the presence or absence of colic.
PREVENTING COLIC - Feed the baby often, small, frequent feedings are less likely to produce colic than a large feedings.
Soothe the infant with skin-to-skin contact during feedings. The baby will find this reassuring and promotes good digestion. Use the "colic hold" which is holding the baby astraddle in the the mother's arm with the head resting in the crook of the mother's elbow and the top of the legs in the mother's hand. Be sure the head stays higher than the feet while the baby nurses.
Do not eat onions, garlic, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, turnips, radishes, kale, collards, cauliflower, and all types of cabbage during the first six months of the mother's lactation. All of these foods are rich in sulfur which promotes intestinal gas in the mother and the breastfeeding baby.
The mother should avoid more than one small glass of prune juice daily. Any laxatives may distress the infant's intestines.
Avoid chocolate, peanuts, peanut butter, sugar, and white flour. All of these foods disrupt and slow intestinal activity in the mother and the nursing baby.
The mother should eliminate possible allergens from her diet. Allergies to soy, wheat, corn, dairy, and pectin (in most fruit) can cause colic.
The mother needs to breastfeed in a serene, secure environment. If she can't provide it physically, then she needs to create it mentally.
If the mother doesn't breastfeed, use goat's milk, if available. Cow milk contains 7 times as much casein (a protein) as human milk, and very large fat globules, both of which are difficult to digest and are gas forming. The low lactose found in cow's milk makes it difficult for proper digestive bacteria (lactobacillus) to thrive in the baby's intestines, making colic more likely. Goat's milk has the same amount of casein as human milk, very small fat globules, and a high lactose content.
If the mother must use cow's milk, she should add acidophilus to the cow's milk. Use a tablespoon of acidophilus liquid or a capsule of acidophilus powder (open and pour the powder into the milk) in every 8 ounce bottle to make the cow's milk digestible. If acidophilus is not available, substitute a tablespoon of fresh yogurt with active cultures.
REMEDIES FOR COLIC
A few teaspoons of crushed aromatic seed tea, such as Fennel, Dill, Anise, Cumin, Coriander, or Caraway can be given to the baby to greatly relieve the discomfort of colic. The nursing mother can drink a cup of this tea just before nursing to pass the benefits on to the baby. The antispasmodic and carminative effects pass readily into the breastmilk. The tea is prepared by pouring one cup of boiling water over a scant teaspoon of any one of the seeds. Steep for no more than 15 minutes. Strain thoroughly before giving to the baby. The seed teas can be consumed warm or chilled.
Catnip or Catmint tea is useful for colicky babies. It relieves the spasms in the intestines and encourages sleep. It is great for fussy, cranky babies.
Cold wet wool socks put on the baby's feet and then have dry cotton socks on over the wool socks. This allegedly relaxes the baby and helps them to fall asleep.
Slippery Elm Bark is a soothing herb for the digestive system. It has a maple syrup flavor. It soothes the infant with severe colic or reactions to food. This herb is prepared as a "gruel" instead of a tea. It somewhat appears to be slimy like snot. Make it by mixing a liquid sweetener (such as barley malt, sorghum, maple syrup) with Slippery Elm powder, until it is all wet. Then add hot milk or water slowly until a slippery porridge results. (Do not feed honey to children younger than one year old. Botulinus spores, non-harmful to adults, may be present in honey and cause botulism, a sometimes fatal illness, in an infant.) Slippery elm can also be added to hot cereals. Replace a spoonful of dry cereal with a spoonful of slippery elm powder, then cook the cereal as usual. There is no known limit to the amount of slippery elm that can be consumed. For colic, add one or more servings of slippery elm to the diet to help quiet the intestines. In severe cases, give the baby only slippery elm for several days, then gradually resume normal feedings.
Try light pressure and warm compresses on baby's belly, or bringing his feet slowly up to his ears several times. Clockwise massage in a sweeping motion above the belly button may also be effective.
Homeopathic remedies are fairly specific. Most common is homeopathic Chamomilla, followed closely by Nux Vomica and Mag Phos. Highland makes a colic formula, available at most natural foods stores (their teething remedy is also excellent).
Misalignment of the skull or spine may also be implicated in colic. Have the baby see a chiropractor with pediatric expertise (newborn adjustments are more like massage than manipulations).
Try putting the baby on his back, grasp his thighs and lift his feet towards his head, like during a diaper change. Continue to roll upwards, and raise the baby until he is hanging upside down. Wait and watch the baby move. He will rotate his back this way and that, and when he seems finished, gently let him back down. First touch his head down, then roll down shoulders, back, bottom, and let his legs uncurl. Babies particularly benefit from this exercise when offered on a daily basis.
MoonDragon's Client Handouts about nutrition and diet for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are available at the links below. Examples of sample diets and menus are given, including some holistic suggestions. Nutritional analysis for various foods and nutritional therapy information is also available.
POSTPARTUM CARE INFORMATION
Postpartum Care: Index
Postpartum Care: Weight
Postpartum Care: Diet
Postpartum Care: Bowel Movements & Urination
Postpartum Care: Bathing
Postpartum Care: Breasts & Breastfeeding
Postpartum Care: Perineal Care
Postpartum Care: Vaginal Bleeding (Lochia) & Menstruation
Postpartum Care: Exercise & Back Care
Postpartum Care: Sexual Intercourse
Postpartum Care: Contraception
POSTPARTUM VISITS
PostPartum Visit: Day One
PostPartum Visit: Day Three
PostPartum Visit: Day Seven
PostPartum Visit: 4 to 6 Week Visit
POSTPARTUM CONCERNS
Baby Care & Concerns
Fatigue & Exhaustion
Postpartum Depression (The "Baby Blues")
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits
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