Shepherd's Purse
Shepherd's Purse is an annual, weed, that grows to about 20 inches in height and is easily recognized by the heart-shaped pods that form near the top. It grows in sunny areas throughout the United States.
The entire plant is used medicinally mainly as a anti-hemmorrhagic by coagulating the blood and constricting the veins. Historically, the juice of the plant was put on a ball of cotton and used to plug the nose and stop a bad nosebleed. It was also used to increase urine and menstrual flow and increase vitamin C in the diet. For maternity use, it is most often used in a tincture from fresh plants which not only stops bleeding but also causes uterine contractions. If an infusion is wanted, one need only steep the chopped plant material for about an hour as it give up the medicinal properties readily in water.
USES
To provide calcium: eat the leaves.
To control bleeding following a miscarriage: give 10-20 drops of the tincture sublingually as needed.
To build up clotting factors in the body prenatally: give 15-20 drops once or twice a day. To control bleeding after birtrh and delivery in the placenta:
give 20-40 drops sublingually. It can work in five seconds. or give a
combination tincture.
give 20 drops each of Blue Cohosh and Shepherd's Purse in tea.To aid in
returning the uterus to pre-birth size if uterus is still large at 4-6 weeks postpartum:
give Shepherd's Purse and Blue Cohosh tea along with recommendation for
rest, lots of breastfeeding and better nutrition.
To provide prophylactic treatment of vitamin K to a
newborn: give 3 drops of tincture or extract to the newborn by mouth.
CAUTIONS
If planning to make your own tincture, pick the plant immediately before tincturing as it loses its medicinal properties quickly once it dries.
Care should be taken if used for postpartum hemmorrhage as Shepherd's Purse can cause large clots fto form which can prevent the uterus from clamping down and contracting leading to continued bleeding.
About the Author
Yvonne Lapp Cryns is the owner of Midwives .net - http://www.midwives.net Yvonne is the co-founder of Nursing Programs Online at http://www.nursingprogramsonline.com and a contributor to The Compleat Mother Magazine at http://www.compleatmother.com . Yvonne is also a law school graduate, a registered nurse and a Certified Professional Midwife.
Showing posts with label Postpartum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Postpartum. Show all posts
2009/08/09
Pregnancy Tip Herbs Commonly Used In Pregnancy, Labor And Postpartum
Shepherd's Purse
Shepherd's Purse is an annual, weed, that grows to about 20 inches in height and is easily recognized by the heart-shaped pods that form near the top. It grows in sunny areas throughout the United States.
The entire plant is used medicinally mainly as a anti-hemmorrhagic by coagulating the blood and constricting the veins. Historically, the juice of the plant was put on a ball of cotton and used to plug the nose and stop a bad nosebleed. It was also used to increase urine and menstrual flow and increase vitamin C in the diet. For maternity use, it is most often used in a tincture from fresh plants which not only stops bleeding but also causes uterine contractions. If an infusion is wanted, one need only steep the chopped plant material for about an hour as it give up the medicinal properties readily in water.
USES
To provide calcium: eat the leaves.
To control bleeding following a miscarriage: give 10-20 drops of the tincture sublingually as needed.
To build up clotting factors in the body prenatally: give 15-20 drops once or twice a day. To control bleeding after birtrh and delivery in the placenta:
give 20-40 drops sublingually. It can work in five seconds. or give a combination tincture.
give 20 drops each of Blue Cohosh and Shepherd's Purse in tea.To aid in returning the uterus to pre-birth size if uterus is still large at 4-6 weeks postpartum:
give Shepherd's Purse and Blue Cohosh tea along with recommendation for rest, lots of breastfeeding and better nutrition.
To provide prophylactic treatment of vitamin K to a newborn: give 3 drops of tincture or extract to the newborn by mouth.
CAUTIONS
If planning to make your own tincture, pick the plant immediately before tincturing as it loses its medicinal properties quickly once it dries
Care should be taken if used for postpartum hemmorrhage as Shepherd's Purse can cause large clots fto form which can prevent the uterus from clamping down and contracting leading to continued bleeding.
Yvonne Cryns has degrees in nursing and law. She is the co-founder of Nursing Programs http://Online.com - http://www.nursingprogramsonline.com,and http://Midwives.net - http://www.midwives.net Yvonne also produced a video about midwives: http://www.compleatmother.com/video2.htm Yvonne is a nationally-credentialed CPM, a professional homebirth midwife.
Shepherd's Purse is an annual, weed, that grows to about 20 inches in height and is easily recognized by the heart-shaped pods that form near the top. It grows in sunny areas throughout the United States.
The entire plant is used medicinally mainly as a anti-hemmorrhagic by coagulating the blood and constricting the veins. Historically, the juice of the plant was put on a ball of cotton and used to plug the nose and stop a bad nosebleed. It was also used to increase urine and menstrual flow and increase vitamin C in the diet. For maternity use, it is most often used in a tincture from fresh plants which not only stops bleeding but also causes uterine contractions. If an infusion is wanted, one need only steep the chopped plant material for about an hour as it give up the medicinal properties readily in water.
USES
To provide calcium: eat the leaves.
To control bleeding following a miscarriage: give 10-20 drops of the tincture sublingually as needed.
To build up clotting factors in the body prenatally: give 15-20 drops once or twice a day. To control bleeding after birtrh and delivery in the placenta:
give 20-40 drops sublingually. It can work in five seconds. or give a combination tincture.
give 20 drops each of Blue Cohosh and Shepherd's Purse in tea.To aid in returning the uterus to pre-birth size if uterus is still large at 4-6 weeks postpartum:
give Shepherd's Purse and Blue Cohosh tea along with recommendation for rest, lots of breastfeeding and better nutrition.
To provide prophylactic treatment of vitamin K to a newborn: give 3 drops of tincture or extract to the newborn by mouth.
CAUTIONS
If planning to make your own tincture, pick the plant immediately before tincturing as it loses its medicinal properties quickly once it dries
Care should be taken if used for postpartum hemmorrhage as Shepherd's Purse can cause large clots fto form which can prevent the uterus from clamping down and contracting leading to continued bleeding.
Yvonne Cryns has degrees in nursing and law. She is the co-founder of Nursing Programs http://Online.com - http://www.nursingprogramsonline.com,and http://Midwives.net - http://www.midwives.net Yvonne also produced a video about midwives: http://www.compleatmother.com/video2.htm Yvonne is a nationally-credentialed CPM, a professional homebirth midwife.
2009/08/07
3 Easy PostPartum Ab Exercises
Having a baby is perhaps the most beautiful thing a woman can experience, all the previous months to the delivery everything is filled with joy an amusement as they see their tummies getting bigger and bigger. But...once the baby is born, things get different, the main question is "how to recover my tight stomach?" Some say use special clothes, other recommend to be on diet, but the truth is tat you need in any case to do postpartum abs exercises.
Don't be discouraged by the lack of energy. Doing these exercises will in fact give you more energy! Before engaging in these activities it is best to consult with a professional to perform them in an effective way with no injuries.
Progressive Crunchless Crunch
This postpartum ab exercise will help you work your abs the same way as traditional crunches but avoiding the strain in the neck.
1. Sit on a chair, with on hand above the bellybutton and one below to let you feel the contractions.
2. Expand your midsection with a big deep breath.
3. Breathe out while pulling your belly in towards your spine.
4. Briefly contract your abdominal muscles 5 times.
5. Repeat for an entire set.
Contractions
1. Sit on a chair like with the progressive crunchless crunch.
2. Breathe deeply to open your midsection.
3. Exhale and bring your belly halfway to your spine.
4. Pull the belly fully to your spine. Hold for one second.
5. Repeat form the halfway 100 times.
Crunchless Crunch
This is like the first exercise but with just one move.
1. Lie with on your stomach, and relax completely.
2. Pull your bellybutton towards your spine. Hold for tens seconds or until you can't feel the muscles very good.
3. If it feels too easy hold for more seconds.
The goal is to hold the contraction until you feel the rest of abs muscles working harder than the transverse abdominal muscles.
The good thing about these postpartum abs exercises is that you can do them any time throughout the day. You can even do them while breastfeeding your baby! (Except the crunchless crunch) Stick to them and you'll recover your tight stomach in no time!
Learn how to get the stomach you want with PostPartum Abs Exercises. While you are there be sure to join our newsletter for tips and more product reviews.
Don't be discouraged by the lack of energy. Doing these exercises will in fact give you more energy! Before engaging in these activities it is best to consult with a professional to perform them in an effective way with no injuries.
Progressive Crunchless Crunch
This postpartum ab exercise will help you work your abs the same way as traditional crunches but avoiding the strain in the neck.
1. Sit on a chair, with on hand above the bellybutton and one below to let you feel the contractions.
2. Expand your midsection with a big deep breath.
3. Breathe out while pulling your belly in towards your spine.
4. Briefly contract your abdominal muscles 5 times.
5. Repeat for an entire set.
Contractions
1. Sit on a chair like with the progressive crunchless crunch.
2. Breathe deeply to open your midsection.
3. Exhale and bring your belly halfway to your spine.
4. Pull the belly fully to your spine. Hold for one second.
5. Repeat form the halfway 100 times.
Crunchless Crunch
This is like the first exercise but with just one move.
1. Lie with on your stomach, and relax completely.
2. Pull your bellybutton towards your spine. Hold for tens seconds or until you can't feel the muscles very good.
3. If it feels too easy hold for more seconds.
The goal is to hold the contraction until you feel the rest of abs muscles working harder than the transverse abdominal muscles.
The good thing about these postpartum abs exercises is that you can do them any time throughout the day. You can even do them while breastfeeding your baby! (Except the crunchless crunch) Stick to them and you'll recover your tight stomach in no time!
Learn how to get the stomach you want with PostPartum Abs Exercises. While you are there be sure to join our newsletter for tips and more product reviews.
Postpartum Appetite Management For Help Losing Your Postpartum Tummy Pouch
Postpartum life and pregnancy itself present various challenges as far as diet and fitness are concerned. In this article I will suggest a method or two for staving off those between meal cravings.
It seems that since the beginning of time cravings have been a huge part of pregnancy and postpartum life. One could even make a case that controlling cravings or between meal snacks is something that we all should aspire to for life. It is common knowledge that snacking is a major culprit in the fight against obesity in the western world.
You have to admit that when one of these evil craving comes over you, if you can just make a good decision the craving will be satisfied by whatever you choose. I have found that instead of following your feeling you should do your best to be conscious or mindful of your snack decisions. When you take the time to think for just a second you will make better choices. Of course it helps to rid your pantry of all high sugar low nutrition snacks, so that they are not right in your face everyday.
Replacing Postpartum Snacks & Meals:
Most nutritionist are on board with the idea of eating small meals more often during the day instead of eating the traditional three big meals. The idea being that your body will not go into starvation mode there-by keeping your metabolism on a faster track. The problem with this eating 6-to-8 meals a day is that life tends to get in the way.
Before you know it 4 hours have gone by and you get a hunger pain. One of the best solution for this is liquid meal substitution or smoothies. There are some very good concoctions out there now. These things are not your parents smoothies. Today smoothie shakes have both nutritional value and great taste.
A Few Meal Replacement Suggestion:
Here are a few suggested smoothies that will more than get you through your postpartum diet cravings.
#1 Lightful Satiety Smoothies:
Get it at: Whole Foods
Price: $2.79
Contents: Five grams fiber & protein- You should feel full for 2-to-3 hours
Calories: 90 with 1/2 gram of fat
Taste: Cafe' Latte with authentic coffee flavor
#2 Satiatrim:
Get it at: Satiatrim.com
Price: $40.00 Per Case
Contents: no-data You should feel full for 4 hours
Calories: 50 (60% of them from fat 3 1/2 grams) 3 grams of heart healthy fat-
Taste: Multiple flavors
#3 Slim-Fast Optima Shakes:
Get it at: Most Grocery Stores
Price: $6.69 per six-pack
Contents: 5grams fiber & 10grams protein You should feel full for 4 hours
Calories: 190 calories 6grams fat, 50% of your calcium and 100% of your vitamin c needs
Taste: Multiple Flavors
These are recommended meal/snack replacements review by "Shape Magazine"
I hope these good alternatives will help you stave off some of those evil cravings! Thank you and good luck.
The miracle of pregnancy is just that, a miracle. However we do have to take action in the real world to look out for the physical vessel bringing the new life to us, the mom. Take a leading role in your own physical condition, by visiting the site below. It was designed for moms by a mom.
http://www.squidoo.com/fityummymummy-IsReal
http://superiorselfimprovement.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=V._Pearson
It seems that since the beginning of time cravings have been a huge part of pregnancy and postpartum life. One could even make a case that controlling cravings or between meal snacks is something that we all should aspire to for life. It is common knowledge that snacking is a major culprit in the fight against obesity in the western world.
You have to admit that when one of these evil craving comes over you, if you can just make a good decision the craving will be satisfied by whatever you choose. I have found that instead of following your feeling you should do your best to be conscious or mindful of your snack decisions. When you take the time to think for just a second you will make better choices. Of course it helps to rid your pantry of all high sugar low nutrition snacks, so that they are not right in your face everyday.
Replacing Postpartum Snacks & Meals:
Most nutritionist are on board with the idea of eating small meals more often during the day instead of eating the traditional three big meals. The idea being that your body will not go into starvation mode there-by keeping your metabolism on a faster track. The problem with this eating 6-to-8 meals a day is that life tends to get in the way.
Before you know it 4 hours have gone by and you get a hunger pain. One of the best solution for this is liquid meal substitution or smoothies. There are some very good concoctions out there now. These things are not your parents smoothies. Today smoothie shakes have both nutritional value and great taste.
A Few Meal Replacement Suggestion:
Here are a few suggested smoothies that will more than get you through your postpartum diet cravings.
#1 Lightful Satiety Smoothies:
Get it at: Whole Foods
Price: $2.79
Contents: Five grams fiber & protein- You should feel full for 2-to-3 hours
Calories: 90 with 1/2 gram of fat
Taste: Cafe' Latte with authentic coffee flavor
#2 Satiatrim:
Get it at: Satiatrim.com
Price: $40.00 Per Case
Contents: no-data You should feel full for 4 hours
Calories: 50 (60% of them from fat 3 1/2 grams) 3 grams of heart healthy fat-
Taste: Multiple flavors
#3 Slim-Fast Optima Shakes:
Get it at: Most Grocery Stores
Price: $6.69 per six-pack
Contents: 5grams fiber & 10grams protein You should feel full for 4 hours
Calories: 190 calories 6grams fat, 50% of your calcium and 100% of your vitamin c needs
Taste: Multiple Flavors
These are recommended meal/snack replacements review by "Shape Magazine"
I hope these good alternatives will help you stave off some of those evil cravings! Thank you and good luck.
The miracle of pregnancy is just that, a miracle. However we do have to take action in the real world to look out for the physical vessel bringing the new life to us, the mom. Take a leading role in your own physical condition, by visiting the site below. It was designed for moms by a mom.
http://www.squidoo.com/fityummymummy-IsReal
http://superiorselfimprovement.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=V._Pearson
9 Ways to Cope With Postpartum Depression
Over the years, numerous tragic stories have been in the news as a result of postpartum depression. Last year, it has even prompted the U.S. House of Representatives, to authorize spending $3 million aimed at awareness and further research. Postpartum depression (PPD) is actually a form of mood disorder that begins after childbirth and may last beyond six weeks and even up to a year. It affects about 15% of all childbearing women regardless of the number of pregnancies she has had.
Women with PPD, go through various stages of anxiety, especially with the added responsibility of caring for a newborn. In extreme cases where women are not able to seek help, they end up committing crimes or worse, they commit suicide. PPD is a very serious condition and it needs to be addressed the soonest time possible.
Symptoms of PPD may vary but feelings of guilt, sadness and depression are common. Lack of energy or inability to sleep also affects women suffering from the condition. As far as eating habits are concerned, women with PPD tend to either eat so little or eat too much. This may lead to excessive weight loss or weight gain. Aside from that they may lose interest in the baby, and may have thoughts of hurting them as well. Others have anxiety or panic attacks and for severe cases, they have suicidal ideation.
Because the symptoms vary from mild to severe, it is important to recognize the need to reach out for help. Many women have not been able to control it in the early stages, because they felt embarrassed to ask for help. Reaching out is actually a vital step in the treatment of PPD. Here are helpful ways to cope:
1. Eat properly. If you have problems with your appetite, you can have small frequent feedings to provide you adequate nutrients throughout the day.
2. Start exercising. Mild exercises like walking can be done for thirty minutes a day, and at least three times a week. Studies have shown that exercise can improve overall well being.
3. Take extra time to rest. If you are burned out from your chores, learn to delegate to other members of the family. An extra pair of hands will allow you more time to catch up on much needed sleep. Lack of sleep would only exacerbate symptoms of depression.
4. If needed, get counseling. This will allow you to cope with the stresses and conflicts in your life that may be affecting your mood.
5. Be open and talk to your partner. Share your worries and concerns. This is the best time for you to feel that you are reassured and loved. If you are alone, you don't have to go through it by yourself. Talk to close friends and other family members, they may help ease your fears and anxiety.
6. Socialize. It's important that you get in touch with the outside world too. Enclosing yourself only allows you to dwell more in your misery.
7. Join a support group. Numerous resources and groups online can provide you a lot of information and much needed support. You are not going through this alone, a lot of people are.
8. It is important to recognize that the road to recovery takes time. Do not give up if you still have bad days. It's always a process and gradually your mood will improve with proper treatment.
9. Seek medical help. For severe cases, treatment is necessary and your doctor will probably prescribe you medications. If you are breastfeeding, be sure to inform your doctor so he will prescribe safe medications for you.
These are only a few steps to cope with postpartum depression. Many lives are affected every year because of PPD, but it is most important to realize that, you don't ever have to go through it alone.
Jane Heiza is a mother of two, and is very knowledgeable with regards to PPD. She takes the issue to heart for how little emphasis women and husbands pay attention to PPD symptoms. Jane Heiza is a staff columnist for www.Gagazine.com - An online parenting & pregnancy newsletter. Her latest article being "Best Ways To Prevent Stretch Marks".
Women with PPD, go through various stages of anxiety, especially with the added responsibility of caring for a newborn. In extreme cases where women are not able to seek help, they end up committing crimes or worse, they commit suicide. PPD is a very serious condition and it needs to be addressed the soonest time possible.
Symptoms of PPD may vary but feelings of guilt, sadness and depression are common. Lack of energy or inability to sleep also affects women suffering from the condition. As far as eating habits are concerned, women with PPD tend to either eat so little or eat too much. This may lead to excessive weight loss or weight gain. Aside from that they may lose interest in the baby, and may have thoughts of hurting them as well. Others have anxiety or panic attacks and for severe cases, they have suicidal ideation.
Because the symptoms vary from mild to severe, it is important to recognize the need to reach out for help. Many women have not been able to control it in the early stages, because they felt embarrassed to ask for help. Reaching out is actually a vital step in the treatment of PPD. Here are helpful ways to cope:
1. Eat properly. If you have problems with your appetite, you can have small frequent feedings to provide you adequate nutrients throughout the day.
2. Start exercising. Mild exercises like walking can be done for thirty minutes a day, and at least three times a week. Studies have shown that exercise can improve overall well being.
3. Take extra time to rest. If you are burned out from your chores, learn to delegate to other members of the family. An extra pair of hands will allow you more time to catch up on much needed sleep. Lack of sleep would only exacerbate symptoms of depression.
4. If needed, get counseling. This will allow you to cope with the stresses and conflicts in your life that may be affecting your mood.
5. Be open and talk to your partner. Share your worries and concerns. This is the best time for you to feel that you are reassured and loved. If you are alone, you don't have to go through it by yourself. Talk to close friends and other family members, they may help ease your fears and anxiety.
6. Socialize. It's important that you get in touch with the outside world too. Enclosing yourself only allows you to dwell more in your misery.
7. Join a support group. Numerous resources and groups online can provide you a lot of information and much needed support. You are not going through this alone, a lot of people are.
8. It is important to recognize that the road to recovery takes time. Do not give up if you still have bad days. It's always a process and gradually your mood will improve with proper treatment.
9. Seek medical help. For severe cases, treatment is necessary and your doctor will probably prescribe you medications. If you are breastfeeding, be sure to inform your doctor so he will prescribe safe medications for you.
These are only a few steps to cope with postpartum depression. Many lives are affected every year because of PPD, but it is most important to realize that, you don't ever have to go through it alone.
Jane Heiza is a mother of two, and is very knowledgeable with regards to PPD. She takes the issue to heart for how little emphasis women and husbands pay attention to PPD symptoms. Jane Heiza is a staff columnist for www.Gagazine.com - An online parenting & pregnancy newsletter. Her latest article being "Best Ways To Prevent Stretch Marks".
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