A Guide to Alternative Preconception, Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond
It is strongly advised that you seek the advice of a qualified professional before taken any of the herbs and supplements listed on this page, especially if breastfeeding or taking any other medication. Birth Friendly accept no responsibility for any damage that results from the use of the information contained within these pages.
Active Birth
A totally natural physiological birth – one in which there have been no pharmaceutical drugs used. The woman remains active throughout in order to find the most comfortable position for her body so that it can work as nature intended.
http://www.activebirthcentre.com/
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a wonderful therapy to receive whilst either trying to conceive or during pregnancy or childbirth. It is particularly useful in relieving the symptoms of morning sickness, correcting malpresented babies and inducing a post dates labour. A list of qualified Acupuncturists can be obtained from the British Acupuncture Council
http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/
Arnica
A Homoeopathic remedy very well suited for usage during and after childbirth. The key symptoms on which to prescribe Arnica are feelings of soreness, lameness and a bruised feeling, also trauma – mental or physical. It is perfect for use during an overly long labour where the mother is feeling tired and sore and for use after to help with postnatal bruising. Arnica is not indicated though where there skin is broken.
Birthing Pool
Birthing pools are available in most NHS hospitals and birthing centres
around the county and are also available for hire for use at homebirths
(see separate section). Labouring and birthing in water has been shown
to be as safe as delivery on dry land in low risk cases and can
significantly reduce the length of time in labour and pain felt by the
labouring mother.
Bromelain (and the Pineapple myth!)
This is the enzyme found in pineapples and has given rise to a popular urban myth that pineapples help to induce labour – they don’t! it is possible, in theory, that consuming large amounts (by large think 8 whole pineapples or more consumed in one sitting!) can stimulate the OS (entrance to the cervix) to thin and then dialate causing labour to start. Fresh pineapples (note that once they are canned or juiced the enzyme is depleted) contain the enzyme bromelain. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory agent and it is believed that by taking it in the last few weeks of pregnancy (in capsule form) it helps the cervix to soften and dilate more easily.
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
This herb may help to block the over-production of oestrogen and is useful for dysmenorrhoea (painful and heavy periods), it is also used by herbalists for the induction of labour but this is strongly inadvisable unless under the care of a qualified herbalist.
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
Helpful for dysmenorrhoea and childbirth after pains. Blue Cohosh is an emmenagogue and is useful for inducing a period (for this reason it is highly inadvisable to take during the first 8months pregnancy). It is sometimes taken, under the supervision of a qualified herbalist, to induce labour.
Calcium
Believed to be of use to those at higher risk from Pre-eclampsia. The dose believed to be of help is 2000mg per day. This theory is still under study but initial results appear to be hopeful and if you are at a higher risk of pre-eclampsia it may be worth discussing supplementation with your midwife or GP.
Caulophyllum
This homoeopathic remedy has long been famed for its ability to kick start a post dates or sluggish labour – Professional advice from a registered homoeopath MUST be taken before use.
Chamomilla
Chamomilla is a wonderful remedy for the labouring woman who is clingy and weepy and oversensitive to the pain, it can help to provide the strength needed to get through the labour.
Clary Sage
A wonderfully warm and woody aromatherapy oil believe to be of some use in inducing a post dates labour (6 drops dispersed in milk and poured into a just run bath or a couple of drops mixed with a carrier oil and massaged onto the tummy, breasts, back and thighs) and also for use in labour to provide natural pain relief.
Doula
A Doula is a female supporter trained to “mother the mother”. She will have in depth knowledge of pregnancy and birth and will stay with the labouring mother throughout the labour and birth supporting her in whatever way the mother wishes. Doulas are also available to help in the postnatal period as well. For a qualified Doula contact:
http://www.doula.org.uk/
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
EPO is a rich source of gammalinolenic acid, a precursor to prostaglandin production in the body. Prostaglandins help soften and prime the cervix in preparation for labour, thus it is thought that by taking EPO in the last few weeks of the pregnancy that the cervix could be encourage to soften and dilate more easily and also lead to less post-dates pregnancies. The oil is usually taken orally in capsule form (2400mg per day) but is also sometimes inserted as a vaginal pessary (note – extreme caution should be taken as this could introduce infection and is therefore not advisable). EPO is also commonly recommended as a pre-conception supplement due it’s effect on the production and thinning of cervical mucus, thus aiding in the passage of the sperm to the egg. It should not be taken during the first 8months of pregnancy.
Homebirth
Women today are increasingly opting to birth their baby the "old fashioned way" in the comforts of their own home. Homebirth is as safe, if not safer, than hospital births for low risk cases. It is less likely to result in the usage of pharmaceutical medication, intervention and Caesarean section. Every woman in the UK has a legal right to a homebirth service if she chooses. For extensive homebirth information and for my own birth stories (the births of Sebastian, Flynn and Rafferty Ockwell-Smith) see:
http://www.homebirth.org.uk/
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a wonderfully safe and gentle natural therapy, perfectly suited for use during the pre and postnatal period and of great benefit during labour. Ideally the woman would seek the advice of a qualified practitioner in order to receive constitutional treatment whilst pregnant, many practitioners also offer one off appointments in order to discuss the birth and provide tailor made homoeopathic birthing kits. A list of qualified Homoeopaths can be obtained from the Society of Homeopaths:
http://www.homeopathy-soh.org/
HypnoBirthing®
HypnoBirthing® is a wonderful tool used to help the mother (and father) cope with the pain and fear of childbirth and to take total control of the situation in a calm and relaxed way. HypnoBirthing® is the registered trade name of the institution who invented its use, only members of the official HypnoBirthing® Institute can use the word, anybody offering Hypno-birthing, Hypnosis for Birth etc is not trained by the official, genuine society. For a qualified practitioner in your area see:
http://www.HypnoBirthing®.co.uk
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is undoubtedly the most popular and useful aromatherapy oil with regards to pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. Used from the second trimester on it is wonderfully relaxing, used during childbirth (in a massage, compress, vaporiser or in the bath or birthing pool) it can help relax the mother and reduce pain felt. After the birth it is a wonderful natural antiseptic and makes a great “first bath” after delivery.
Moxibustion
A form of acupuncture. Moxibustion is the burning of pungent herbs (Moxa) over pulse points on the little toes in order to stimulate the turning of a breech or transverse baby into a cephalic (head down) position. Contact a qualified acupuncturist for details (see acupuncture section). The following website may also prove useful for those wishing to turn a breech or transverse baby:
http://www.spinningbabies.com/
Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
These are believed to be a great “brain food” for the growing baby. See the following research by Michel Odent:
Prenatal care and sea fish.
Odent MR, McMillan L, Kimmel T
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1996 Sep;68(1-2):49-51
Optimum Foetal Positioning (OFP)
Accredited to midwife Jean Sutton, the principles of OFP are very basic and mostly just highlight the need for a pregnant woman to keep a good posture and assume an upright forward leaning position as much as possible (particularly during labour) in order to keep the baby in the best position possible for birth (ROA – right occipuit anterior, head down to the right and back outwards) and to avoid the baby turning posterior (LOA or “back to back”).
Osteopathy for Pregnancy and Babies
Osteopathy is a recognised and established system of manual treatment for all sorts of conditions. Osteopath recognise the importance of the musculoskeletal system in overall health. During pregnancy, alot of changes occur in a short space of time, and the body's adaptive mechanisms can have trouble keeping up, resulting in aches and pains. Osteopathy can help with: morning sickness, breathing difficulties, low back pain, pelvic and coccyx pain, pubic symphysis dysfunction (PSD), postural changes, symptoms of varicose veins and swollen legs, neck-ache, fatigue and headaches. Treatment of pelvic pain can help to realign the pelvis and make labour a little easier. After the baby is born, osteopathy can also help you to return to normal, physically and mentally, by releasing strains from both pregnancy and labour. Treatment is gentle and adapted to make it as comfortable and safe for you and your baby as possible. For more information visit http://www.victoriadavies.com.
Perineal Massage
There have been many suggestions that massaging the perineum (the area of tissue between the anus and vagina) with a carrier oil such as wheat germ or sunflower oil for a month before the expected date of delivery can reduce the severity of perineal tears suffered during delivery, however the verdict is still out on this with the most recent studies not showing any benefit.
Pulsatilla
This homoeopathic remedy is of great use for realigning malpresented (breech and transverse) babies. Treatment from a qualified registered homoeopath is recommended.
Raspberry Leaf (Rubus Idaeus)
Taken in tea, tablet or tincture form. Raspberry leaf extract is believed to have a toning effect on the uterus helping to strengthen uterine contractions and thus speed the second (pushing) stage of labour, it helps to prevent postpartum haemorrhage and is a great source of different nutrients, especially iron.
Contrary to popular belief it does not induce labour, nor does it have any effect on the length of the first stage of labour. Nobody knows the exact dosage to take, however one fairly respectable study carried out in Australia indicated that 2400mg of extract per day taken from 32wks gestation appeared to have no detrimental effects on the mother or baby whilst speeding the second stage of labour and reducing post partum blood loss. It is also a great tonic for the postpartum period.
More information the use of raspberry leaf for pregnancy and labour can be found here:
http://www.birth.com.au/class.asp?class=67&page=25#findings
Reflexology
Reflexology is a wonderfully relaxing and pampering therapy. It’s use during pregnancy can alleviate some of the commonly experienced problems such as swelling, high blood pressure and nausea and it is widely used to help bring on a post dates labour or speed up a hesitant, sluggish one. A list of qualified Reflexologists can be found here:
http://www.aor.org.uk/
Squaw Vine
Also known as Partridge Berry, termed Squaw Vine by the Native Americans who used the herb to facilitate childbirth, it is also a popular women’s remedy and is of great use for dysmenorrhoea (painful periods). It’s actions are much the same as Raspberry Leaf, usual dosage is 1200mg per day
TENS Machine
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) via electrodes (usually 4) placed on the skin of the back which are used to numb the pain sensations by emitting an electrical signal which stimulate your neurons through the skin.
Vitamin B6
B6 is a very useful supplement for all women to take, it can help regulate a menstrual cycle by lengthening the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle after menstruation) if it is too short. Taken during pregnancy it is believed to help alleviate morning sickness. It is not advisable to take more than 100mg per day, (this can cause temporary neurological damage) most people usually start with 50mg per day and up it slowly to 100mg.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, it is thought to help reduce the pain felt in labour. It is important not to exceed the RDD of vitamin. C. Vitamin C supplementation (along with calcium and vitamin E) is also believed to be of use to those at risk of pre-eclampsia, in this case 1000mg per day is the usual dose. As with the Calcium section above, those at risk may consider it worth discussing with their maternity healthcare provider.
Vitamin E
Believed to be of use to those at higher risk from Pre-eclampsia. The usual dose for this is 400 IU per day. As with the above, those at risk may consider it worth discussing with their maternity healthcare provider.
Vitex (Agnus Castus/ Chasteberry)
A wonderful feminine herb. Agnus Castus, also known as Vitex and Chasteberry, is believed to inhibit over secretion of androgens and prolactin production (and is therefore not advised for use during breastfeeding until fully established when it may reduce milk supply – once established and under less of a hormonal control it is believed to increase milk supply). It helps in conception by balancing hormones and is also useful for relieving Premenstrual related symptoms. It should not be taken during pregnancy. Dosages advised are usually 30-40mg of dried extract of 30 drops of tincture first thing in the morning (when it is likely to have the most impact on hormone production).
Waterbirth
Praised as a form of gentle childbirth first introduced by Michel Odent in a French hospital in the 1970s. The popularity of waterbirth today has grown massively in popularity and now it remains a very real alternative to giving birth on the hospital bed. Waterbirths are safe for low risk cases and frequently result in shorter labours and less usage of pharmaceutical pain relief. For my own home waterbirth story see the “About Me” section and for more general Waterbirth information see:
http://www.waterbirth.org
