HERBAL FRIENDS FOR THE MAMA-TO-BE

​When looking at herbal aids in the time of pregnancy, it is easy to feel somewhat daunted. There are many different plants that can be used for the different stages or ailments that occur before, during, and after pregnancy.

To give you an idea of the many benefits herbs can have during pregnancy, I will briefly touch on one great herb ally per momentous stage in pregnancy.

PREGNANCY FRIEND: STINGING NETTLE

Nettle is one of the best herbs for pregnancy. It’s known throughout the Wise Woman Tradition as a nourishing herb, which means it can be safely used every day and it doesn’t have any known side effects.

Some of the benefits of nettle during pregnancy are:

1. Aids with pain in the muscles and joints during and after pregnancy, thanks to its high level of calcium. 
2. Nourishes and tonifies the blood and the vascular system. 
3. Strengthens arterial elasticity and aids in hypertension, in some cases reducing the risk and severity of problems such as preeclampsia that may appear later in pregnancy.
4. Contains hemoglobin and vitamin K, which are known to reduce the risk of hemorrhage postpartum.
5. It can be used as an ally in the time of breast milk production, increasing the richness and quantity of the milk that is produced.​

The easiest and most delicious way to consume nettles daily is in an infusion such as tea. They can also be used in blends with or in place of other prenatal helpers such as red raspberry leaf, oatstraw, comfrey, or red clover.

My favorite blend is nettle, red raspberry leaf, and field mint tea in the morning with breakfast. It tastes amazing and can enliven the day and even ease morning nausea when enjoyed with food.

LABOR FRIEND: MOTHERWORT

A plant ally that has been used in many various forms throughout labor is Motherwort. The name says it all. Some of its benefits are:

1. Known as a tonic herb, which is generally taken to help in balancing energy and function in the body.
2. Great ally for the nervous system when emotions or stress are high, as they can sometimes be during labor! It has been known to calm extreme emotions without causing drowsiness, and reduce the pain of labor.
3. Used by many midwives as a calming uterine tonic to prevent hemorrhage, and to prevent the onset of shock when taken immediately postpartum.

Motherwort should be taken cautiously as it has been known to increase bleeding in some cases of high dosage.
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For best results and easier dosage tracking, it can be taken in tincture form.
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Photo from Nettles and Chickweed Tumblr.

POSTPARTUM FRIEND: COMFREY

Photo from Alex Wrekk blog.

Comfrey is another nourishing herb and can be taken in many forms.
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1. Comfrey has been known to be excellent in repairing damaged and torn skin cells, and in softening engorged tissue.
2. Many women use it in sitz baths postpartum to aid in the repair and discomfort of a torn perineum or episiotomy.
3. Comfrey has also been known to reduce pain and swelling in the breast and to provide comfort to chapped nipples while breastfeeding.
4. It can also be used on baby to ease forms of diaper rash, skin irritation, or umbilicus.

A good way to get the external benefits of comfrey is to make an infused oil with the plant, that can be used in its oil form or in the form of a salve or ointment.

Herbal allies have many varying benefits and should be used in conjunction with the intuition and advice of a knowledgeable source.

The Red Thread Apothecary is a great resource in Olympia if you want to learn more about plants, and Radiance is a wonderful place to buy bulk herbs! 

If you would like to do more reading about this subject, I recommend you check out “Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year,” by Susun Weed.

I encourage you all to do your own exploration, and always to follow what moves you.

- Brynnley Hoffman

Brynnley Hoffman is an herbalist, healer, and birth practitioner from Salt Lake City, Utah. She is currently working on building her business as a doula and wise woman healer and is working on starting up her blog.

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