First Ever Guest Post: Using Herbs for a Healthy Pregnancy

The following is a guest blog post from Katie Moore. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.

Many pregnant women want to provide the best possible environment for their growing baby. Pregnancy usually turns on the mothering instinct almost instantly, causing moms-to-be to think about giving their babies a positive start in life. In preparation for a positive start to their baby’s life, a mother should explore all options available to her; for labor there are many pain management options, like breathing techniques and medicinal choices. For post-delivery, there are alternative procedures to consider like umbilical cord blood banking and circumcision.

Preparing for labor also includes the habits followed during the entire term. Diet and exercise play a paramount role in both mother and baby’s health. To supplement the ordinary measures taken by pregnant mothers, there are many herbs that are safe and effective for relieving some of the aches and pains of pregnancy, helping the baby's development, or encouraging a new mother's milk supply.

Some women drink herbs in the form of tea, others take supplements, while some prefer to eat them in their natural states. Most of the herbs are available at health food stores, but before taking any type of herb during pregnancy it’s always important for a woman to talk with her doctor.

Raspberry Leaf

Drink raspberry leaf tea throughout the pregnancy to strengthen the uterine muscles to prepare for birth. Raspberry leaves contain calcium and magnesium, which can also relieve leg cramps during pregnancy. When taken after birth, it can help to increase milk supply, and it will slow bleeding and help the uterus regain its shape.

Nettle

Nettle leaves are high in folic acid, calcium, and iron - all-important nutrients during pregnancy. It helps to strengthen the kidneys, and prevents fluid retention. Nettle is also an herb that will increase a woman's supply of breast milk. Drink it as a tea, prepare it as a side dish similar to spinach, or bake it into lasagna or another casserole.

Oats

Oat cereal or oatmeal help nourish the nervous system, which can help pregnant women sleep better. Oats are high in fiber, which can help with constipation issues. If pregnant women prefer a tea, they can drink oat straw tea to gain the benefits. An oat bath can provide a soothing oasis for a pregnant woman, while relieving any itching associated with a growing belly.

Dandelion Root

Dandelion root tea will also relieve constipation. It works to cleanse the liver, which breaks down toxins in the body, including any pain medications given during birth. It also contains calcium, Vitamin A, iron, and potassium. Drink it as a tea, or toss it into a salad with other greens.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa has roots that reach deep, resulting in high levels of Vitamin K, chlorophyll, and trace minerals. It is often recommended during the last trimester of pregnancy, to help with clotting after birth. It also ensures a good milk supply.

An expecting mother pours so much care into her pregnancy to ensure a viable pregnancy and delivery. Adding herbs to a pregnancy plan is just another wholesome and natural way to help facilitate a healthy start to life for her baby.