Gestation

MomCam

What did I do to ease delivery and promote post natal bliss?

Swallow Red Raspberry Leaf capsules, 900mg daily to:

• Relax the smooth muscles of the uterus when it is contracting (Burn & Withell, 1941).
• Assist with the birth of the baby and the placenta.
• Calm cramping of the uterus.
• Provide a rich source of iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium. The magnesium content is especially helpful in strengthening the uterine muscles. Raspberry leaf also contains vitamins B1, B3 and E which are valuable in pregnancy.
• Shorten labor and make the birth easier. The use of this herb for remedial purposes dates back to the sixth century and its benefits in childbirth have been recorded as a proven aid in maternity in the most ancient of herbal books.

So far, I've only noticed acute uterine cramps (a common side effect of capsules vs. tea) that commence a few hours after consumption. I'm enjoying the training aspect of these dreaded little darlings. 

Eat Six Dates every day to:

• Have intact membranes upon admission to the hospital
• Go into labor spontaneously, avoiding pitocin
• Have a shorter first phase of labor
• Inspire an oxytocin-like effect on the body, leading to increased sensitivity of the uterus. Also to stimulate uterine contractions and reduce postpartum hemorrhage.
• Relieve constipation. Cuz f*$%! This is outrageous.

Study Placentophagy, the endearing term for eating one's own placenta, hoping that it:

• Helps stop postpartum hemorrhaging and triggers the body to quickly heal internal wounds
• Significantly reduces blood loss
• Gives the body an immediate supply of essential vitamins and nutrients
• Provides the body with an immediate boost of hormones to begin healing the body after birth
• Gives the mother an immediate feeling of strength and balance
• Most mothers who have the smoothie report milk ‘comes in’ at day 2 postpartum rather than 3-4 days postpartum
• Eases the hormonal transition to postpartum and helps prevent the ‘baby blues’ around the time when milk engorges the breasts.

I've also enlisted the services of Hill Country Placentas to have my nutrient-rich organ immortalized in the form of frozen, smoothie-ready cubes.

Post partum update: This was a huge success! Hill Country Placentas picked up from the hospital and delivered right to my door. Lisa the proprietess was a pleasure; she sat down at my kitchen table to share some advice and tell me her story. With enough blending and agave the primordial "earthy" flavor totally disappears, and when I drink a smoothie I feel like I've had an double espresso without the jitters.