Hi, I have recently had my baby 3 months ago and I am now suffering greatly from postpartum depression, sweating, dryness, you name it. I have been extremely down but I am started having cycles again about 6 weeks pp. They have been fairly regular, but it seems the symptoms aren't going away. I thought when my period returns I wouldn't have so many problems. I feel like I cannot be a whole, healthy mother for my beautiful baby right now. I need help. Today i visited my acupuncturists and because we are in CA, he cannot prescribe herbs to me because I am still Breastfeeding and because of liability issues. HELP! What kinds of herbs can I take during pregnancy? I used to take Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan and Zi Shen Yu Tai Wan and another Chinese herbal combo called Happy days, all from treasure of the East. My Acu said that my Kidney yin was 100%, but Kidney Yan, only 30%. he also said my adrenal was down. I want to order these herbs online, but I don't know which ones are safe to use during breastfeeding. My acu can't tell i am so desperate for help, I would appreciate any help, thank you.
p.s. I also have low milk supply (especially around menstruation) in lactation and I find Mother's Milk tea help just a little.
p.s. I also have low milk supply (especially around menstruation) in lactation and I find Mother's Milk tea help just a little.
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Los Angeles
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Mon, March 10, 2008 - 5:29 AMI would try oatstraw & Lemom Balm infusions. Best of luck to you. Cory Su
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Mon, March 10, 2008 - 11:31 AMI would get some "branched chain amino acids" capsules at health food/vitamin store ASAP
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Mon, March 10, 2008 - 9:04 PMBrewer's yeast is a great help, it is cheap, you can take lots of it without side effects for all I know (it mainly consists of vitamin B and protein, I think) and it will give you the energy to survive all those nights of interrupted sleep and the stress too. The depression, dryness etc. is because your hormone level is down. St. John's wort specifically helps with the depressed feeling, but maybe you should ask your doctor first whether it is safe for the baby. You could probably also try soy products (tofu, soy milk, protein powder...) for phytoestrogens, might be safer than taking isoflavones in this case, to balance your hormones. Agnus castus extract (pills) works to balance progesterone gently, but again, best to ask your doctor whether it is safe for the baby. Evening Primrose oil might be worth a try too, check it out. -
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Wed, March 12, 2008 - 7:14 PMI was thinking about vitex too but since she said that her milk production was down I decided against it since vitex lowers prolactin so, don't use vitex now. -
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Wed, March 12, 2008 - 8:02 PMLemon balm tea helped a mom I know. It is also called Melissa.
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Thu, March 13, 2008 - 6:25 AMtraditional Western herbs for increasing breastmilk include borage leaf and flower,red raspberry, fenugreek seed, (which works partly by making your milk aromatic so baby wants more),stinging nettle leaf, fennel. all of these should be safe unless ou or your baby seem allergic or sensitive to them.
are you getting rest? (hard with a little baby,I know,but see what you can do.) plenty of B vtamins? is there something you really do need to grieve?(Ihad these issues after having my much-wantd baby.) are there people you can talk to? I don;t know if you are single,or have a suportive partner, or a not-so-supportive partner, or family members who can help out.,or amilymembers who are being judgmental...all these can ahve a profond effect one way or another.
I staeted having reglar ovulatory cycles at abot 8 weeks postpartum despite nursing rondthe clockand sleeping with my baby and all those AP total mothering things. I really believe our babies respond to our love and attentiveness even if we are profoundly unhappy. don;t be afraidf to let the tears flow...they are prompted by prolactin too!
I -
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Thu, March 13, 2008 - 10:11 PMI concur, Borage for increased milk production and Oatstraw for tonifying the nervous system as well as balancing the hormonal system. Nettle for increased iron levels and a whole spectrum of other nutrients. These herbs are all safe when breast feeding.
Yes do get support, talk to other mothers. Also a post partum doula might be helpful. There are women who specialize in working with women postpartum, see if you can find someone in your community.
Congratulations on your baby....a very lucky one ideed to have a mom who is willing to reach out for support.
Blessings
Linda
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Fri, March 14, 2008 - 10:06 PMThe fastest results for Postpartum WITH low breast milk that I have ever had with patients is with a formula called Gui Pi Tang. Not only is it cheap and found in nearly every city in the US but it non-toxic and VERY effective
I am an acupuncturist and experienced herbalist and I use herbs with breastfeeding women all the time. After giving gui pi tang with dandilion and fennel seed one patient who was nursing her fourth child had so much milk a week after taking it that she would start to gush when she even heard her child! If your acupuncturist is not comfortable giving herbs they are probably not a great herbalist.
Also get a moxa stick and moxa spleen one!!!!!!!!!
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Sat, March 15, 2008 - 1:04 PMI learned in Dr. Christopher's school that post-partum is a lack of nutrition, mostly of which can be satisfied by lots of herbs and raw greens. Besides awesome dark green salads, try juicing them along with carrots. I have heard that wheat grass juice is awesome, along with many other types of green juice for not only the available calcium but the chlorophyll.
Fresh comfrey leaves would be the most awesome, but you can also drink comfrey leaf tea too. That will help increase the quality of your milk as well. Fennel is something that helps increase supply. I am sure you are trying to get more water too. I saw some other suggestions here that looked great to try too! :-) -
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Sun, April 20, 2008 - 10:04 AMSt. John's wort capsules, maybe?
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Sun, April 20, 2008 - 11:08 AMCongratulations for seeking support!
It sounds like you are going through a difficult time. If you are willing try and stay with these emotions without judgment or guilt, but allowing space to be between you and them. What is the deeper meaning of the feeling your experiencing? Is it an old feeling? a new feeling? what is its quality? Please know that the light will return.
To get your menstruation and hormones back on tract, i would try a tincture of Chaste Tree 15-20 drops three times a day
For PP make a tea of Oat straw (1part), Lemon Balm (1/2part), Lavender (1part) and Valerian (1part). Drink this 3 time daily.
You may also want to put on any kind of citrus Essential Oil (Grapefruit or Orange are up lifting)
Possibly seeking an energy healer that you trust and resinate with may also help you through this transition.
Best of luck on your healing and growth through motherhood,
Jocelyn -
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Sun, April 20, 2008 - 8:21 PMI would be cautious and honestly personally would not suggest ingesting valerian or lavender when breast feeding. These herbs are quite strong, valerian sedating and lavender in tea form stimulating.
Blessings
Linda -
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Thu, May 1, 2008 - 9:01 PMi agree that the ingestion of these herbsa should be avoided. however aromatherapy with lavender is wonderful.
fenugreek will help produce more lactation.i would take an infusion or encapsulated 3-4 times a day. also see if you can get some warm oil massages from your partner/husband. make sure the oils are natural and non frangrance. you'll get through this.
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Re: desperate HELP for postpartum
Fri, May 2, 2008 - 9:47 AMChamomile is a mild herb and also a nervine. It is generally safe for children, and will also help you relax. Try drinking this tea whenever you can find a moment of solitude, and be sure to enjoy the warm cup while also smelling its flavor. If your body begins to identify this as a balancing signal then it can help a lot. Crystals can also help. Just find one that draws you towards it. Quartz is common. I have also heard of using Wild Yam for hormone balance, but am not aware of its effect with breast feeding. Also, try visiting your local health food supplier and reading the labels on the pregnant mother hormone balancing stuff. I see it on the shelves all the time. Write down all these herbs and research them online. Then choose the ones that you feel best suit your needs and make a nice tea with a french press in the morning (note that barks and roots should be soaked or boiled in advance). Chamomile will help sweeten any bitter tastes. You can re brew your french press throughout the day to keep the plants in your system, and save some time while spending time with your little one. Oh! and congratulations on your new child. I hope your energy improves.
