Immediate Postpartum Care
the Herbal Way

with herbalist + nutritionist Liz Philbrick

Download on Apple | Download on Spotify | Download on Google Podcasts

The immediate postpartum period is a precious time, and herbs can help you enjoy it more completely.

What comes up when you think about the days and weeks after birth? 

Probably not a sore pelvic floor, feeling like you just ran a marathon, and engorgement.

While those moments and weeks after birth are some of the most tender, sweetest, and magical feeling, they are also often fraught with unexpected challenges and twists and turns both physically and emotionally. 

Today's podcast guest, clinical herbalist and nutritionist Liz Philbrick, shares a wealth of embodied knowledge about herbal approaches to many of these less-than-desirable things that can come up. 

This episode is perfect for you if you're currently pregnant, very newly postpartum, ever plan on becoming a parent, or if you've got friends, family, or clients who'll be giving birth soon.

And really, there's some good info in here for anyone who experiences mood swings, anxiety, mild depression, constipation, muscle soreness, etc -- in other words ya don't have to have a baby or be expecting one to get lots of useful info from this episode.

This week's episode is SO jam packed with practical, step-by-step remedy suggestions that I've actually created timestamps for you to be able to navigate to the topics you are most curious about, if you're short on time.  Or for when you want to return to it in the future, as needed (you probably will!). 

<11:20>     What is the postpartum period?
<17:00>     Why use herbs in this time?
<21:15>     Herbal safety postpartum + while nursing
<28:20>     Herbal medicine making 101 overview
<37:00>     How to support perineal/pelvic floor healing (tears, episiotomy, etc)
<43:55>     How to ease afterpains (uterine contractions after birth)
<51:30>     How to ease sore muscles
<55:10>     How to ease the emotional rollercoaster (anxiety, baby blues, weepiness, etc)
<1:06:40> Herbal approaches to constipation
<1:12:35> Herbs to support strength + recovery
<1:22:15> Increasing milk supply with herbs
<1:31:25> Ways to soothe engorgement
<1:33:05> How to soothe sore, cracked + painful nipples

Recommended books: 

• The Nursing Mother's Herbal by Sheila Humphrey 
• Natural Health After Birth by Aviva Romm

Recipes Liz shared on the podcast:

Healing Sitz Bath

1 cup Lavender
1 cup Calendula
1/2 cup Witch Hazel
1/2 cup Comfrey
1/2 cup Yarrow
1/2 cup Rose

*This tea can be used in a sitz bath or a full body bath. It could be used in a peri rinse bottle as or as a compress as well.

Directions for sitz bath

1. Mix up herbs in a bowl. Store in a quart mason jar. This recipe is enough for 4 baths. 
2. To prepare sitz bath or herbal bath, add 1 cup herbal blend to a 1/2 gallon mason jar or large pot. 
3. Pour just boiled water over the herbs and cover. 
4. Steep for 30 minutes or longer.
5. Strain into sitz bath or bath tub. 
6. Add water to reach your desired temperature. Feel free to add salt. 
7. Soak, heal & enjoy! 

Nutritive Postpartum Tea 

1 cup Raspberry
1 cup Nettles
1/2 cup Marshmallow
1/2 cup Rosehips 

Nursing Tea 

1 cup Raspberry  
1 cup Marshmallow 
1/2 cup Fennel 
1/4 cup Chamomile 
1/4 cup Fenugreek 
2 Tablespoons Catnip 
2 Tablespoons Anise seed 

Directions for tea making

1. Mix herbs in a bowl and store tea in a glass jar.
2. To prepare tea, use the ratio 1 Tablespoon of tea to 1(8oz) cup of water. These nourishing teas are great to drink throughout the day so feel free to make a larger batch at one time. 
3. Pour just boiled water over tea.
4. Cover infusion and steep for 30 minutes to overnight. 
5. Strain tea and enjoy!

Connect with Liz:

• Visit her website: Wild Rose Women's Health 
  
  

• Find her on IG: @wildrosewomenshealth
  
  

• Find her on FB: Wild Rose Women's Health

  
   

  
   

Trusted sources for bulk herbs:

LARGE COMPANIES 

• Mountain Rose Herbs* (globally-sourced organic and wild-crafted herbs)
• Pacific Botanicals (California-grown and globally sourced herbs) 
• Banyan Botanicals (Ayurvedic herbs)

REGIONAL, FARM-BASED COMPANIES

• Zack Woods Herb Farm (VT)
• Healing Spirits (NY)
• Sawmill Herb Farm (MA)
• Oshala Farm (OR)
• Meetinghouse Farm (ME)
• Sonoma County Herb Exchange (CA)

* affiliate link (I would only ever become an affiliate for a company I already trust and buy from myself, you can always google it and get there on your own if you'd prefer not to use my link)

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.

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