“I’m glad that’s over” was the first thing I said once our baby girl came earthside. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

My due date was right around the full moon and I just knew this baby was going to be born on the full moon. She was so active, constantly flipping and kicking. I could tell already she had so much personality and was a little firecracker!

Here She Comes

The full moon was on a Thursday and I felt the first labor pains at about 2 pm that day. I told my husband I was pretty sure labor had started but not to worry yet. However, the contractions quickly picked up in intensity and after only 30 minutes they were 4-5 minutes apart.

I called my mom to pick up the boys (and this time she answered the phone) and finished packing the hospital bag.

I’d spent the last 9 months mentally and physically preparing for this. I’d eaten the dates, drank the raspberry leaf tea, listened to hypnobirthing soundtracks, read all the pregnancy books, religiously visited a chiropractor, prayed over my baby, and did the pregnancy yoga.

My midwife and I had discussed that I was doing hypnobirthing and that I didn’t want constant fetal monitoring. She reassured me it was my birth, I had the right to say no to anything, and they would only use the monitor occasionally. I was ok with getting a baseline on the fetal monitor and didn’t think it would be a big deal.

All Ready

During labor I go inside myself, concentrating on my breath, and sensing how to work with my body. For the most part, I don’t want anyone touching me or talking to me as it breaks my concentration. I’d communicated this with the midwife on multiple occasions, but I had a nagging feeling she hadn’t gotten the memo.

I had natural remedies and healthy snacks ready to go for labor and afterward. I thought I’d done everything possible for the best birth experience.

The contractions were coming hard and fast so my husband and I headed to the hospital with the bags and the birthing ball in the trunk.

Arriving

The short drive there was a little stressful and by the time I’d settled into the birthing room my labor had slowed. My midwife didn’t know if she should come in yet, so she asked the nurse there to check how much my cervix was dilated. I told myself I was ok with getting a baseline and agreed to let her check.

I was only at 2 cm and they told me I should probably go home and come back later. My other births were fast once labor started and this one felt even faster so I wanted to wait and see. After asking for a urine sample and checking baby’s heart rate I was left alone to sway through the contractions.

It took some time but I was able to relax somewhat and labor picked up again. The nurse wanted to do several more cervical checks and fetal monitoring during this time to relay my progress to the still absent midwife. I honestly didn’t mind her being gone though since I preferred laboring on my own. I’d made it to 7 cm and was officially in transition.

Starting to Go Downhill

The nurse again hooked me up to the fetal monitor and all of the disruptions were really throwing me off. The hospital staff decided this was the perfect time for me to sign all of the consent forms and paperwork they hadn’t done yet. I was in so much pain my husband had to hold me up during the contractions.

I had no idea what I was signing and just did a squiggle instead of a signature as I could barely hold the pen. Later, when I went through my hospital records I discovered they’d done a full drug test on me without my knowledge or consent.

Left alone once again I settled into a hands and knees position supported by the birthing ball. It had been about 5 hours since we arrived when my water broke in a dramatic gush. My husband got the midwife from the hallway and she immediately started giving me a pep talk, calling me Mama Bear and Baby. I’m pretty sure I gave her the stink eye during a contraction.

She then proceeded to tell me she wanted me to move into a different position for the next 4 contractions. I’m never the type of person who likes being told what to do, especially during labor. I decided that maybe she was right and so I stretched my leg out as instructed.

I was in the middle of a contraction, trying to breathe and concentrate when she grabbed my leg and yanked it forward, hard. I felt my tendon stretch too far and the pain shot up my leg and into my hips. I quickly pulled my leg back and decided that was enough of that. So much for hands off.

Struggling to Be Heard

I’d repeatedly told my midwife at my appointments (and the OB nurse) that I was trying to do hypnobirthing. I told them I wanted to be able to concentrate and avoid using any negative language like pain and contractions. It was important that I could listen to my body in a positive light. However, that didn’t happen and I was frequently asked things like how much pain I was in.

Rolling back and forth on the birthing ball on hands and knees I tried to open up with the contractions. The midwife and the nurse however were gossiping about ex-boyfriends and other things right behind me. My husband gently suggested I wanted quiet and I could hear the irritation in my midwife’s voice in her response.

They both became quiet as I tried to work through the contractions. However, I couldn’t relax as the nurse kept pushing my leg and jostling me around to put the fetal monitor on my stomach. I kept asking her to stop but she didn’t. At one point I just kept saying “get off!” The midwife said that’s not an option and I wondered what happened to “you can say no to anything.”

 I told them it was throwing me off as I was trying to listen to my body and let it do its job. My midwife replied “My job is to get this baby out as fast as possible.”

Which is a very different birth philosophy than what I’d heard during my appointments with her.  

 I didn’t feel supported by my birth team and the tension in the room made me physically tighten up too. I could feel my pelvis tightening, not relaxing with each contraction and the pain kept getting worse. What should have been a 30 minute transition and delivery stretched out for hours.

Just Breathe

Trying to catch my breath and rest for a minute, I decided to lay on my side in the bed for a few contractions. I thought that I’d mentally regroup and try a different delivery position like squatting. I was in so much pain at this point I could barely communicate. The midwife though immediately sat by my legs and told me she wanted me to hold my leg and pull it back.

I don’t even know how it happened but the situation quickly turned. Before I knew it more staff had come into the room and they were pinning me down on the bed, holding my legs back. My body had been ready to deliver this baby for hours but I had been fighting it.

Work With What You’ve Got

I realized that at this point my best option was to try and breathe this baby out. My midwife kept yelling at me to push. Coached pushing was definitely not in my birth plan (that she’d also told me not to bother to write up). My legs were hurting from being forced back, the lights were bright in my face, and the room was anything but peaceful.

She kept saying “Just 10 seconds of terrible and then it will be over.” I knew how beautiful and peaceful birth could be because I’d experienced it myself. With my first birth, I’d had a completely pain-free delivery as I gently breathed and worked with my body. Her words, while meant to be encouraging, further pushed me into fear and pain that I knew didn’t have to be there. I was being pressured and yelled at to hurry up and my body wasn’t able to go at its own pace.

After one last painful push, she was out and it was over. Or so I thought.

Baby Girl’s Arrival

They laid my baby girl on my chest and all I wanted to do was take her in. She was calm and peaceful lying there. The nurses however started roughly toweling her off and she started crying loudly. I told them to stop and they said they needed to stimulate her.

If a baby is breathing fine on their own, they don’t need “stimulated.” I don’t think the nurses were used to seeing a natural birth or a baby without epidural drugs in their system and didn’t know what normal really is. They had the best intentions, but it caused even more stress for both baby and me.

The midwife announced she was cutting the cord and I quickly told her I wanted to wait until it had stopped pulsing. It had only been a few minutes. She said it already had and that “I wouldn’t do that to you.” I honestly didn’t know what she’d do to me at that point.

Another nurse came into the room and told me I needed to get the baby to nurse. They were afraid she was so big she was diabetic and threatened to give her a bottle of sugar water if I didn’t get her to latch fast enough. After having a 10 pound baby last time though, I knew she wasn’t anywhere near the danger zone.

However, the baby was still upset and crying from the nurses earlier and I had trouble getting her to latch. The nurse kept calling her “fatty” and they were taking bets on her weight.

She was 8 pounds.

Delivered From the Delivery Room

After some hemorrhaging and a few shots of pitocin, we finally made it out of the delivery room and into the other hospital room down the hall. It was around 1 am at this point and I was starving. My wonderful husband had gotten me Applebees earlier but I hadn’t had a chance to eat it yet. Once the baby was swaddled and I was settled into the bed I devoured my food.

I was too exhausted to think and fell asleep.

Thankfully the postpartum nurses were wonderful and they let me sleep through the night. At my first hospital birth, they kept waking me up to check vitals every hour or so and I was completely exhausted by the time I got home.

The next day (Friday) we slept in and started adjusting to having a new baby. I was ready to go home but was told we couldn’t leave until the next morning. That night the emotions started to hit hard as the shock wore off. I couldn’t stop sobbing and shaking when no one was looking. More than anything I just wanted to go home.

There’s No Place Like Home

Saturday morning came and they’d done the required tests. I kept telling myself I’d get to go home anytime now and I only had to hold it together a little while longer. Except it was a holiday weekend and apparently doctors don’t like working on holiday weekends.

The other midwife at the practice came in late morning to do my discharge. I was relieved I didn’t have to see the midwife from my birth again so soon. But we were still waiting for the pediatrician to discharge the baby. The nurse kept calling her asking for an ETA and she would just say she’d be in eventually.

At this point, I couldn’t take it any longer and told the nurse I was taking my baby and walking out. I even signed the paperwork to leave AMA. However, we were then told that our insurance would probably deny our stay and make us pay for it if we did that. So I (very reluctantly) stayed and waited.

Finally, right before noon, the doctor came in to look the baby over and discharge her. We’d arrived at the hospital Thursday afternoon and weren’t able to leave until Saturday afternoon. I was so relieved to finally go home.

Processing Grief

 In the weeks after the birth, I noticed something wasn’t right. I cried every night and felt depressed all the time. Every time I laid on my back I’d have a panic attack. Driving down the highway and passing the hospital sign sent me into a panic attack. Sunset was the worst for some reason and I’d feel waves of depression at twilight.

Physically I was struggling too. I had constant pelvic pain and things didn’t feel right down there. I realized that I wasn’t ok and I needed help.

It took me a while to label what I went through. Sure it was a rough birth, but I kept telling myself it wasn’t that bad. I had to come to terms with the fact that I’d been through a major trauma and I felt assaulted. I still can’t entirely put into words my feelings about what happened.

I started pelvic floor therapy 2 months after the birth. After the first session, I cried the entire hour drive back home. My body has started to release some of the trauma, but I still have a ways to go. If I accidentally get into a position that reminds my brain of what happened I start crying uncontrollably. I can’t watch a pregnant woman give birth on TV or in a movie anymore without panicking. Sunset is still hard.

Not the End

I wish I could go back and change things. Never let my husband get the midwife after my water broke. Never get on the bed. Never even show up to the hospital. I know how empowering and beautiful bringing another life into the world can be and I feel like that was ripped away from me.

As much as I want to sometimes I can’t change the past. I’d like to tell you that I’m fine now, and if you saw me in person you might think that because I hide it well.

However, I do know that healing will come. It’s not over yet.

The post My Traumatic Hospital Birth Story appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

So how did I end up flat on my back in a hospital, scared, in pain, and pinned down by four people while they yelled at me to push?

This birth story is much harder for me to write than the other ones. I still haven’t healed from it (yet), but I wanted to share my experience in an effort to process it. And hopefully, my story will help someone else in their own journey.

Let’s begin at the beginning…

Hopeful

My health has been up and down for the past several years. Thanks to Lyme disease, bartonella, and long-term complications from viral illness, I’ve struggled with feeling my best. Once I overcame one obstacle another would rear its head. I was finally starting to get my stamina back (again!) when I found out I was pregnant in September.

We were so excited when we found out we were having a girl. I love my boys but I really wanted a little girl to put hairbows on and take to ballet lessons and gymnastics.

For my last births, I had an amazing team of midwives who were so helpful and supportive. I was hoping to have another homebirth, but apparently everyone decided to get pregnant at the same time and they were all booked. Our local hospital had recently hired a midwife and after touring their birth center I decided it would be a good alternative.

I interviewed the midwife and she seemed like a good enough fit. She was very nice, a great listener, and assured me that it was my birth and I could say no to anything. She also discouraged me from having a written birth plan and asked me the same questions every appointment. Not because the answer changed, but because she was too busy with patients to get to know me that well.  I should have noticed the red flags, but I thought I could manage on my own.

A Rough Time of Things

Like my other pregnancies, I had morning sickness, but this time was much worse. I ended up in the hospital with dehydration because I couldn’t even keep water down. I tried every natural remedy possible and was still losing weight. The “safe” medication for that knocked me out cold (it’s also a sleeping pill) so I had to resort to Zofran. Ouch.

 I was unreasonably exhausted and asked about my iron levels test. The midwife informed me my hemoglobin was fine. I then asked what my ferritin levels were and I was told they hadn’t looked at that. Turns out they were super low so I started self-treating for that. What if I hadn’t known enough to request a ferritin test though?

I also developed tachycardia in the second trimester. My heart rate would get up to 130 beats per minute and I’d be doubled over struggling to breathe. The midwife referred me to a cardiologist who told me I was fine and it wasn’t like I was training for a mini-marathon. My midwife wasn’t much help either and her only response to that was “I’m sure that’s annoying.”

Yes, not being able to breathe and feeling like I’m going to die is “annoying.”

So I sought help from other homebirth midwives and herbalists I knew and I was able to piece together a treatment plan for myself. P.S. Taking magnesium taurate and taurine worked wonders!

Figuring Things Out

With the tachycardia now under control and only one month left to go, I developed intense all over itching skin. It felt like my skin was on fire! I had many of the symptoms of cholestasis (which can be deadly for baby). Those tests came back negative (thankfully!) but I was still without answers.

I finally figured out that I’d developed a random polyester allergy. In case you don’t know, almost everything these days has polyester in it! My work scrubs, bedding, sheets, and many clothing items. After some very pregnant trips to TJ Max for cotton and linen clothing, the itching subsided. I also got a lot of relief from milk thistle to help my liver process the chemical exposures. But again, something I had to figure out and treat on my own.

This was by far my most difficult pregnancy. 9 months of nausea and vomiting, intense fatigue, and other such pleasant symptoms. I still wasn’t too worried though since I had confidence in my body. I envisioned the birth going well and it being an empowering experience like my others.

They say hindsight is 20/20.

Looking back I wish I would have picked a different midwife, a different hospital, or just stayed home and “accidentally” had the baby. I keep running through all of the different scenarios and what-ifs in my mind. As I’m making the long drive home from therapy twice a week, I keep asking myself how this even happened.

(Read part 2 here)

The post My Daughter’s Birth Story appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

When little ones struggles to breathe, it’s easy for panic to set in. Some herbal remedies, like this homemade sore throat spray, are great for adults, but not babies. So what home remedies for baby cough and congestion work?

This article covers:

• Which home remedies for baby cough are NOT safe
• Which essential oils are safe to diffuse for babies and how to use them
• The best herbal remedies to help clear baby congestion and cough fast

What do You Give an Infant for a Cough?

The FDA warns against conventional cough medicine for kids and I’m with them on this one. Cough medication can slow breathing and be life-threatening for infants. Some of these drugs contain opiates and most have artificial colors and flavors. Cough syrup for young children is not only unsafe, but ineffective (FDA, 2018).

Artificial colors are linked with behavioral issues, like hyperactivity, and are banned in other countries.  Thankfully there are plenty of safe and effective home remedies for baby cough (Ravella, 2016).

Treat the Person, not the Symptoms

Unlike conventional medications, herbs work with the body to bring about wellness. Plant medicine works best when tailored to the individual, not just matching an herb to a condition. Is baby feverish, fussy, and has a dry cough? Or are they congested with lots of mucus, a wet cough, and no fever? Notice baby’s symptoms and use remedies tailored to their individual needs.

Not sure how much to use and how to dose? I give dosages for the herbal remedies below, but here are full details on how to figure dosing for all ages.

How to Safely Use Home Remedies for Baby Cough

“My experience has been that almost any herb that is safe for an adult is safe for a child as long as the size and weight of the child are accounted for and the dosage is adjusted accordingly. These herbs should be used in small amounts for short periods of time only , and in conjunction or formulated with milder herbs” – Rosemary Gladstar

When it comes to herb use for adults and babies, there are some major differences. Little ones need gentler options and certain preparations (like swallowing pills) are a no-go. It also doesn’t help to have a list of baby safe herbs if you don’t know how to use them.

Here’s how to use natural remedies for babies.

#1 – Dissolve homeopathic tablets in water and give the liquid to baby in a syringe.

#2 – Make a strong herbal infusion for baby’s bath water. Their skin absorbs the herbal properties and they breathe in the aromatic components. (Read on for some herbal bath recipes!)

#3 – Use a salve on baby’s chest or the bottoms of their feet. Some essential oils and herbs are too strong for a baby’s respiratory system when rubbed on their chest. When applied to the feet, young babies can still benefit from inhaling the salve, but it isn’t too close to their nose (Nuala, 2016).

#4  – Give herbal tea or syrup in a syringe. Infant syringes come with over the counter medications and infant supplements.

#5 – Breastfeeding mamas can take the herb and then nurse baby. Some herbal properties are excreted in breastmilk, but there’s more going on here. Studies have shown antibodies in breastmilk protect against infections and respiratory diseases (Jackson & Nazar, 2006).

What Causes Baby Congestion?

With tiny noses and respiratory systems, it’s easy for baby nasal congestion to set in. According to Mayo Clinic, baby congestion happens when nasal tissue becomes inflamed, or there’s too much mucus. When the respiratory system has mucus, our body tries to cough it up.

Instead of suppressing the body’s effort to get germs out, these remedies support it and promote clear breathing.

Home Remedies for Baby Cough

These time tested home remedies for baby cough and baby congestion help little ones breathe easy.

Nasal Wash

I’ve never seen a baby use a neti pot, but saline spray is the next best thing. Nasal washes help soften thick mucus and relieve baby congestion. Babies aren’t so great at blowing their nose either, but a nasal aspirator will take care of that.

•  The Nose-Frida looks intimidating, but there’s a filter so you’re not actually sucking baby snot into your mouth.
• Xlear nasal spray contains the natural antibiotic xylitol.
• Genexa saline is formulated for babies, organic, and free of unnatural additives found in many saline sprays.

Moisture to Help a Congested Baby Sleep

A humidifier adds moisture to the air to help baby breathe at night. Be sure to clean humidifiers often or they can grow mold! A water based diffuser will add moisture to the air like a humidifier, but with the added benefit of essential oils. Be careful though: some essential oils, like eucalyptus and peppermint, are too harsh for babies (Dessinger, 2016).

Baby Safe Diffusing

Choose a kid safe blend, like this one, when diffusing around little ones. I use 2 drops and diffuse for a few hours at the most, not all night long, and not right next to baby’s face. You may want to save diffusing for the daytime to monitor for any reactions.

Here’s a list of baby safe essential oils to diffuse.

Baby safe essential oils for respiratory support

• Cedarwood, Virginian
• Blue tansy – helpful for baby congestion caused by pollen and environmental allergens.
• Copaiba
• Cypress
• Lemon eucalyptus
• Fir needle
• Helichrysum
• Pine
• Rosalina
• Spruce

Baby safe essential oils for immune support

• Dill
• Frankincense
• Tea tree
• Citrus oils (Bergamot, lemon, sweet orange, tangerine, grapefruit and lime)
• Cinnamon leaf (NOT bark)

Baby safe essential oils to calm

• Basil
• Catnip
• Chamomile
• Lavender

Baby safe essential oils to uplift the mood

• Basil
• Citrus oils (Bergamot, lemon, sweet orange, tangerine, grapefruit and lime)
• Lemon eucalyptus

Thyme Salve to Get Mucus Out of Baby’s Chest

Thyme is one of my favorite herbs to clear baby chest congestion. This herb is an expectorant to loosen and expel mucus, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral. I use thyme essential oil for adults, but it’s too harsh for babies. Here are directions for how to make a salve, just substitute thyme for lavender in the recipe (Demotses, 2014).

To use the salve rub on baby’s chest or back. The regular thyme sold in the spice section at a grocery store is very expensive per ounce and isn’t medicinal quality. I get my thyme herb here and here. Thyme is ideal for wet, mucusy coughs, especially deep in the chest.

Onion Poultice

Onion doesn’t smell the best, but it’s a flu fighting powerhouse. The antimicrobial properties have been used for thousands of years to fight infection both internally and externally. Onions are also an expectorant to break up chest congestion and soothe baby cough. Your little one may smell like Italian food, but they’ll breathe better (WHO, 1999) (Libster, 2001).

How to make an onion poultice

1. Chop up half an onion, add some water and simmer just until the onions are warm and soft.
2. Wrap the warm (not hot!) onions in a tea towel or cheesecloth and use a rubber band to secure the top.
3. Lay the poultice on the chest or upper back. Cover the poultice with a warm blanket, hot water bottle, or heating pad. Make sure it’s warm but not hot!
4. Leave the onion poultice on for 20- 30 minutes and repeat every few hours as needed. This is a good time to wrap baby in a warm blanket and have some cuddles!

Herbs to Relieve Baby Cough

These herbs are safe for little ones, helps ease discomfort, and speed recovery.

Elderflower

The elder plant produces antiviral berries and flowers that are an effective flu remedy. Elderflower tea helps with respiratory infections and fevers. The tea encourages sweating (diaphoretic) and relaxes bodily tension to release heat.

Elder also helps expel phlegm from the lungs so it’s good to use when there’s both fever and congestion. Elderflower tea has to be used while it’s still warm or it loses its diaphoretic properties. For added immune support, throw some echinacea in the mix (McDonald, nd).

Echinacea

Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs for cold and flu season. This herb increases pathogen battling white blood cells in the body and stimulates the lymphatic system to help clear infection. While it’s great for overall immune support, echinacea doesn’t target breathing issues like coughing, congestion, or a runny nose.

Echinacea is most effective at the beginning of illness, not  for prevention. You can give this herb every hour at the first sign of sickness to jump-start the immune system. (McDonald, nd) (Gladstar, 2015).

Elder and Echinacea Tea

This blend helps bolster the immune system and is useful when there’s both congestion and fever. The combination helps knock out respiratory infections as a helpful home remedy for baby cough.

• 1 teaspoon elderflower 
• 1 teaspoon echinacea leaves or flowers
• 1 cup boiling hot water

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a heat-safe mug or jar, like a mason jar. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
2. Strain the herbs and allow to cool to a warm temperature before giving to baby.

Dosing:

• Babies 2-6 months old can take ½ Tablespoon 3-4 times daily
• Babies 6-12 months old can take 1 Tablespoon 3-4 times daily

Elecampane

This expectorant herb is useful for coughs and lung infections. Elecampane root is antimicrobial, expels congestion, soothes irritation from coughing, and encourages sweat to expel toxins. This herb doesn’t taste good on its own, but when combined with licorice, echinacea, and/or marshmallow root it makes for a tastier and more effective remedy (Gladstar, 2015). According to the Herbal Academy:

“Elecampane is indicated for damp, cold, congested, stuck conditions due to its stimulating, expectorant effect.”

Licorice Root for Throat Support

Because of its sweet taste and gentle nature, licorice is nicknamed the children’s herb. It’s the one I reach for whenever I have a sore throat. My kiddos can be picky about taking herbs, but licorice in the blend sweet talks them into it.

Licorice is antiviral, antibacterial, soothes coughing spasms, helps expel mucus, and soothes sore throats. The licorice root modulates the immune system and is a synergist to boosts the effects of other herbs in a formula. This herb is ideal for respiratory infections and dry, spastic coughs. (Winston & Maimes, 2007).

Elecampane congestion and cough tea

• 1 tsp elecampane root
• 1 tsp licorice root
• 2 cups purified water

1. Combine the herbs and water in a pot and heat until boiling, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Simmer the herbs for 20-30 minutes with the lid on, then strain into a measuring cup.
3. Add more water if needed to get exactly 1 cup of tea.

Dosing:

• Babies 2-6 months old can take ½ Tablespoon 3-4 times daily
• Babies 6-12 months old can take 1 Tablespoon 3-4 times daily

Baby Coughing at Night

Coughing is often worse at night when baby is lying down. Here are some tips to help baby (and you!) catch some Z’s.

• Congested baby Sleep Position: Elevate the head of the crib mattress with a pillow or mattress wedge UNDER the mattress. A pillow in the crib with baby increases the risk of suffocation.
• Use a humidifier or safely diffuse while baby sleeps.
• Use a wild cherry herbal cough syrup (not the artificially colored chemical concoction in the drug aisle!) to ease nighttime coughing.

Herb Baths: A Home Remedy for Baby Cough

Warm steam from a bath or shower helps soften mucus and improve breathing. Warm water is great on its own, but the right herbs take it to the next level.

Here are some of the best herbs to use in the bath when baby is coughing and congested.

• Thyme – Antiviral, antibacterial, expels chest congestion.
• Rose hips and Hibiscus – Both are high in vitamin C for a healthy immune system.
• Elecampane – Antimicrobial, helps expel congestion, soothes irritation from coughing, and encourages sweating to expel toxins.
• Echinacea – Assists the immune system to fight infection.
• Licorice – An expectorant , anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antispasmodic, and helps other herbs work better.
• Bee balm – Antiviral, antibacterial and encourages sweating. Useful when there’s a fever, yet the person feels cold and clammy. Helps with coughing, sore throat, and baby chest congestion.
• Catnip – Helps calm and reduces a fever.

How to Make Bath Tea

Mix and match the herbs to get what your little one needs. I use about 3 Tablespoons of herbs total. Whole flowers like chamomile and bee balm are bulkier, so I’ll use closer to 1/3 of a cup total if these are in the mix.

Add strong herbal infusions to baby’s bath tub. If your little one uses a full sized tub, then double the amount of herb used. I prefer not to add the herbs directly to the bathwater, unless cleaning a thousand tiny plant pieces out of the tub is your thing.

Roots like elecampane and licorice should be decocted for 20 minutes, but the other herbs can be steeped for 10 minutes.

Here are some herbal bath tea recipes for baby cough and congestion support.

Calm a Fussy Baby

A fever means the body is working hard to kill pathogens and is usually a good thing. Sweating it out is often the best option, but sometimes the body needs a rest. Catnip calms and lowers a fever when baby is fussy and uncomfortable.

• 1 Tablespoon each lavender, chamomile and rose flowers
• 1 Tablespoons catnip (optional for if there’s a fever)
• 4 cups water

Bring water to a boil, steep the herbs for 10 minutes, then strain.

Soothe Baby Coughing

Fight germs, support the immune system, and cough the gunk up with this bath tea blend.

• 1 Tablespoon each Licorice and elecampane
• 2 Tablespoons rose hips OR hibiscus (you can use both if you like)
• 4 cups water

Add the licorice, elecampane and water to a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Turn the heat off, add the rosehips and steep covered for 10 minutes.

Herbal Bath for Congested Baby

This blend of herbs fights germs, expels mucus, helps the body sweat out toxins, and supports the immune system.

• 1 Tablespoon each thyme and echinacea (leaf or flowers)
• 2 Tablespoons bee balm flowers
• 4 cups water

Bring water to a boil, steep the herbs for 10 minutes, then strain.

Boost the Immune system

Echinacea supports the immune system while the rose hips and hibiscus add a boost of vitamin C.

• 2 Tablespoons echinacea leaves or flowers
• 1 Tablespoon rose hips OR hibiscus (you can use both if you like)
• 4 cups water

Bring water to a boil, steep the herbs for 10 minutes, then strain.

References

• Demotses, E. (2014). 8 Herbal home remedies for colds and flu. Retrieved from https://theherbalacademy.com/8-herbal-home-remedies-for-colds-and-flu/
• Dessinger, H. (2016). Safe essential oils for babies and children. Retrieved from https://www.mommyotamus.com/safe-essential-oils-babies-children/
• Food and Drug Administration. (2018, Nov 27). When to give kids medicine for coughs and colds. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm422465.htm
• Gladstar, R. (2015). Herbs for Children’s Health. Storey Publishing.
• The Herbal Academy. Herbarium monographs. Retrieved from https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monographs
• Jackson, K. & Nazar, A. (2006, April). Breastfeeding, the immune response and long-term health. The journal of the American osteopathic association, 106, 203-207.
• Libster, M. (2001). Delmar’s integrative herb guide for nurses. Delmar Cengage Learning.
• McDonald, J. Herbcraft: Elder. Retrieved from https://www.herbcraft.org/elder.html
• McDonald, J. Herbcraft: Indications for commonly used herbs. Retrieved from https://www.herbcraft.org/commonherbs.html
• Nuala. (2016). Essential oils on the feet: Yes or No? Retrieved from http://www.engisharomatherapist.com/essential-oils-on-your-feet-yes-or-no/
• Ravella, S. (2016, July 7). Food doesn’t have to wear makeup: Food coloring has no purpose and plenty of negatives. Retrieved from https://slate.com/technology/2016/07/food-coloring-is-bad-for-us-but-the-fda-wont-admit-that.html
• Winston, D. & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for strength, stamina, and stress relief. Rochester, VM: Healing Arts Press.
• World Health Organization. (1999). WHO Monographs on selected medicinal plants Volume 1: Bulbus Allii Cepae. Retrieved from http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js2200e/3.html

The post Home remedies for baby cough and congestion appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

There’s a whole lotta reasons to use a homemade baby wipe solution. This recipe takes less than a minute to pull together, it’s gentle on baby’s skin and saves money on disposable wipes. Booh ya. It’s one of the essentials in my diaper bag and unlike other baby wipe recipes, doesn’t use mineral oil or conventional baby soap.

Why Make Homemade Baby Wipes?

Yes, it adds another thing to my to-do list, but honestly this recipe is so simple I don’t even notice it anymore. It uses essential oils that keep my baby’s bottom clean, fresh, and rash free. It’s super simple, and much cheaper than buying natural baby wipes at the store.

Homemade Baby Wipes Without Baby Oil (aka Mineral Oil)

The phrase “baby oil” sounds so harmless, but baby or mineral oil isn’t what it seems. Mineral oil and petroleum jelly are both highly refined by-products of the fossil fuel industry. There’s some research that shows mineral oil is a potential endocrine disruptor may be linked with cancer and ironically may contribute to skin disorders. Baby oil is mineral oil with added fragrance, which has been linked with issues like cancer and brain cell death.

This study concluded:

“Our findings indicate a high potential for endocrine and dioxin-like activity of some PS (Petroleum substances) extracts.”

According to Oxford dictionary dioxins are:

“a highly toxic compound produced as a byproduct in some manufacturing processes… It is a serious and persistent environmental pollutant.”

Some research shows that if mineral oil is refined enough, no harmful chemicals remain in the final product. However, I prefer to stay on the safe side and opt for choices that I can feel good about.

Choosing a Carrier oil for the Homemade Baby Wipes

There are plenty of options here, and really just about any liquid oil would work. I tend to reach for olive oil the most often for this recipe. It’s what’s readily available in my kitchen cupboard so it’s convenient. Grapeseed oil, fractionated coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil are all good choices. Virgin coconut oil is solid at room temperature, and while I love it for many things (like this calendula salve for eczema), it doesn’t work for this recipe.

Homemade Baby Wipes for Diaper Rash

I haven’t really needed to use a diaper cream since using this recipe. If the baby sits in his cloth diaper too long though his bottom gets red, so I’ll use some homemade diaper rash cream. 99% of the time though, the soothing oils in this baby wipes solution prevents irritation and redness.

(update: I got lazy and started using store bought wipes. My little one has had several rashes since then so maybe I need to switch back to the homemade wipe solution!)

Easy Baby Wipes Solution with Essential Oils

I usually stick to lavender essential oil to keep the homemade baby wipe solution simple. It’s by far my favorite oil since it’s gentle on skin, baby safe, and soothes almost any skin issue imaginable. Here are some other essential oils that are also good options for a diaper wipe solution.

These are soothing and calming to skin, have antimicrobial properties, and are baby safe when properly diluted.

• Melaleuca (tea tree) –  – antifungal (helpful for fighting yeast rashes)  get it here
• Lavender – It’s calming to both skin and mind – great for fussy babies! Antibacterial, helps with rashes, cuts, scrapes and itchy skin. get it here
• Chamomile – Anti-inflammatory, helps with sores and wounds, calming. get it here
• Geranium – Used for wounds, eczema, burns and dermatitis. get it here
• Cedarwood – Antiseptic, soothes nervous tension and anxiety. get it here

How to Use Cloth Baby Wipe Solution

I like storing my wipe solution in a small squirt bottle. I use a peri bottle that the hospital gave me after the birth, but any repurposed squirt bottle would also work.

You could also put the solution in a spray bottle, however I found it takes much more effort to get the wipes wet enough this way.

The wipes solution can be poured over a box of cloth wipes and stored in a wipe warmer. This only works if you use all of the wipes within a few days or they get moldy. I don’t want to make wipe solution every day, so I never do it this way.

Prevent Mold on Your Homemade Baby Wipes

The wipe solution lasts about a week before it goes bad. I’ve found that I use it within 3-4 days, so that’s never been a problem. If you’re using it in a wipe warmer though and pre-soaking the cloth wipes, then mold is more of a concern. Using an anti-fungal essential oil, like tea tree offers some mold protection, but its not a preservative.

How to Make Homemade Baby Wipe Solution

The soap cleanses baby’s skin, even stinky messes. The oil moisturizes, protects and allows the wipe to glide smoothly across the skin. The essential oils help soothe and prevent skin issues.

Ingredients:

• ½ tsp castile soap, Dr. Bronner’s and Dr. Woods are my favorite
• 1 tsp liquid carrier oil (olive, avocado, grapeseed, etc.)
• 2-3 drops essential oil (my favorite is lavender)
• Water (filtered or distilled)
• 8 ounce squirt or spray bottle (I use this)

Directions:

1. Put the carrier oil and essential oil into your container, then add water until it’s almost full.
2. Add the soap, put the lid on, and gently shake to combine. Don’t add the soap first or there will be lots of suds!
3. Shake gently before each use. Apply liberally to a cloth wipe and wipe as usual.

Tip to make it even faster: I have a soap dispenser in the bathroom with natural castile soap in it. Instead of measuring the soap out, I just put 1 pump in. I also no longer measure the carrier oil, but I just pour a bit in and estimate 1 tsp. Last, I add a few drops of essential oils.

References

• Tarnow, P., Hutzler, C., Grabiger, S., Schön, K., Tralau, T., Luch, A. (2016). Estrogenic Activity of Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons Used in Printing Inks. PLoS One. 11(1): e0147239. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147239
• Mackerer C, Griffis L, Grabowski, Reitman, F. (2003). Petroleum mineral oil refining and evaluation of cancer hazard. Appl Occup Environ Hyg. 18(11):890-901. DOI: 10.1080/10473220390237467
• Tolbert, P. (1997). Oils and Cancer. Cancer Causes Control. 8(3):386-405.
• Svendsen, K., Hilt, B. (1997). Skin disorders in ship’s engineers exposed to oils and solvents. Contact Dermatitis. 36(4):216-20.

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Diaper Bag Tips

With my first baby I crammed as much as possible into the diaper bag. It was hard to find what I needed and I didn’t use half of it. I’ve since streamlined my process and only carry the essentials. The following diaper bag checklist may have some things on it you don’t need, so choose what fits for you.

What Goes in a Baby Changing Bag?

It depends on which stage your baby is in and it changes as they age. As my little one got older I stopped carrying a diaper bag around, but I still stashed necessities in my purse. Diaper wipes, snacks,  and hand sanitizer are items I always carry with me. Pick and choose from the changing bag options below.

Best Diaper Bag for a Natural Mom

With my first baby I had a small diaper bag that was cute, yet functional. Now that I have to cram in cloth diapers I need more space. A lot of the more expensive diaper bags have compartments for bottles and formula, but since I breastfeed I didn’t need that. My favorite type of diaper bag is one with a few side pockets, but isn’t broken up into a lot of different compartments (that I don’t need) on the inside.

I know a lot of cloth diapering mom’s really like the jujube brand bag. They’re stylish, durable, and very roomy. If I had the budget this is probably what I would get, but my cheapie Walmart bag is working well too.

What to Put in a Baby Bag

Diapers

Disposables are much smaller than cloth diapers, so these take up the majority of my diaper bag. We use prefolds and covers which are even bulkier than most pocket diapers. Some moms prefer to use disposables while out, but I’ve found cloth is just as easy.

3-6 Cloth diapers – I pack 3 for a trip to the grocery store, 6 if we’re going to be gone on a day trip. I figure 1 diaper change every 2 hours, then an extra just in case there’s a pooptastrophe. These are my favorite diaper covers, and I love these prefolds. We’ve only ever had one tiny poo leak, and it was an explosive poo!

4-10 Cloth wipes – I just have these loose in the main compartment of the bag, but you could also store them in a wipes container. I don’t since I haven’t seen a container big enough for my cloth wipes that will also fit in the diaper bag. Cloth wipes are much more durable for messes on the bum, and are easy to use on little hands and faces as well.

Wipe solution – I just use the peri bottle my midwife provided during labor and refill with a squirt of this all natural castile soap and water. It’s fast, simple, and works great.

Wet bag for dirty diapers – These are so handy! I have these two so that one is always clean. I can easily fit 5-6 dirty diapers in the bag, and it has a zipper pocket on front for things like dirty clothes that have succumbed to diaper accidents. I also stash cloth wipes in the pocket.

Disposable Diapers

If you plan to use disposables full time, part time, or only on outings, here are some brands to check out. They’re better for the environment, and don’t contain harsh chemicals for baby’s delicate skin.

Healing Salve

This stuff is good for everything from diaper rash, to cuts to eczema. I have a little tin that stashes perfectly in the diaper bag for any accidents or diaper rash. I make my own all natural and organic healing salve that you can get here.

Arrowroot powder

This isn’t a necessity, but if you’re a fan of baby powder to control wetness it’s easy to throw in the diaper bag. Talc usually has asbestos and has been linked with ovarian cancer, so I avoid talc based baby powder, especially on the diaper area. You can even mix the powder with a few drops of lavender essential oil for it’s soothing and antimicrobial properties.

Clothes

I like to have an extra set (or three) of clothes in the diaper bag just in case we have a poop explosion. Although I have to say that the only times I’ve had a bad diaper leak was with a disposable. Cloth diapers have kept messes in and I’ve only had a little leak ontopants a few times when he had a huge, messy poo. You know the kind I’m talking about.

Extra Shirt for Mom

Even though I try to be strategic with my burp rag placement, sometimes I end up with spit up on me….or baby pee… An extra shirt for mom is helpful just in case.

Burp Rag

Babies drool. A lot. I usually throw the burp rag on his lap while he’s in his car seat. I use thin flannel blankets like these, but a prefold or flat diaper works well too.

Baby Bottles (maybe)

I exclusively breastfeed, so this isn’t something I need personally. However for some mamas it’s a necessity. If I couldn’t breastfeed, this is the natural homemade formula I would use, along with a cold pack to keep it from spoiling.

Every baby is different and some babies can do great with a certain bottle, while another hates it. If  you use a bottle it usually takes a few tries to find the best one for YOUR baby. Here are a few of the top bottle choices for a breastfed baby, to help avoid nipple confusion and facilitate a proper latch.

Best Bottles for a Breastfed Baby

• Medela Calma by Medela
• Breast Flow by First Years
• Adiri NxGen
• Ventaire Advanced by Playtex
• Phillips Avent Natural Glass Baby Bottle
• Chicco Naturalfit glass baby bottle

Nursing Cover

This is also optional, but some mom’s feel more comfortable with one. I have this nursing cover that I use when out. I like that the top is rigid so I can see the baby without wrestling the fabric. I’ve also had my eye on these nursing scarves, which I’ve heard good things about. I like that they offer more coverage for a wiggly baby that likes to grab things.

Pacifier

There’s controversy on this one, but some kids love it. Generally if breastfeeding is well established and a baby likes it for comfort I think it can be ok. I offer the breast when we’re at home if he’s fussy, but that’s not so doable in the middle of a grocery shopping trip. My little one prefers his thumb though and spits the paci out, so it’s not even something I worry about. If I did use a pacifier, I would opt for a sustainably sourced natural rubber pacifier like this one.

Teethers

This is great for older babies that have reached the teething stage. At home I often use a frozen washcloth for him to gnaw on, but that’s messy in a diaper bag. Natural rubber teethers are safer than plastic in the mouth. This adorable little goat teether is my favorite! It’s toxin free, not going to mold, and handmade with food grade paint. We also have this natural rubber owl teether.

Amber Necklace to Calm

Raw amber contains succinic acid that helps calm a fussy baby. Many amber necklaces are fakes so be sure to get genuine Baltic amber. Although the glossy amber looks pretty, it’s supposedly not as effective as the milky kind so we got this milky genuine Baltic amber necklace.

Be sure to remove the necklace when baby is in the car seat or sleeping to avoid strangling! I wrapped the necklace around the baby’s ankle and put a sock over it so he wouldn’t pull at it or risk choking.

Natural Hand Sanitizer Spray

A few years ago the chemical triclosan was removed from hand sanitizer for safety reasons. Now most hand sanitizers use an insane amount of alcohol which is drying and also destroys the skin’s protective acid mantle. Yikes!

Here’s a recipe for natural hand sanitizer that’s antibacterial, antiviral and safe! I use it after diaper changes if there’s no sink available, and to spray down shopping cart handles and toilet seats while out.

Snacks

For older babies and kids healthy snacks are a must. This also helps avoid the incessant asking to buy snacks when little tummies are hungry at the grocery store. Reusable snack bags save space and are an ecofriendly alternative to plastic sandwich baggies. I also have these small pyrex containers that fit nicely in the diaper bag.

Diaper Bag Checklist for Labor

Even if you’re having a home birth, it helps to have things ready in case of an emergency hospital transfer. Here’s a list of what I had packed for baby in the hospital transfer bag. Thankfully we didn’t need it though!

• Diapers – Just a few, since hospitals will provide disposables. I didn’t want to mess with getting meconium newborn poo out of our cloth diapers. If using a birth center, pack enough for a few days.
• 3-4 newborn outfits – Our baby was born 10 pounds so he fit into 3 month old outfits from day one! Be sure to plan ahead and bring some newborn and larger sizes.
• Flannel blankets to use for burp rags. Prefold cloth diapers work well too.
• Coconut oil – Apply a thin layer on the bum after a diaper change, then when baby passes the sticky meconium, it’s much easier to wipe off!

Oils For Labor and Baby

I like to wear diluted rose essential oil on the pulse points behind my ears. It’s calming for me and the baby and helps cover any odor from spit up if I can’t change my clothes right away. Baby associates the scent with me, so when I hand him off to dad for a bit he can be comforted when he smells the rose oil on dad too.

Arnica oil. I absolutely loved this stuff after labor! We applied the herb infused oil to the baby after birth and he didn’t have any bruising. I also used it on my nether regions mixed with warm water in a peri bottle for soothing relief. I had a tiny tear, but I healed much faster thanks to the arnica oil.

Diaper Bag Essentials Kit

They’re cute, they’re tempting, and they make a great baby shower gift. Those baby kits with the tiny bottles of lotion and shampoo may be tempting, but I haven’t found them to be that practical. I don’t need a tiny baby shampoo in the diaper bag, and many of the ingredients in these kits I’m not comfortable with.

What’s in My Diaper Bag for Newborns

When my babies were at their newest, my diaper bag looked a little bit different, but not much. I like to keep it simple, Here’s what I stashed in my newborn’s diaper bag.

• Cloth diapers, cloth wipes, and wipe solution
• Reusable Wet bags for dirty diapers
• Extra outfit for baby
• Healing salve
• Hand sanitizer spray
• Nursing cover
• Burp rag

What do you keep in your little ones diaper bag? Did I miss any essentials? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to share this post with a friend!

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