I like to be prepared as much as possible for things, and this preference was very evident during my two pregnancies. The plan during my first pregnancy was to get all my ducks in a row for labor and delivery two weeks before my due date (because first babies always come on time or late right? Wrong!). Much to my surprise, my little pea in the pod was born prematurely, three weeks early to be exact. Needless to say, I completed my birth plan and got my hospital bag ready to go at the beginning of my third trimester the second time around!  

Here is a sample packing checklist to help you prepare for labor and delivery. 

There are many ways to help improve milk production through dietary changes that are actually tasty! A food or substance that is known to improve milk production and flow is referred to as a galactagogue.

To say that childbirth isn’t easy understates it. So is saying that the after-effects aren’t sexy. A girlfriend once described the feeling after delivering her 10-pound baby as being like her insides were hanging out, which probably wasn’t too far from the truth!  

Even without experiencing perineal tearing, the swelling and bruising caused by childbirth can range from uncomfortable to excruciatingly painful. It can take weeks, months, or even years to heal physically and emotionally from the trauma. 

Here are our top five tips for postpartum comfort and perineal healing.

Cold therapy can help to soothe the pain, bruising and irritation you experience after childbirth. But this padsicle recipe with perineal healing herbs is amazing because it helps our tender parts heal faster.

According to Dr. Beverly Huang, ND, “using Calendula tincture and Hypericum oil promotes tissue healing after childbirth”. She suggests using these healing herb padsicles: