Posted by Bryn on March 8, 2007, at 14:18:20
In reply to NEED some info on herbs plse LARRY ?, posted by crazychickuk on February 27, 2007, at 16:56:56
Hey, Donna.
How are you doing? It sounds like you've been through a lot since you've had your baby. It's a huge change and it can wreak havoc with your body, before and after birth.
Anyway, I looked up the supplement Relora you mentioned. The important question is are you breastfeeding? If so, you should avoid Relora. The two active ingredients, Magnolia Bark and Phellodendron Bark, are generally regarded as herbs to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you've already taken it while breastfeeding, don't worry too much, but do discontinue it. Herbs are generally safer than most over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
As for the second product you described, it might not hurt. It is homeopathic and, as such, should be very safe. Personally, I've not had a lot of luck with homeopathic medicine, but I do not discount the effects it has had on others.
One product that I used while breastfeeding was Bach's Rescue Remedy. This worked well for me and is supposedly safe. Other things I'd recommend for those who are breastfeeding are Chamomile tea, Peppermint or Spearmint Tea (from the herbs, not the essential oils), or Mimosa blossom tea or tincture (do not use the bark).
Try to get out every morning for a brisk walk with your baby. The morning sunlight should help regulate you and your baby's sleep cycles. It might help produce melanin in your body which might also help with your anxiety.
Here are some <duh!> suggestions, but I include them anyway. ;) If you are breastfeeding, are you getting enough water everyday? I found out after several clogged milk ducts that I needed to drink about 1 gallon - 4 Liters of water a day!! Also, are you getting enough calcium to meet your needs? Lactating mothers need a lot of high-density nutrients as well as vit/mineral supplementation. New parent groups can be a wonderful resource to get together with other adults and actually talk to another adult person -- new motherhood can be very isolating. Also, if you feel like you might possibly harm your child, please find a chapter of Parents Anonymous in your community. They are there to help families and want to help prevent child abuse by helping familes who are going through hard times. (Note: they are a nonprofit, not a governmental agency.)
If these things do not work for you, please don't hesitate to make your needs known to your healthcare provider. Sometimes it feels difficult to say, "I feel like I'm REALLY going crazy!" but it is important that we say it for the sake of our own health and that of our children's.
Congratulations to you. I think you are a resourceful person to look for solutions to the problems you are dealing with. I hope you find a resolution to your problems soon.
Best of luck to you, Donna.
Peace,
Bryn
poster:Bryn
thread:736854
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20070201/msgs/739306.html