Herbs and recommendations when beginning your childbearing year(s)

[julia]

Hello beauties!

I am always thinking about the health of my body, mind and soul when it comes to preparation for carrying another being inside. I have a good sense about the nutritional aspects, but would love advice on mental, physiological and emotional health. I particularly worry about inherited grief from ancestors. Any recommendations on daily rituals I can engage in for the sake of myself and the future ones?

Thank you!
-Julia

[Shraddhananda]

Thanks Julia,
I love this question....I'm not a mama so I can't speak to what would work with children around...yet I would love to share part of my morning ritual that has really opened doorways for me...

Every morning...or more precisely...on the mornings I have space and time...I sit with my talking stick....
Since nothing but truth can cross over her...I sit and ask myself...
"What is alive in me today?"  And then listen for my honest truth...
"What do I feel blessed about?"  And again listen and speak it
"What do I feel shame about?" And again listen and speak it

I speak it all into the earth or my alter...letting them transform it all back from whence it came.  It's become a beautiful part of my self care...a way of checking in and letting emotions move through instead of stagnate.   

(I also find that on really emotional days...sometimes more is needed.  For example on stagnant days that include depression or repressed rage...I go into the woods and throw rocks, verbaizing my anger until I laugh or cry or feel cleansed.  I'm so very grateful for the earth and give much thanks for her ability to compost when I'm done.)

I'm so curious to hear what others do...

Thanks for asking!
Blessings!~

[jamie vickery]

Any suggestions for yeast infections while pregnant. It just won't go away! I have done whole garlic cloves inserted, I am drinking pau d'arco with goldenseal and rosehips. I am even externally applying some tea tree oil. I know it is really a manifestation of my internal yeast levels and I am trying to alter my diet as much as possible...I feel so drug down. Also battling sinus infection and so is my two year old. Any help would be great! 

[wiseone]

Hi Jamie!
yeast infections are really a pain, let me see if I can offer some suggestions which may help...
When I had a yeast infection a few years ago I helped remedy it by changing some habits of mine-the first was I totally stopped cleaning my yoni with soap, I only used warm water, and avoided putting anything inside of me that wasn't clean. Secondly I added more probiotics to my diet which included kefir, yogurt, kimchi and kombucha, but which can include anything that has been lacto-fermented. I also stopped eating sugar of all kinds, which didn't last too long (it was hard!), but I think helped a lot.
I hope this helps! Also, asking yourself what you may be trying to expel through your infection, and what type of healing your yoni may need at this time might also be helpful. Give her lots of love everyday in forms of prayer, meditations and loving thoughts.
Lots of luck and blessings to you~

[Shraddhananda]

Hi Jamie,
It sounds like you are already doing a lot for the infection.  They are NO fun!

I agree with Wiseone...probiotics are very helpful as they help re-populate the flora in our body so the one's that aren't so beneficial can't take root.  Unsweetened whole yogurt is a good source (and I HAVE broken down and gotten capsules at times).  (BTW, according to many sources there is no connection between vaginal candida and overgrowth of candida anywhere else in the body.)

I've also worked with a Pau D'Arco, Echinachea, Tea Tree douche before...which when done very regularily 3x per day worked well (with a garlic clove in between to help with symptoms). I'm trying to work with more local herbs now.

Some herbs that I've worked with that can be helpful include (though debates or not enough information with them regarding pregnancy)
* Usnea
* Echinacea
* Maitake Mushroom

I also like what Susun Weed says about it...

"The world is filled with life, my daughter, and some of that life can distress you. Your vagina is filled with life, dearest granddaughter, and some of that life can distress you, too.

"When you are too sweet, life can run over you. Stay a little on the sour side, wise sister; it is to your benefit. Bacteria, funguses, and parasites like it when you always say 'yes,' when you always agree; they thrive on your sweet acquiescence. When you put your needs aside and let others have their way, the life in your vagina magnifies your decision.

"What you term an 'infection' is a reminder to pay attention to yourself, to take some time-out from your responsibilities, and to recreate safety in your life."

http://www.exploringwomanhood.com/mindbodysoul/health/vaginal-yeast.htm

Good luck! and let us know what works for you.