Herbs for Postpartum
Baby
By Susan Perri, Clinical Herbalist
Your little one is finally here, to enjoy
and cherish. In the cozy space of the first
intimate moments of growing into each other,
both mother and baby can benefit from natural
and non-invasive remedies for the common postpartum
complaints.
Colic
Current research shows no link between colic
and digestive disturbance, as had previously
been believed. However, for the first eight
weeks of life, a baby’s digestive system
is maturing and working out all the kinks,
so to speak. This natural process could have
a role in the upset of colic. I often feel
in witnessing these babies that there is some
root issue of insecurity involved, that the
transition from womb space to earth space
has not been smooth. These babies need some
extra closeness and attention to foster grounding
and security about being here. Whatever the
cause, most babies outgrow colic by the age
of 4-5 months.
The following are flower essences, very dilute
vibrational remedies which work on a soul
level to promote balance and wellness. These
are specific for emotional distress and can
be applied to the skin’s surface or taken
internally, 1-3 drops up to four times daily.
Flower essences
Corn: for grounding on the physical
plane and a deep earth connection.
Wild rose: helps difficulty with grounding
and accepting being in one’s body
Manzanita: for joy about being in
one’s body, deriving a sense of pleasure
and fullness from physical life. Feeling connected
and secure on a physical level.
Herbs
These botanicals are categorized as antispasmodics,
which soothe abdominal and intestinal cramping,
and carminatives specific for expelling excess
air in the digestive tract. The appropriate
dosage can be given to the baby in tea (infusion)
form. The tea should be warm, to a temperature
consistent with breast-milk, and can be administered
with an eyedropper. If necessary, slide the
eyedropper into baby’s mouth alongside
the nipple while nursing. Give the baby some
tea in this way each time you nurse if colic
is consistent, or use only at times of distress.
These herbs can also be given at regular feedings
as preventive care. Nursing mothers can drink
these teas freely to pass along their benefits
via the breastmilk.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamo-milla,
Anthemis nobilis): an old time remedy for
colic and stomach upsets of all kinds; chamomile
has the added benefits of relaxant qualities.
The warm, apple-like flavor of chamomile flowers
makes a lovely tea and provides fast relief
of colic. Chamomile tea can be added to baby’s
bath as a calming way to receive its benefits.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria): a member
of the mint family, catnip is an excellent
remedy for excess gas in the belly. Catnip
holds both antispasmodic and carminative qualities,
stilling cramps from gas bubbles and moving
those bubbles along and out.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): sweet
and aromatic, any part of the fennel plant
can be used. A seed decoction is a good method
of preparation, and baby won’t mind the
taste of this one.
Mint (Mentha): any type of aromatic
mint will work, though traditionally it is
spearmint and/or peppermint that are used.
Mint helps to chill an overworking digestive
system, while helping to move out extra air.
Consider also the way in which you feed your
baby. Are you able to slow down and give this
intimate act your full attention, or are you
impatient to get to other things? The way
in which we give nourishment is taken in by
the baby, just as much as the milk itself.
Babies are incredibly aware beings, especially
during this postpartum time when they are
still so close to the spirit world. Make feeding
time a sacred space where you can tune in
and really focus on your baby.
The nursing mother’s diet can play a
critical role in eliminating colic in a baby.
Certain foods definitely act as antagonists,
or may cause an allergic reaction experienced
as colic. Any of the Brassica group of vegetables
should be avoided if colic is an issue, and
these include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage,
kale, and collards. Onions and garlic are
other culprits. Common allergen foods such
as wheat, cow’s milk, nuts, and chocolate
may also contribute to the problem of colic.
Try a simple elimination diet, where all possible
irritants are removed from the mother’s
diet for one week. If your baby experiences
significant relief or cessation of colic symptoms,
you can be sure that something in your diet
was a major contributing factor. By the age
of 4-5 months most babies are strong enough
in their digestion to be able to handle these
foods, and you can slowly and individually
re-introduce them. If you re-introduce these
foods one at a time and your baby reacts,
you will know what the offending food is and
can continue to steer clear of it.
Jaundice
A common occurrence in newborns, jaundice
is the body’s way of excreting bilirubin,
a by-product of blood cell decomposition.
Since the newborn liver is so new and small,
it can be an overwhelming task to process
these pieces and things get backed up. Jaundice
is a sign of liver deficiency, but it is important
to note that this type of newborn jaundice
is a normal physical response and will clear
up within a few days. Baby should be alert
and have an appetite. If this is not so and
baby seems overly yellow in color, including
palms and soles, and is running a fever, please
seek medical attention as this can signify
a more serious problem.
Nurse a jaundiced baby frequently, as the
extra fluids will help. Exposing baby’s
bare skin to sunlight, even if it is through
a window, will help to process the bilirubin.
Liver function can be assisted and nourished
by classic hepatic or liver tonic herbs. Use
the following on their own or in combination
together. These three combined have a lovely
synergistic effect and are deeply nourishing
and restorative to the liver. They are quite
safe, and suitable for use by infants and
children. A decoction can be made from the
roots and fed to baby with an eyedropper while
warm. Or try dropping 3 tincture drops in
a teaspoon of purified warm water, and giving
this to your baby. Again, a good way to give
tincture or tea drops is to slide the dropper,
with its appropriate dosage, alongside your
nipple while nursing. This can be done every
3 hours. Another good way for baby to receive
herbal healing is through the mother’s
milk, so nursing moms can partake of these
remedies too.
Liver Tonic Herbs
Burdock root
Dandelion root
Yellow dock root
Thrush
A type of yeast infection, thrush occurs
in the baby’s mouth and/or the mother’s
nipples. The mouth is a perfect breeding ground
for this type of infection, as yeast thrives
in warm and moist environments. The natural
sugars in breastmilk provide nourishment for
the yeast, and it is transferred from baby’s
mouth to mom’s nipples. For the baby,
thrush is obvious by red cheeks on the outside
with white patches on the inside of mouth,
along with a general fussiness that is amplified
at feedings. The mother will likely have red,
sore, and itchy patches on her nipples. Do
not remove the patches from mother or child,
as this will cause more discomfort, and possibly
bleeding and a more serious infection.
The herbs that follow are classic antifungals.
The best method of treatment, again, is for
mom to pass these along in her milk, as some
of them are quite bitter. Start out with low
doses and slowly build them up. The best bet
for giving any of these directly to the baby
is usnea, the mildest tasting.
Antifungal Herbs
Usnea lichen
Black walnut hulls
Mugwort
Rosemary
Use 1-2 drops of tincture in a teaspoonful
of warm purified water and administer by eyedropper,
or use one dropperful of the infusion (black
walnut hulls should be prepared as a decoction)
3 or 4 times daily. Use a cotton swab to apply
tea or diluted tincture doses directly to
the patches on the insides of baby’s
mouth and on the mother’s nipples. Unsweetened
yogurt with active cultures can be spread
on these patches to provide instant cooling
relief. It would be wise for mom to avoid
sweets in her diet, as yeast thrives on sugars.
Cradle Cap
Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap, most
commonly affects the scalp but may also be
found on the eyebrows and eyelids, the ears,
nose, and groin area. The sebaceous (oil)
glands are secreting too much oil in their
opening and maturation process. Cradle cap
can appear as early as two weeks of age and
is usually cleared by the completion of baby’s
first year, along with the completion of the
maturation process for these glands. The overproduction
of oil clogs the gland’s ducts and looks
like greasy yellow scales on the skin’s
surface. Cleanliness is an essential factor
in treatment and prevention, as infection
can occur otherwise, indicated by open sores
or discharge. Nursing mothers should avoid
sugar as this can hinder the healing process
and contribute to clogged pores. Mothers can
supplement their diets with an essential fatty
acid (EFA) oil, such as flax, borage seed,
or evening primrose.
Cradle Cap Oil
2 cups olive oil
1 cup flax seed oil
1/4 cup evening primrose oil
1 tsp powdered or liquid vit. B6
1/4 oz. dried comfrey herb
1/4 oz. dried calendula herb
In a glass jar, combine all oils and blend
well. Add the dried comfrey and calendula.
Cap tightly and let sit, out of any direct
light or heat, for 2-4 weeks. When steeping
is complete, strain the oil through a cloth
lined sieve. To complete the oil, add the
vitamin B6, mix well, and store in a clean
and dry glass bottle.
This oil will be used on the baby’s
head and any other affected areas. Rub in
a generous amount and allow it to sit for
up to fifteen minutes so it can work its softening
magic. Gently shampoo and rinse, carefully
combing away any loosened scales and flakes.
It is very important not to pick or force
these scales, as you may create a larger wound
and put your child at risk for an infection.
Complete this process with an application
of witch hazel extract, found in any drugstore
for topical use. Apply the witch hazel with
cotton balls; its astringent action will help
to control the oiliness. This process can
be repeated several times a week if necessary.
Diaper Rash
To avoid diaper rash, change your baby frequently,
or even better, allow baby to go bottomless
for part of the day. In warm weather, let
baby’s bottom be exposed to fresh air
and sunlight. These help to prevent and treat
diaper rash. A yeast diaper rash is more stubborn,
and it results when a normal diaper rash goes
untreated and yeast bacteria grow in the moist
little folds of baby’s groin area. A
yeast diaper rash is redder, patchy and blotchy,
and may be more tender and itch. Keep baby’s
bottom as dry as possible; consider giving
up on diapers while baby is awake, change
diapers often, and use this powder.
Diaper Rash Powder
3 cup cornstarch
1 cup bentonite clay
1 tbsp. baking soda
1 tsp. myrrh powder
For a yeast diaper rash, add 1/2 tsp. of
any or all of the following:
black walnut hull powder
goldenseal root powder
barberry root powder
Blend together well using a wire whisk and
store in a container with a shaker top.
In addition, zinc oxide ointment is specific
for diaper rashes. It forms a protective barrier
on baby’s skin, to keep excess moisture
off of the rash and promote healing. This
is fast acting and readily available in drugstores.
This text intends to provide information
on the traditional uses of native plants,
not to prescribe. If your child is not well,
please seek the assistance of a competent
health care provider.
Susan Perri is a Clinical Herbalist, author,
and mother. The article is excerpted from
her book The Complete Herbal for Pregnancy
and Childbirth.
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