Childbearing Year

Red Clover During Pregnancy

Q: Hello,

I have been taking red clover dried blossoms as an infusion tea a few times a day. I may be pregnant and am wondering whether it is safe or recommended to take during pregnancy. I have had 2 miscarriages this year, so I want to be safe (I am forty years old and have a 2 year old daughter). Thanks so much for your time.

A: I do not know that Red Clover would support a miscarriage. It is certainly not used to help one who intends to miscarry. For the general population, if using it to help conceive, I would encourage one to keep drinking the blossom infusion until you are sure you have conceived, then gradually switch over to Red Raspberry leaf and Nettle infusions. However, if you have concern I would prefer you make the decision. If you miscarry you may think it was the Red Clover. And each knows her body more intimately than someone else. I personally see this herb as wonderfully nourishing, and later nourishing to your abundant breast milk as well :)

Please let me know if I can help further. I hear you wish to be pregnant and so I wish a blessed pregnancy and child for you too :)

Blessings,

Karen Joy

wisewoman@herbshealing.com

www.wisewomanweb.com

Fertility After Chemotherapy

Q: Hello,

This may sound strange, but I am wondering how I can restore at least in part, some of the chemo induced menopause? I have your book, "Breast Cancer, Breast Health, The Wise Woman Way", but I have not seen any books that seriously deal with the subject of restoring fertility after cancer (in my case, early stage hormonally negative breast cancer at age 42) for the purposes of conceiving a child. My husband is 43 and as far as I know, healthy in terms of his fertility. His sperm count was tested around 2000 and it was at normal average range. 

I have had secondary fertility before 2002, was diagnosed with mild endometriosis at age 40. I had a successful birth and delivery at 33. Doors keep closing in terms of adoption so I am revisiting this as an option once again. I like foraging in my yard for green plants. I notice that when I eat salads of: dock weed, lambs quarters, primrose rosette leaves, sorrel, and dandelion leaves, that my nails grow in thicker and stronger. My mother says this is a genetic tendency--she has the same thing, but the bad upshot of not assimulating your minerals correctly is that your teeth enamel begins to mysteriously erode at the gum line. AS you said on the internet site, capsules really don't do it and I find it strange but true, even though I take calcium citrate, magnesium citrate, boron, etc. I have to admit that I just turned 48 so maybe this is all just a wild goose chase.

I noticed you mentioned chasteberry and I think you said rasberry leaf. I have noticed when I was perimenopausal (right before chemo eliminated that stage) that vitex helped to even out my hormonal cycles. I take it now, I think it's doing something--in capsule form. I also take Black Cohosh capsules. Without Black Cohosh, most likely, I would be suffering flashes 24-7. As it is, I seem to need more of it, as I have lost a little of the fat tissue around my hips from a few supplements I've been taking over this past summer. I'm still experiencing vaginal dryness more now, that I've lost the extra weight. Vitamin E doesn't seem to be helping any more.Still, glad that I did lose some of the stubborn fat, on an otherwise, slender frame--before, I looked a little like the woman that swallowed the doughnut on the billboard ads. Even though I am glad that I did lose the weight (and with it subsequent loss of even more residual hormones, paltry though they may be), I would like to see if the possibility exists that I could turn a seemingly cut and dried situation around, if not for fertility sakes, then perhaps at least for preservation of bone and teeth sake.

Conception After 40 and Seizure Disorder

Q: Dear Susun,

I have seen your article regarding childbirth after forty and plan to follow your advice. I thought I'd ask you a few questions specific to my situation to see if you have any other advice. 

I have recently had a yearning to have another child--I have two, five years old and almost 3. had no problem getting pregnant with them, though an earlier pregnancy was ectopic (they believe, never could find the baby on ultrasound--gave me methotrexate to expel any tissue remaining). I will be 44 in Dec but still feel very healthy and fit. My biggest vice of the past couple years has been 2 or 3 cups of coffee a day and I have for the past 6 months been working out vigorously. If I were indeed to start trying again, I would focus on doing all I can nutritionally to conceive a healthy child and would prob cut back a bit on the exercise. I will also take the herbs you recommend.

I have a seizure disorder and take one of the safest meds out there--lamotrigine. Both of my children are healthy and bright and I breastfed both--still am breastfeeding the almost 3 yr old once a day or so.

Question finally is, anything else you think I should take given my health issue (very well controlled--2 grand mal seizures with first pregnancy early on but forgot to take my meds, none with second and only one since bc of med lowering and other extenuating circumstances. I guess I am scared that I am "tempting fate" bc I already have 2 healthy children and worry my age will make another pregnancy more high risk somehow, though I look and feel young! My husband and myself would find a baby with challenges difficult to say the least, although I feel bad saying that. Any words of wisdom or advice for additional herbs to take? 

Thank you,

A: Any of us at any age take that risk. If you are wishing a child I encourage you to consider what is too much to handle, are they things that can be tested for early in  conception, and if you found specific issues what would you two choose at that point? Besides what Susun writes in the article I do not have further herbal suggestions to change your percentage risk. I imagine this is a hard decision, I wish I could help more.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Q: I am 44 and in good health and am trying to get pregnant--have tried for only 3 mos. My naturopath who I trust and think is a great doctor--after talking with me today at my visit, "prescribed" 1 tsp of phytoest diluted in water 2 times daily on day 1-14 of menstrual cycle and 1 tsp twice daily of phyto progest on day 15-28 of cycle along with prenatal vitamins, omega 3's, lunaception and something called pregnenolone, to help me conceive. Was wondering if those supplements (specifically the phytoest and phytoprogest by Wise Woman Herbals which is what he sold to me) IN YOUR OPINION make sense for someone looking to get pregnant at 44. I have no known issues with fertility and have a 3 and a five year old currently, although periods seem lighter than before (when younger) and I have some spotting before it starts which I don't recall Also my premenstrual symptoms-sore breasts, irritability, etc. seem to have gotten "lighter" for lack of better word. Cycles are usually somewhere between 28 and 33 days I know you can't diagnose, treat, etc. My children took 3 (1st) and 1 mos (2nd) respectively to conceive so I'm now over that timeline but I am older!!

as I said, I do trust him very much but just remembered I had emailed you and thought I'd ask.......... any info would be helpful

Thanks

A: Hello again!

First, I am curious about the pregnenolone, after reading here:

Due to its antagonistic effects on the GABA receptor in the central nervous system, pregnenolone therapy may be contraindicated in people with a history of seizures. Pregnenolone may inhibit drugs used to increase GABA activity (i.e., neurontin); these drugs are frequently used in the treatment of epilepsy and depression.

I do not see any harm at first glance with the herbs listed in the Wise Woman Herbal product, HOWEVER myself feel odd about using things that are so vague, besides I like one herb at a time. I do not see online if these are tinctures, oils, etc. and how the are used. I myself like to know what plant, how and when harvested, exactly how prepared, etc. before even deciding if safe or not. Those products are as foreign to me as a bottle of vitamin tablets.

So you ask me if it all makes sense for someone looking to get pregnant. It makes sense understanding how some think about it, yes. To me and my approach to health, no. Especially as I see nothing "wrong" needing "fixing" as it sounds you are wonderfully fertile and healthy, just older. And even if I did feel you needed assistance this would not be at all the route I would go.

HOWEVER, part of helping one along one's path is following intuition, whether it makes sense or not. It feels good sometimes to trust someone and add things to our life, whether they make sense or not. I hear you trust this person. That means a lot in my opinion :)

I am not sure if this helps or not. I am glad you asked, and am happy to share my opinion any time. As well I am very happy to support you on the path you choose for yourself, whether or not it is the one I would choose for myself. We are all unique. Besides I will be curious to hear how you are doing.

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

 

Pregnancy, Red Raspberry and Nettle

Q: Dear Susun,

I'm 4 weeks pregnant and i'm very excited!!! I want to take red raspberry and alternate it with nettles, is that ok ? I want to prevent any chance of miscarriage. Is red raspberry ok to use in my 1st trimester? thank you so much for your time.

 

A: Congratulations!!  Yes, these are two wonderful infusions to drink through your pregnancy.  Red Raspberry is superb especially in the first trimester, and especially for those dealing with nausea.  Nettle is especially superb for the last trimester for its vitamin K content.  And, yes, do please alternate both through your whole pregnancy, do a little more of one or the other as your cravings dictate. :)
Please let me know if I can help further!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Herbs For the Last Trimester

Q: Hello Susun,

I am 39 years old and having my 3^rd and final child in March.  I won’t go in to major details of my past pregnancies but in short, they were all “medically” textbook. There were 2.  One at 19 and one at 35. I am lucky enough to have one more and very happy that I am able to do this. Since my 1^st child, 20 years ago, I have had nothing but trouble getting pregnant and horrible menstrual cycles.  The more I read from you the more I wished I knew of your info years ago. I have always believed in holistic medicine so this is right up my alley.

Okay, on to my current pregnancy.  I struggle with lactation, and always have.  So I have begun to drink a raspberry, alfalfa and nettle tea I found at a coop.  Within a few days I began to leak.  Great, I hope it lasts and baby will benefit from this. I also have read that these 3 herbs are great for pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, so I will continue. What I want to do is buy some in bulk and infuse them.  I know you recommend doing it in singles, however, I am looking at the time I have left, 62 days, and the fact that you can buy these as a combo, are they needing to be combined for optimal results, or should I alternate days, OR make all three at once and alternate teas during the day? 

I have also heard a lot about the cohoshes and I am not skeptical of their results, I am worried that I could miscarry or have a stillbirth.  Is this possible or just it just induce labor? I realize that starting the blue is good the last few weeks, when could I do the black?

I will be delivering in a hospital with access to an epidural!  I am not good with pain and as much as I love the idea of water birth, my husband protests delivery outside of a hospital because of precautionary reasons.  I also feel we have waited too long to decide this and being there is only 9 weeks left, it’d be tough to learn something new, on top of finding a midwife for delivery.

Thank you for your time Susun,

I hope to hear from you soon.

 

 

A: Thank you for writing.  I know you ask of Susun.  She does not have internet to be able to correspond through email.  I believe some herbalists or herbal companies combine herbs because they appear to work synergistically.  Moreso, I think they do it because if x, y, and z are all indicated for a situation, some feel the more the better, then do them all, rather than trusting that just x will be enough, for example.   I feel, as I have learned from Susun, that simple is better, one at a time.  Yes, please prepare them as separate infusions.  And alternate days or alternate through the day, whichever you prefer.  As separate infusions you get to know each more intimately, and know better how you respond to each.

Regarding the cohoshes, I am unsure of your question.  It sounds you have a doctor but no midwife, is this true?  It sounds you are not working in person with someone with experience with these herbs, is this true?  Are you anticipating some trouble in your birth?

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

 

Q: Thank you so much for getting back to me.  I will definitely search the forum.  I do not have a midwife; I am seeing an OB/GYN.  Since I am 39, I believe I am considered “high risk” however my other pregnancies were so normal, my Dr. said he is not concerned with my current pregnancy.  However, like I said, my husband is quite skeptical about delivering unconventionally and I do prefer being near the epidural in case I cannot handle the pain.

As far as the blue and black cohosh, sorry I made a typo. I have gotten some information an herbalist and she had mentioned using the blue the last several weeks and then the black during labor.  She also said the cohosh’s worked great for making her own pregnancy and labor smooth and less painful. 

My biggest concern is bleeding or miscarrying from these.  Although I have not heard of this, it’s my own concern.  I hear that many midwives use and recommend the blue and black cohosh. Any ideas?

A: For the cohoshes I would think it best you work with a midwife herbalist.  I would not want to steer you wrong and have little more than book knowledge on the use of them in a situation that was not acute.  Susun has a past apprentice who is now a midwife, perhaps you would wish to consult with her for some fee.  I do believe it may be worth it :)   

The term "high risk" is so generic, based on numbers and not on you.  There may be 20 year olds considered low risk because of their age who would have a more difficult time than you will! It is wonderful you know what is comfortable for you in your birth and are setting that up.

I would love to hear from you any time, with any questions or just to hear how you are doing!

Karen Joy

Safe Allergy Relief During Pregnancy

Q:  Dear Susun,

I am reading your "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year" and have been taking the Red Clover and Red Raspberry infusions in preparation of conceiving, hopefully some time soon. I suffer from allergies (hay fever, dust mites, cockroaches) and am trying to ween myself off my current antihistamines (Zyrtec D). I've looked through your book and online and it looks like I could use Nettle safely before and throughout pregnancy, but I was unsure if this was the root or the leaf? Also, if you had any other suggestions for safe allergy relief (mainly to relieve sinus pressure and sneezing) during pregnancy, I would really appreciate it. I am having trouble finding information on this subject and most of the websites I've found suggest antihistamines, something you've mentioned as dangerous.

Thank you for all of your help.



A:  Yes you are right, Nettle leaf infusions are superb for this. Plus in your case they have added benefits of excellent mineral nutrition and vitamin K which is essential for the birth. It is the dried leaves we use, prepared as in the book you have.

Blessings,

Karen Joy

wisewoman@herbshealing.com

www.wisewomanweb.com

Helping Birth Progress Smoothly

Q: hi i have been reading your articles they are wonderful ..can you recoment what to use  i am 2 weeks over due with my first baby can you suggest any natural remedys to start labour ..i will be most gratefull for any helpfull advice you can give me thank you

  

A: Hello, thank you for writing. I see you wrote this a few days ago.  How are things now?  I am happy to help any way I am able.  Please know that due dates are approximate and we are all unique.  Many first time babies come "overdue." Perhaps you have had your child already, if so, congratulations!! 

Are you working with anyone in person who can help you determine the state of your and your child's health?  If all is well with you both, I would not push it.  I know that doctors will induce labor with pitocin if they determine it should have started. Know that as long as you and babe are healthy you WILL birth the babe and likely need no intervention.  Some intervention has been known to cause its own problems. 

There are herbs that midwives use, though primarily to help a stalled labor progress.  Is this the case with you?  Do you have or have access to Susun Weed's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year? This speaks on the herbs to use in this case.  The more gentle remedies to help a birth progress smoothly is of course relaxation, Red Raspberry leaf teas, or better yet infusions, gentle foods and being sure of hydration, nipple stimulation and intercourse.  The latter only if you have not lost your mucous plug and broke waters, and if not, being sure not to pull out since it is the sperm I understand to help ripen the cervix and stimulate contractions.

Please do write back if you can and if I can help further.  And if not I would love to hear one day how all turned out. I will keep an eye on your email to be able to respond sooner.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com