Midwife Recommended Birth Prep Herbal Tea Recipe to Tone Your Uterus for Labor
If you're pregnant and looking for natural ways to boost your nutrient intake and make for a smoother pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery, there are many wonderful (and delicious) herbs that are just what your body needs for added nutrition from a whole food source.
This is the recipe that was recommended by my midwife and I personally used (and loved) for my third pregnancy in preparation for a home birth. I still drink a version of this almost daily as my “multivitamin.”
In this post, I’ll be sharing:
9 herbs for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum including - what nutrients they contain and how they’re especially good for pregnancy
The pregnancy and postpartum herbal infusion recipe I used and loved
In addition to general nourishment, these herbs target women's hormone balance, uterine muscle tone, and a healthy reproductive system so are a valuable addition to your daily routine both during and after pregnancy to support your beautiful birth and postpartum recovery.
9 Herbs for Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum
Nettles - a fabulous blood-builder. Rich in calcium, iron, protein, chromium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, silicon, thiamine, and Vitamins A & C. An excellent nourishing herb in pregnancy. Also great for seasonal allergies.
Red Raspberry Leaf - tones and nourishes the uterine muscle. Rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron. Soothes nausea, helps prevent miscarriage, eases labor pains and builds a healthy milk supply. For uterine tone and easing pains of labor and after labor. Some studies have shown it
Oatstraw - rich in calcium and magnesium. Calms nervous stress and tension. Good remedy for yeast infections in pregnancy.
Alfalfa - rich in vitamins A,D, E, and K. Helps to prevent miscarriage.
Chamomile - high in calcium and has some anti-inflammatory properties. Calming - helps decrease stress and improve sleep. Supports digestion and can help relieve nausea.
Rose Hips - rich in vitamin C. Helps boost immunity and cardiovascular health. Helps promote absorption of minerals. Also has a nice flavor.
Spearmint -relaxes visceral (organ) tissues. Relieves nausea, anxiety, and tension. Has a nice flavor that helps offset some of the stronger-flavored herbs.
Lemon Balm - relaxes the nervous system and aids digestion. Deliciously flavored!
Dandelion - high in iron. Helps support the liver and decreases jaundice in newborns. Also helps relieve itching during pregnancy.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Herbal Infusion Recipe
Like a tea, an infusion uses herbs in water to draw out nutrients. Unlike an herbal tea, an herbal infusion uses larger amounts of herbs steeped in water for a much longer period of time, making it a much more nutrient-dense and flavorful drink.
The following recipe is an adaptation from the one my midwife gave to me when I was expecting my last child. I fell in love with drinking a daily herbal infusion and have been making many varieties of them ever since.
Herbal Infusion Mix
Combine the following herbs and store in an airtight container then scoop out as needed for the herbal infusions.
1/2 c Nettles
1/2 c Red Raspberry Leaf
1/4 c Oatstraw
1/4 c Alfalfa
1/4 c Chamomile
1/4 c Rose Hips
1/4 c Spearmint (adjust amount to taste)
1/4 c Lemon Balm
1/4 c Dandelion Leaf
Instructions: Bring 1 qt of water to a boil then remove from heat. Add 2-4 Tbsp of dried herb mix too water. Cover and let sit for 2 hours to overnight. Strain and drink. May add honey or juice to taste. Drink hot or cold.
I sipped on this throughout the day when I was pregnant for a super nourishing alternative to plain water. It's also good with some fresh lemon juice for even more vitamin C which helps to drive the nutrients into your cells.
As always, please check with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about using herbs during pregnancy or postpartum.
Enjoy your herbal tea!
Want to make sure you’re healing well after birth from day 1? Get our free Postpartum Recovery Protocol: Day 1 now!
Note: For educational purposes only. Not to take the place of or be taken as medical advice.
*This post may contain affiliate links to some or all of the products listed. While it will not change the cost to you, I may receive compensation if you choose to purchase through my links. Thank you for your support.