Oh, sweet summertime! How I love you! The sun rises early and sets late. I get to spend more time in the garden and on long mountain hikes. Honestly, though, summertime in Arkansas is both beautiful and brutal! We have so many bugs, ticks, mosquitos, and chiggers. Fortunately, we also have fireflies! No seriously, during the summer, my whole family is riddled with itchy bug bites and insect stings for months.  

Today I'm going to share one of my favorite summertime herbs with you. Plantain is one of the best natural anti-itch bug bite relief remedy known to humankind! Stick around if you can relate to loving summer and needing relief from all the itchy bug bites.  

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St. John's Wort (*Hypericum perforatum*) is a remarkable herb that has been used for centuries in traditional botanical medicine. Renowned for its healing properties, this versatile plant is celebrated for its effectiveness in treating a range of conditions, from first aid and nerve pain, menopausal symptoms, to emotional and mood support.

In this post, we'll explore the medicinal uses of St. John's Wort, discuss important contraindications, and delve into its fascinating connections with sunshine.

 

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I combined calendula with other herbs in our postpartum herb bath to help aid in rapid perineal recovery and soothe hemorrhoids after giving birth. Calendula is also in our Nipple Salve, Diaper Salve and Healing Salve because it helps repair sore nipples, inflamed skin caused by diaper rash and it works as first aid skin care.  Calendula is why our Wound Recovery Spray cools a burn and Cesarean Recovery Spray leaves your incision feeling fresh and clean as your body heals.

Let me tell you a little more about this delightful plant and why you might want to grow some yourself...

 

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The high rates of cesarean sections (C-sections) worldwide stem from various factors, including medical indications such as fetal distress or maternal health conditions, technological advances making C-sections safer and more accessible, cultural and litigation concerns, financial incentives, and maternal choice. These factors contribute to overuse or unnecessary use of C-sections, leading to increased healthcare costs and potential risks for mothers and babies. Preventing unnecessary C-sections involves attending regular prenatal check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, educating oneself about childbirth, discussing birth preferences and concerns, staying flexible during labor, considering labor support, and discussing VBAC options if applicable. Doulas can also play a crucial role in preventing C-sections by providing continuous support, advocacy, and guidance during labor and childbirth. Additionally, natural remedies and herbs like St. John's Wort, arnica, and calendula may aid in C-section recovery by promoting healing and reducing discomfort, but it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before use. Continue reading

Breastfeeding after a caesarean birth, in many ways, is the same as breastfeeding after a vaginal birth. However, there are a few things you will want to be aware of, and perhaps a few things you may be concerned about. It is always best to prepare ahead of time, make sure you have the support that you need, and get all your resources in place so that you can be successful breastfeeding.

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During your pregnancy, you enjoyed Lady in Waiting tea to nourish your body and prepare your uterus. Afterward, you soothed your body and hormones with Nourished Mother and gave your body what it needed to make milk with Let There Be Milk and Nursing Nectar. You might have even used Fertile Ground to help encourage fertility to become pregnant in the first place! Your baby was wrapped in herbal goodness from his first Postpartum Herb Bath to the Cord Care Powder and Diaper Salve that helped protect and heal his body as it adjusted to the new world. But now he’s getting bigger, his cord long gone, your uterus is back to normal and your milk supply has regulated...and you’ve got a stash of products just sitting around. Now what?

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A midwife or doula’s goal is to see every woman birth in safe, empowering, and beautiful ways. Sometimes, for various reasons, that looks like a Cesarean section, and sometimes that includes planned C-sections. There is no reason to expect less of your birth experience in the case of a planned C-section. When a C-section is the planned birth process, you have some more freedom to work with your doctor than in the case of an emergency.

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