Alternative health for birth/healing

[blonderthanred]

Anyone know anything about alternative health for childbirth/healing? I've been noting down every time I've seen on MN or elsewhere things people consider effective, although I now have quite a long list... Anyone got any experience of using any of these?

Aloe Vera gel
Witch Hazel gel
(both to put on maternity pads or straight onto bits)
Arnica cream (again for sore bits or general use)
Nelson's Burn Cream (for sore nips)
Lavender oil
Clary Sage oil (think this is meant to help bring on labour)
Rose oil
Evening Primrose oil
(think these are either for putting in baths or massaging)

Any other recommendations for during the birth or anything else very welcome.

Tea tree oil in the bath to sooth sore bits.

I used arnica tablets too last time.

I used arnica tablets for bruising, I don't know if they made much difference as I was lucky enough to have a straightforward birth with minimal bruising anyway.

I also used Clary Sage oil in the bath from 41 weeks on mid wife's recommendation. It smelt nice but again I don't know how much difference it made as I still didn't go into spontaneous labour until after my waters were broken by the midwife. However i was dilated enough by thst point to avoid induction so maybe it did help. I have pretty much a whole bottle left (opened about two weeks ago) if you want it you're welcome, pm me your address and I'll post it as I'll only chuck it otherwise.

Thanks for the tips. I wasn't sure if tea tree would be too sting-y. But I'm happy to try anything!

I used almond oil to massage perineum when pregnant (any excuse!!) and didn't tear...

Raspbery leaf tea is also recommended by midwives for bringing on labour, but I have no idea if it actually works. You're only supposed to drink it once full term, though, I believe.

I used almond oil on the perineum too, and also didn't tear, but I did have smallish babies.

Raspberry leaf tea is supposed to be good for helping the uterus contract back to normal size after the birth.