Author, herbalist, and Wise Woman, Susun Weed, explains that the childbearing year is a thirteen month year: the two months before conception, the nine months of pregnancy, and the two months following the birth. I love this concept and opportunity to slow down and experience each season while creating life. And this is how Susun writes her book, Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Years. She takes us back to our ancestors, those who taught their daughters the wisdom of the earth. She brings that wisdom to us as we give life, and she teaches us how to pass it forward.
Susun explains,
"This book speaks to the Wise Woman in you--the pregnant
woman--and the Wise Woman in your mate, lover, midwife, doctor,
childbirth educator, and friends. It is based on the belief that
you are capable of observing your own body, heart, and mind, responding
to messages you receive during the childbearing year, and caring
for yourself in the context of loving support and assistance."
Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Years begins with the importance of using herbs safely.
Susun offers a number of reminders for safety, and cautions about
herbs that should be taken seriously. She includes a list of potentially
toxic herbs.
The chapter
on fertility, Before Pregnancy, explains that herbs used
to encourage a pregnancy are characterized by their ability to
nourish and tone the uterus, nourish the entire body, relax
the nervous system, establish and balance normal functioning of
the hormonal system, and balance sexual desire. Of course, specific
herbs and their properties are discussed, as related to your goals
and needs at this time. Susun shares a list of items (other than
herbs) to avoid before and during pregnancy.
During
Pregnancy is divided into several sections, beginning with
tonics and miscarriage. Other sections are titled with a condition
such as moodiness, backache, heartburn, fatigue, high blood pressure
and so forth. If you are looking for relief for morning sickness,
for instance, you will find raspberry leaves, spearmint, peppermint
and ginger as a few suggested herbs that will ease the discomfort.
Also included is interesting information about morning sickness
and non-herbal suggestions for prevention.
After Pregnancy
discusses perineal tears, after-pains, child-bed fever, depression,
exhaustion/tension and lactation. The transitions experienced
after childbirth can be made easier with knowledge about massage,
compresses, sitz baths and the use of herbs in each process.
My favorite
section of this book is chapter 5, Your Infant. Each chapter
offers an abundance of useful and enlightening information, but
this chapter assists in areas where we are generally unprepared,
and at the same time, tired and overwhelmed. Topics include: umbilical
care, eye care, colic, thrush, diaper rash, and infections and
fevers.
Each chapter
is supported with a list of resources. Included in the back of
the book is an Herbal Pharmacy with instructions for making
decoctions, infusions, tinctures and other healing "medicines."
Whether you
choose to use herbal remedies while pregnant or not, this book
opens up new channels of thought, a passion for healing, and a
deep respect for our inner knowing and understanding of spirit.
It wishes you a healthy year filled with wiseness and love.
To Purchase:
• Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year at Amazon.com
• Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year at Amazon UK
• Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year at Amazon Canada
