Preparing for labor + Birth
Welcome, Ayurveda mama, to your 8th month of pregnancy.
What’s in my box?
Welcome your babe into a beautiful world. This box includes everything you need according to Ayurveda to prepare your body, heart and mind for a more smooth and ease-filled labor & birth.
In this box you will receive:
Strengthen: Abhyanga Oil
Abhyanga is the practice of self massage. Strengthen: Abhyanga Oil brings nourishment to all the tissues of the body. Infused with abhwagandha and bala, this oil provides you with the essential strength you need to carry you through labor and birth. Save this oil for when you go into labor and have your support person gently warm the oil by placing the bottle under hot running water. When the oil is warmer than skin temperature, have your partner or doula massage your lower back, hips, and thighs with the oil, moving in firm, downward strokes. This can be done throughout your entire labor in between contractions, or however feels supportive to you.
Birth: Herbal Bath
Bathing in pure organic linden flowers and leaves are traditionally used in Ayurveda to prepare the perineal tissues for birth. Use these flowers to prepare herbal sitz baths regularly leading up to birth, and you can also add them your birthing tub during labor, if you plan to have one. These flowers and leaves will assist in softening the tissues and you can use your time in your herbal baths to begin to bring your energy inwards, so that you will be equipped with the deep focus that is necessary during your labor.
Fortify: Yoni Picchu + Basti Oil
Yoni Picchu and Basti are traditional methods of Ayurveda for preparing the perineal tissues and the body for childbirth. Fortify: Yoni Picchu + Basti Oil, when used with these practices, will internally lubricate the tissues of the body, alleviate vata from the colon and pelvis, and begin to bring apana vayu downward, (the downward flow of energy in the body which governs the delivery of your baby).
Fortify: Herbal Ghee
Perineal massage is another traditional method for preparing perineal tissues before birth. Ghee infused with licorice root is traditionally used for this purpose in Ayurveda. A daily massage of the perineal tissues with this herbalized ghee, leading up to the onset of labor, will help stretch the tissues and accustom you to the sensations you may feel during labor and birth.
Guduchi: Herbal Supplement
The health promoting powers of guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) were so respected by the authors of the ancient Ayurvedic texts that they called it "Amrita" or "Divine Nectar." As a rejuvenative, guduchi strengthens the tissues, bolsters immunity, and promotes vitality while calming the mind and supporting proper function of the nervous system. It is also traditionally used to promote longevity and to support healthy reproduction.
To Use: Take 1/4 tsp mixed in water each day to strengthen the uterus, or as needed to ease heartburn.
Cardamom Essential Oil
According to Ayurveda, there are several traditional scents that should be smelled by a birthing mother. Cardamom is one of the traditional scents used in birthing rooms. This pure essential oil can be diffused in the birthing room, it can be anointed on your body, or a few drops can placed into a bowl or container and kept at close hand to smell as desired. It has been said amongst doulas that smelling cardamom essential oil during labor can help to curb the nausea that is associated with contractions.
Birth Flower Essence
Flower essences are made from the flowers of plants at the peak of their bloom. They contain the spiritual essence of the plant and address issues in the body on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. This Inner Sun and Moon proprietary blend empowers the birthing mama to bring her baby earthside in the best way she is capable of.
To Use: Take 3-5 drops under the tongue after completing your bottle of pregnancy flower essence, and continue taking until the bottle is empty. Follow next with the Postpartum Flower Essence you will receive in your next box.
Preparing for labor and birth.
Perineal Massage.
One of the most common fears surrounding the birth process for pregnant women is that the tissues of her perineal area (particularly between the vagina/vaginal opening and the rectum/anus) will tear. It has become a more common recommendation that a pregnant mama, with or without her partner, begin about a month before her estimated due date to massage or manually stretch the tissues of her perineum to prevent perineal lacerations and other trauma during birth. This is also the perfect place to apply oil to ground and reduce excess vata dosha.
Several studies show that perineal massage reduces the likelihood of perineal trauma and ongoing perineal pain. It is thought that the stretching massage action will soften the muscles, connective tissue, and skin of the area, and pliable tissue is less likely to tear.
Most recommend perineal massage be performed to the edge of comfort until a slight burning or numbing sensation occurs. This may help you become more familiar with the sensation of a baby’s head crowning so that when you feel this in labor you are more likely to relax into it and less likely to panic and tense up, or panic and push really hard and fast, which may cause tearing.
Your perineal massage might include the following:
Create a safe environment where you will not be interrupted.
Wash your hands thoroughly and trim your fingernails.
Use some kind of safe lubricant (coconut oil, sesame oil, or ghee are good choices) if desired, with a towel under your bottom to catch dripping oil.
Place one or both hands over the vulva and perineum and honor your baby’s gateway into this world.
Insert one or two fingers (or thumbs if that feels best) into your vagina up to one or two knuckles, whatever feels comfortable.
Apply downward pressure (toward your anus) for a few minutes. Perhaps slide back and forth between 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock (figure 1). Note any sensation.
Apply pressure to one side and then the other for several minutes.
Breathe deeply and practice fully relaxing into the sensations. It may feel uncomfortable. It is not only preparing the tissues, but also training your body how to relax around intense sensation and allow the tissues to stretch. The mental aspect of allowing, without clenching or tightening, is part of the preparation too.
Stop when you feel you have had enough.
Place your hand over your vulva and perineum and send your gratitude again.
