|
5/27/2026 Naturopathic Support in Peripartum Bleeding: Holistic Strategies for Safer Birth OutcomesRead Now 
Postpartum hemorrhage is a dangerous phenomenon that can occur during or after birth and delivery. This may happen due to problems within the uterus or the birth canal. Generally, the most common cause of postpartum bleeding is uterine atony, where the ability of your uterus to contract and compress blood vessels within is impaired, allowing blood to flow out into the vagina. Adequate prevention and timely management are very important in preventing maternal death and fetal demise.
Understanding PERIPARTUM Hemorrhage
During pregnancy, the body’s blood volume significantly increases to accommodate the needs of both the mother and baby, as well as protect the mother during birth and delivery when blood loss is considered inevitable. Naturally, more blood vessels are created inside your uterus to sustain your baby through the placenta. These blood vessels are special because they lack a muscular layer that prevents them from contracting by themselves, which is why adequate uterine contractions are very important to compress these blood vessels and prevent blood from leaking out. Hence, the contractions of your uterus not only help deliver your baby, but also prevent you from bleeding excessively after giving birth. Problems with the integrity of your uterus due to trauma, tone, retained placental tissue, or bleeding disorders can lead to hemorrhage.
Did you know? In most cases of postpartum bleeding, your blood pressure and pulse rates do not significantly change until large amounts of blood have been lost! This is because of a phenomenon called pregnancy-induced hypervolemia, where a woman’s blood volume significantly increases during pregnancy to accommodate fetal needs and potential blood loss during delivery. Conventional Medical Management
Postpartum bleeding is allopathically managed with pharmaceutical uterotonics, which are considered first in line to manage blood loss. These include oxytocin, misoprostol, methylergonovine, and carboprost. These medications act by facilitating adequate and regular uterine contractions to compress the temporary arteries supplying blood to your uterus and placenta, thereby minimizing blood loss. These medications are important and can be life-saving, but they are not without unpleasant side effects. Carboprost is especially notorious for causing diarrhea, which can cause added stress and discomfort to the new mother. Methylergonovine is contraindicated in mothers with hypertension since it may trigger blood pressure spikes, while carboprost should not be given in mothers with asthma because it can constrict the airways. Other methods to stop bleeding include bimanual uterine compressions and surgical procedures.
Naturopathic Care in Managing PERIPARTUM Bleeding
Naturopathic care focuses on preparing the body before labor to prevent excess bleeding and to help you have a faster and more complete postpartum recovery. Your naturopathic doctor creates an individualized care plan that strengthens your body for a safer birth while respecting the decisions you have made with regards to your prenatal care team, whether that’s conventional medical care or through a midwife or other birth professional.
While one of the primary goals of naturopathic prenatal care is prevention of birth complications, including maternal hemorrhage, postpartum naturopathic care helps your body recover from these life-threatening events should they occur. One effect of severe hemorrhage is damage to the brain (anoxic or ischemic brain injury) or pituitary gland (Sheehan syndrome) from lack of blood depriving them of oxygen and nutrients. Timely testing is crucial to evaluate for damage and help ensure safe naturopathic and conventional care. From there, a customized plan can help repair damage, support your recovery, manage hormones, and alleviate symptoms. Nutritional Support The best way to manage bleeding is by preventing it from happening in the first place, especially for mothers with personal risk factors that may predispose them to have bleeding tendencies during pregnancy. Eating iron-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, can help nurture blood volume during pregnancy and prevent heavy amounts of blood loss that can affect your body’s hemodynamic processes. On the other hand, protein and healthy fats help nurture and strengthen uterine muscle tone. This is important in preventing uterine atony (absence of uterine contractions), which is the leading cause of postpartum bleeding today. Herbal Support Most herbal remedies are contraindicated during pregnancy since these may affect both the mother and baby. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, including raspberry leaf. Classified as a member of the Rosaceae family, raspberry leaf has been used for centuries to help tone and strengthen the uterus, thereby coordinating its contractions and preventing bleeding.1 Interestingly, raspberry leaf’s effect on strengthening the tone of the uterus can help facilitate labor and prevent prolonged delivery of the baby, which is a factor that can lead to postpartum bleeding.1 While raspberry leaf is a classic herb of pregnancy used by our ancestors for generations, it also highlights the balance of herb safety during pregnancy. As you’ll hear us say a lot here, “Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe.” Raspberry leaf has the potential to stimulate uterine contractions which could trigger preterm labor. For that reason, responsibly trained naturopathic doctors and clinical herbalists generally recommend not starting this herb until the third trimester. The use of herbal remedies during pregnancy should be guided and monitored by a healthcare provider, such as your naturopathic doctor. What might be safe before pregnancy could pose significant risks during this delicate time, potentially harming both you and your baby. It is important to seek expert guidance to ensure that your health choices are safe and effective. Consulting with your naturopathic doctor can be a transformative experience, empowering you to discover effective natural solutions tailored specifically for your unique pregnancy journey. Activity and Rest Adequate exercise done during pregnancy promotes endurance and strengthens muscle tone. The right, pregnancy-safe exercise regimen promotes uterine contractility, helping produce adequate and coordinated uterine contractions during birth and delivery.2 This may be a result of noradrenaline, a hormone released during exercise that nurtures the contractility of the uterus during pregnancy.2 Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga, are additional therapeutic regimens that can help condition the mind in preparation for the birth of your baby. The Naturopathic Approach
Each pregnancy journey is unique and unexpected challenges such as unwanted bleeding during birth and delivery can happen. Naturopathic care offers holistic solutions that not only help prevent these issues but also support your body in recovering from them. Your naturopathic doctor works in complement to, not in place of, your prenatal care provider to mitigate risks and promote a healthy recovery for both you and your baby. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
The nutritional state of the mother during pregnancy can not only affect her health, but also the growth and nutrition of her baby, even after birth. Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals before and during pregnancy, such as folic acid for example, can predispose your child to developing birth anomalies or fetal growth problems.2 Acquiring nutritional deficiency is not only caused by decreasing your intake of food because you feel nauseous or fatigued while being pregnant, but it can also happen if you eat larger amounts of food that are nutritionally deficient!
Evaluating your food choices and coupling your meals with supplements are vital steps in achieving optimal pregnancy outcomes. The Importance of Prenatal Nutrient Supplementation
Supplementing your diet with essential vitamins and minerals during pregnancy is important to help your body cope with the different changes that happen within to provide space and nutrients for the growth of your baby. During the early stages of pregnancy, your baby grows by means of hyperplasia, wherein cells in the body of the fetus multiply and increase in number.4 If your baby is deprived of nutrients during this stage, it may have a smaller weight than what is considered normal due to the inadequate number of cells being produced and formed in the body. As the fetus grows inside your uterus, body cells undergo hypertrophy, wherein they enlarge rather than multiplying in numbers.4 Lack of nutrients during this stage can also restrict growth since the cells of your baby are unable to grow to the full extent that they are potentially able.
Do you need to follow a strict diet during pregnancy?
Rather than establishing restrictions associated with the word “diet,” exploring foods that are best for you while you are pregnant holds more importance.
Eating healthy meals that nurture your health, and the growth of your baby feels more encouraging and wholesome than holding yourself back because of unpleasant food rules. After all, pregnancy should be a unique, fulfilling experience that nurtures optimal health. 
Essential Nutrients During Pregnancy
Protein
Protein is an essential component to help your baby have a strong body framework. This is why protein needs increase during pregnancy compared to non-pregnancy states. Nurturing adequate protein levels is also important because meeting your body’s protein needs may also mean that iron, calcium, and vitamin B levels are adequate, especially when you source your protein from eating meat, fish, eggs, or poultry! Essential Fatty Acids Although very important during pregnancy because of their role in the development of the baby’s brain and eye tissues, essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be synthesized by the mother’s body. This means that the baby can only rely on receiving fatty acids from the food you eat and fatty acid supplements you take. Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important to maintain the fluidity and permeability of cell membranes (outer layer of cells made up of phospholipids), as well as the production of enzymes that regulate inflammation.2 Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, can help regulate inflammation and promote vasodilation (widened blood vessels), which can help reduce the mother’s risks of developing hypertension during pregnancy, as well as prevent premature delivery and fetal growth problems.2 Vitamin B Complex Each subtype of vitamin B plays an important role in the production of essential enzymes that regulate cellular processes in the body. These include the production of antioxidants, regulation of amino acid levels (which form proteins), and nurture the expression of genes.1 Folate (vitamin B9), in particular, is vital in preventing the development of neural tube defects and growth delay since this nutrient plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis which is important for the optimal growth and replication of cells in the body. Aside from folate, cobalamin (vitamin B12), is an essential nutrient to be supplemented during pregnancy because it also helps in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and myelin production (the outer covering of neurons in the brain that protects them from damage), thereby preventing the development of birth defects, especially on the baby’s nervous system. Thiamine (vitamin B1), on the other hand, is important in maintaining optimal glucose levels in the blood (normoglycemia) through its role in producing and secreting insulin.2 Another important vitamin is riboflavin (vitamin B2), which is vital in producing immune cells, red blood cells, and thyroid hormones.2 To nurture the healthy growth and development of your baby, niacin (vitamin B3) supplementation is important because this nutrient is needed for normal digestive system, skin, and nervous system development.2 Some neurodevelopmental problems or incidence of cleft lip/palate can also be prevented through appropriate pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) supplementation.2 Vitamin A Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps nurture the growth of vital organs in the body, such as the heart, lungs, and eyes.2 During pregnancy, vitamin A supplementation is important to prevent anemia (low hemoglobin levels in the blood), as well as reduce your baby’s risks of having eye disorders (especially vision problems), delayed growth, and birth defects. However, it is important to remember that you should stop using high doses of vitamin A supplements for skin conditions at least 6-12 months before getting pregnant, since prolonged storage of these forms of the vitamin may cause birth defects, or in worse cases, miscarriage.2 Vitamin C Vitamin C is another important antioxidant that is needed by the body during pregnancy to grow and repair collagen, which is a structural protein that strengthens your bones and teeth.2 Supplementation of this essential nutrient during pregnancy can help prevent preeclampsia (high blood pressure levels during pregnancy), urinary tract infections, and preterm birth.2 Vitamin D Vitamin D is essential in the body because it supports bone growth and a healthy immune system. During pregnancy, vitamin D is especially important to be supplemented because not only do vitamin D levels decrease as the baby grows, but also deficient levels of this nutrient can cause delayed growth and development of the fetus, as well as increase its risk of having rickets (deformed bones).2 Additionally, vitamin D deficiency increases the mother’s risks of having hypertension or miscarriage.2 Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so you’ll get the most out of your supplement by taking it with a snack or meal that contains fat. Iron Iron is a vital component of red blood cells and decreased levels of this nutrient can lead to anemia during pregnancy. Iron deficiency can lead to low birth weight and growth problems of the baby.2 Additionally, iron is important in synthesizing collagen, which provides a framework for most structures in the body.2 During pregnancy, supplementing iron levels is especially important to support higher iron needs to meet the demands of the baby, support adequate production of the mother’s red blood cells, and minimize the effects of unavoidable blood loss during labor and delivery. Fiber Fiber is an essential nutrient that helps prevent constipation by promoting the passage of stools through the digestive tract. It also helps nurture the diversity of your gut microbiota. Adding fiber to your diet is especially important when you are pregnant because this can help nurture appropriate gestational weight gain, blood glucose levels, and blood pressure levels.3 Nurturing a Healthy Pregnancy
The well-being of the baby greatly depends on the health of the mother throughout pregnancy, which is why adequate nutrition and nutrient supplementation is crucial during this wonderful time. Although most nutrients are best sources from the food the mother eats, supplementing meals with essential vitamins and minerals promotes a synergistic effect that supplies what the mother needs and nurtures optimal levels of specific nutrients for fetal growth and development.
Because each pregnancy is unique, the first step to having optimal health for both you and your baby is identifying which nutrient and forms of supplement is best suited for your case. At Natural Path to Wellness, we will help you discover the best ways to nurture a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
Pregnancy is a challenging journey filled with risks and vulnerabilities that affect the health of the mother and development of the child. This is precisely why supporting the mother throughout this period is very important and care should not be stopped even after birth. Postpartum depression (PPD), a common problem faced by many mothers in the world, needs proper recognition and care to nurture the health of both mother and child after birth. As the mother embraces a new chapter and responsibility in her life, holistic support that nurtures both mind and body are important in preventing and managing postpartum depression.
Understanding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a concerning complication of pregnancy that affects mothers all over the world, most of which are undiagnosed or not given adequate treatment. It can happen to mothers within one month of giving birth and may last up to a whole year. The development of PPD is influenced by a variety of factors, such as hormonal changes and emotional state during pregnancy. The mother’s nutrition throughout this period is especially crucial and can contribute to the development of PPD.2 Additionally, changes in progesterone and estrogen levels during childbirth may decrease the mother’s serotonin and dopamine levels, affecting her mood, focus, and motivation.4 Low serotonin levels have been associated with mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Signs and Symptoms
Mothers with postpartum depression may have low and unpleasant moods, lack of interest to her surroundings, problems with appetite and sleep, trouble concentrating, and guilty feelings towards her child.1 These mothers may also feel a lack of interest towards caring for her baby. In severe cases, mothers with postpartum depression may have suicidal thoughts and ideation. Mothers who were previously diagnosed with depression, have problems with their self-esteem, have unsupportive and problematic partners, and experienced complications during pregnancy are more likely to develop postpartum depression.4
Early Recognition and Care
Early detection of postpartum depression is important for timely, holistic care.
This is precisely why building trust with your healthcare provider is important throughout your pregnancy. Follow-up visits to your healthcare provider even after giving birth helps address your concerns and recognize symptoms you may be feeling that can distinguish the thin line between postpartum depression and postpartum blues, a phenomenon that mothers commonly experience after giving birth. Postpartum depression can actually affect 1 in 7 women after giving birth.5 Postpartum blues, on the other hand, may cause mothers to be irritable, have unhappy moods, and cry easily lasting for less than two weeks.1 Although normal, this phenomenon needs to be recognized and monitored as it can develop into postpartum depression without adequate support. 
The Naturopathic Approach
Naturopathic care for postpartum depression aims to nurture the connection between the mind and body through holistic and integrated care. These therapeutic interventions support your body’s natural abilities to heal and nurture itself throughout your childbearing and childrearing years.
Nutrition and Supplementation Pregnancy and lactation both cause severe stress on the body because these are when the mother sustains another human being instead of just her own. In fact, the mother’s nutritional needs greatly increase during these periods as the baby grows and develops. Hence, following a nutritious and well-balanced diet that targets your specific needs is important to prevent nutrient deficiencies that may cause harm to you and your baby. Adequate nutrition can also help lower your risks of developing postpartum depression, since the food you eat nurtures your brain’s optimal functioning.2 Just as importantly, eating healthy boosts and protects your baby’s health! Supporting your meals with nutritional supplements, such as vitamin D can help nurture your bones and at the same time support your body’s ability to carry and protect your baby. Taking omega-3 supplements, on the other hand, supports fetal brain and eye health by nurturing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels.2 Mind-Body Care A healthy body requires a healthy mind, and a healthy mind requires a healthy body. This statement is especially important with childbearing and childrearing. Mind-body interventions, such as meditation, muscle relaxation activities, and yoga, are techniques that are generally safe to perform during pregnancy and can help with pain, blood pressure levels, anxious thoughts, stress, depressive feelings, and mood disturbances throughout these crucial events in your life.3 Additionally, these therapeutic techniques nurture the connection between your mind and body, supporting balance within. Lifestyle and Physical Support Exercise is a simple, cost-free, and effective regimen that can help nurture your mental and physical state. Once your doctor clears you to exercise, doing at least 150 minutes of moderate physical exercises per week can already help regulate your blood circulation to prevent harmful clots and blood pressure levels, strengthen your muscles to support the baby’s growth and development, increase your milk supply, and improve your mental state.4 Your levels of postpartum depression can be greatly reduced through a simple walk!4 Nurturing mind and body health
Your naturopathic doctor can help support your mood and physical recovery, but it’s important to seek out this professional help and to talk to your primary care provider before beginning any kind of herbs, supplements, or other medications, because many of these substances are released into breast milk and may not be safe for your baby. Likewise, physical activity, nutrition, and other lifestyle changes need to be calibrated to your own recovery journey.
At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine advisors are committed to supporting you as your body goes through a wonderful period in your life. We will help you discover the best natural options for your unique case, helping to nurture hormone levels, nutrition, and emotional wellness for your optimal health. Talk to us today! This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
|
THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
Archives
June 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed