This is kind of a random post but when I find something that is amazing I always want to share the find! Plus this will give me a chance to open up a bit about my pregnancies and natural births. When moms to be have zero complications and are practicing a healthy lifestyle, I am an advocate of home birth. Both my daughter’s were born at home and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I believe it’s a woman’s choice to decide what is right for herself and her baby so I understand when people think I’m nuts for nixing the hospital but the rewards of birthing without drugs, having a baby completely free of synthetic anything and being in the comfort of my home are just priceless to me.

My first daughter was born after 12 hours of labor-most of it spent in the tub because water is truly miraculous when it comes to relieving pain.  2 1/2 years later I was pregnant with my 2nd daughter and had come a long way with living a healthy lifestyle.  Breast feeding and being in charge of my daughter’s health helped me be better about my lifestyle choices.  Home birthing taught me that our bodies were made to have babies-I also learned our bodies were made to heal themselves and when you fuel your body with the right food and activity, the body will usually respond on it’s own.

My 2nd pregnancy was much like the first, no complications, lots of uncomfortableness and impatience on my part!  The day I went into labor I felt a bit of pain in my stomach at 9 a.m.  By 10 a.m, Heidi was born.  It happened so quickly that my midwife didn’t even make it in time!  My husband proudly delivered our healthy baby girl and we have marveled ever since on that crazy 1 hour of labor!

My 2nd pregnancy consisted of lots of walking, lots of food, lots of essential oils (chamomile, rose, bergamot, lavender jasmine, rosewood, ylang ylang and lemon applied to my belly) and drinking lots of 3rd Trimester tea.  One or all of the above aided me greatly with labor.  I believe I had been in labor all night and morning.  Due to the tea easing my contractions and strengthening my uterus, I just never felt the beginning and middle stages of my labor.  I felt my body dilating (I swear) so I know my labor flew by at lightening speed.

So now I’ll get to the tea.  I love the Earth Mama, Angel Baby line-I used their stretch mark oil (pre-diy recipe!) and had great results.  Somewhere around 25 weeks I read Alyssa Milano had stocked up on 3rd trimester tea and was drinking it constantly.  I was so intrigued I had to try it.

This tea is made up of red raspberry leaf, stinging nettle, chamomile, rosehips and oatstraw.  This combo. does wonders for supporting the uterus.  Not to mention, it delivers extra vitamins and much needed nutrition.

Benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea:

• Calms morning sickness.
• Reduces bleeding gums which is common during pregnancy.
• Relaxes the uterus when it contracting.
• Assist with the birth of the baby and the placenta.
• Calms cramping of the uterus.
• Provides a rich source of iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium. The magnesium content is especially helpful in strengthening the uterine muscles. Raspberry leaf also contains vitamins B1, B3 and E which are valuable in pregnancy.
• Aids fertility.
• Promotes milk production
• Helps stop excess bleeding after birth.
• Helps regulate irregular menstrual cycles and decreases heavy periods.
• Relieves sore throats.
• Reduces fever.

via Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond

Even if you aren’t pregnant, this tea is a good idea.  I’m sipping some right now and there is no pregnancy in site!  I need support with my hormones and cycle and hands down-this is the best tasting tea EVER!  I like it iced but you can drink it hot.  Add honey, mint leaves, lemon or just drink it alone-it has such a good flavor!

Sorry for such a random post but I wanted to share a bit about my birth story and welcome any comments or questions about home birth-I’m happy to discuss!  (unless you want to lecture me about the dangers of home birthing-then you can send those emails to [email protected] ;))  Plus this tea really is post worthy!

xx, Jenni

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