Herbal treatments and aromatherapy are valuable, time-proven, natural approaches to a healthy and more comfortable pregnancy and birth as well as a successful breastfeeding experience. Herbalist, instructor, and midwife Demetria Clark explains everything a woman needs to know about using herbs and essential oils during this important time of life. Demetria explains which specific essential oils can help with particular physical and emotional challenges that commonly affect women during pregnancy and birth. She also explains how essential oils are made and their various purposes and applications, including infusions, topical preparations, and air dispersal via sprays and diffusers. Readers will find practical tips on how to purchase essential oils and use them safely, along with a list of essential oils to avoid during pregnancy and postpartum. A reference section covers both common herbs and those typically familiar only to herbal practitioners. Descriptions include which conditions an herb is best suited for and when that herb should not be used. Demetria provides the botanical name of each herb so it can be identified regardless of the common name it's sold under. In addition, she offers basic information on how to make herbal remedies at home and how to grow, gather, and prepare herbs from fresh plants.

Master herbalist Demetria Clark provides parents with safe, effective, natural alternatives to conventional medicines which often have negative side effects. This easy to follow, hands-on, practical guide shows how to use herbal remedies to resolve common childhood health issues: simple teas for tummy aches, drops for earaches, treatments for eczema and diaper rash, and much more. Readers are given an introduction to herbal medicine, an explanation of how each herb works and what conditions it treats, a guide to herbal staples for daily use and first aid, and an alphabetical listing of childhood illnesses along with their remedies. Readers are also shown how to gather, preserve, and store herbs, and make their own herbal teas, decoctions, infusions, and salves. Also included are resources on everything from buying and growing herbs to locating an herbalist.

Aromatherapy is increasingly incorporated into midwifery practice, particularly in midwife-led units. It is the most commonly used therapy by midwives and birthing practitioners but access to up-to-date safety information is limited. Almost 90% of women may be using complementary therapies during pregnancy and birth and so it is very important that midwives are aware of safe and appropriate use based on contemporary evidence. This book covers safety, effectiveness, evidence, benefits and risks, and legal, ethical and professional issues related to incorporating aromatherapy into maternity care. Useful charts and tables are included for quick reference in clinical practice, making this is the ultimate handbook for using aromatherapy in midwifery practice. The scientific basis behind aromatherapy, including relevant anatomy and physiology, chemistry and pharmacology are covered, as well as a critical appraisal of the contemporary research evidence supporting the use of aromatherapy in maternity care. Essential oil profiles of the oils that can be safely used in pregnancy, birth and postnatally are also included.

Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth & Babies is a reference guide written for pregnant women or anyone assisting them, including midwives and doulas.

From preconception to adolescence to creating a healthy family lifestyle, this guide covers health during pregnancy and natural childbirth; healthful eating for the whole family; uses and abuses of TV, computers and video games; discipline issues; and more.