Our bodies are miracles. The process of becoming pregnant, growing a baby, giving birth and recovering is astounding. And our bodies are designed for it. But we often need some extra support along the way and herbs are a safe and effective way to do this.

Of course, there are way more than 5 herbs that can be used safely and effectively during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Here I’ve chosen 5 well known and easily found herbs to explore. 

One of the regular blood tests taken during pregnancy is to check your iron levels.

But what does this mean?

Many healthboards now recommend that every pregnant women take iron tablets, regardless of their individual blood levels.

Do you need this iron?

As a herbalist, I am astounded at how useful some plants are for humans. And as a midwife, raspberry leaf is definitely one of the top ones for pregnancy, postpartum and all uterine health – from menarche to menopause.

For centuries, indigenous people of North America used raspberry leaf as an extremely effective uterine tonic, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that the Western world began to use it after several reports in medical journals extolled its effects on the uterus and pelvic region.

But there seems to be a persistent untruth about raspberry leaf in current times that just hangs on and on.

In recent decades, clary sage has become known for bringing on contractions in a pregnant woman. Birthing units around the country now keep countless bottles of clary sage essential oil to use in labour rooms. Clary sage oil features in every labour kit. Some women swear it helped their labour to start. But what is missing?