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Pregnancy can be a very confusing time for women. There is also the constant worry if what you are doing is OK for the baby as well as for yourself. Each pregnancy is different and the body responds in its unique way to the growing baby. However, there are a few general things that can be done to ensure care to both mum and baby through the pregnancy. 

Of course, any concerns should be discussed with your healthcare professional if you are a mum-to-be. In particular, not all herbal remedies and such-like will be recommended and some can be quite dangerous. This is why it is always best to seek out professionals in natural remedies in the areas of your concern- whether that’s pregnancy, fertility, or help through menopause. 

One thing that is for certain is that pregnancy is a time of change. And change means looking for new ways of doing things and adapting to the current norms of life. So, that being said, here are 3 important pregnancy care tips- for both mum and baby! 

1. Vitamins and minerals! There is a definite need to adjust or implement additional vitamins and minerals to your diet when you are expecting. In particular, folic acid, iron, vitamin D, calcium, DHA, and Iodine are crucial for mum and baby. You don’t necessarily need to “eat for two” but alongside good nutrition, these added vitamins/minerals play a vital role. Numerous blended supplements will take care of your additional needs whilst pregnant- these can be helpful as they take the guesswork out of vitamin supplementation. 

2. Maintain exercise and activity. Gentle, low-moderate exercise can be extremely beneficial for mum and baby. As the pregnancy evolves it may be more difficult to get into certain yoga poses for instance- and so attending a specialized pre-natal yoga class will work better. Exercise will help keep muscles and bones strong and aid in improving circulation. Try walking, swimming, dancing, or specialized prenatal classes. Always seek advice if you are unsure or have any concerns about a particular activity. 

3. Take time out for yourself! Once the baby arrives life will change! Take some time out to look after yourself and relax as much as needed. Relaxation therapies can help; exercise will help to calm you as well as keep you energized and physically well. Everyone has varying ideas of what self-care looks like, so whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed and a little bit pampered- make time for it! 

As mentioned earlier, certain vitamins and minerals are needed in extra doses and as professionals in this area, Herb Lore has a host of natural capsules and tinctures that can help. Taking a prenatal supplement is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby

Herb Lore is specifically trained in using herbs with pregnant, trying-to-conceive, or breastfeeding mothers. This is a whole other realm of herbalism with critical considerations and consequences for pregnant and nursing mothers and their babies.

“Our standards are high. Herb Lore’s herbal products are made with only the highest-quality ingredients. We source our all-organic non-GMO herbs from well-known and ethically sustainable sources. The glycerine, alcohol, veggie-caps, oil and other materials used in our tinctures, teas, salves, and capsules are 100% organic, vegetarian, non-GMO, and are gluten-free”- Herb Lore

Here are two great herbal products from Herb Lore’s range: Iron Tonic Tincture and Vitex Capsules (Vitex is also available in a liquid extract (tincture) form)

Iron Tonic Tincture 

Pregnancy is noted for depleting iron levels as more oxygenated blood is needed for the growing baby. It is not uncommon for women to become anemic during pregnancy. This tincture is a combination of herbs noted for their high iron content and their success in increasing iron levels in the blood. 

Here’s how Herb Lore may help you:

• Because they are in plant form, they are more easily digested, absorbed, and assimilated by the body than are synthetic forms of iron supplements. 

• Unlike synthetic forms of iron, this herbal tonic will gently alleviate constipation, rather than cause it. 

• Yellow Dock, one of the main herbs in this product, is rich in highly absorbable iron and also contains some gentle stool softening properties as well.

• Ingredients: Organic Yellow Dock Root, Dandelion Root, and Nettle Leaf. The regular tincture is extracted in organic grape alcohol and the non-alcohol version is extracted in organic vegetable glycerine and distilled water. 

• All Herb Lore tinctures are non-GMO and are gluten-free
   

It is safe for use by those pregnant and nursing, and the non-alcohol version is perfect for children. Customers report they typically see a change in their blood levels within a week or two, although long-term use is fine.

Dosage guidelines: Adults: Use 1-2 droppers (squeezes) 2-3 times a day. Children: Use the age-appropriate dose per the Children's Dosage Guide 2-3 times a day. The non-alcohol version is best for children of course!

“Our herbalist, Pam Caldwell, is one of the few herbalists who specialize in this area, with 20+ years of experience. She is knowledgeable about what works and what herbs to use for various problems, and especially what is safe and appropriate for pregnant moms, trying to conceive moms, and breastfeeding moms and their babies. What might be safe for a regular person may be contraindicated (or even dangerous) for a pregnant or breastfeeding woman or her baby? It's wise to rely on a specialist in this area rather than a general-practice herbalist”- Herb Lore
 

Vitex Capsules

Vitex is one of the best herbs for balancing hormones and relieving symptoms of PMS, infertility, and pre-or peri-menopause. 

Herb Lore’s Vitex capsules contain Organic Vitex Berry powder in vegetarian capsules. They contain no other additive or fillers. The veggie-caps are certified non-GMO, vegan, and are Kosher and Halal certified. As with all Herb Lore products, they are gluten-free and preservative-free.

Here’s how Vitex may help you:

• Vitex is helpful to menopausal women who are still cycling. Although studies point to this (the fact that it's most helpful to those who still have their cycle), our herbalist Pam (as well as other clients) have reported that Vitex has worked better for them than other herbs for menopause in relieving hot flashes and other menopausal complaints even after the cycle has stopped. 

• Vitex works on the pituitary gland, which is responsible for signaling the body to make certain amounts of each hormone, therefore, it helps to bring balance at the core of the issue. This is why this herb is so successful at balancing female hormones regardless of which way a woman is out of balance.

• Vitex is helpful to women who are trying to conceive, as conception is much easier to achieve when the hormones are balanced, and it is also helpful to women who do NOT want to conceive, as with balanced hormones, they have a better sense of when they're fertile and to avoid sex (or use contraception) during that time.

The 200ct bottle of capsules will last for 7 weeks, and the 400ct bottle will last around 3 months. Herb Lore suggests using 2 caps twice a day, every day of the month. Consistency is important and the best results are seen with long-term use.

“We manufacture our products in small batches, frequently. This assures a fresh product all of the time - and if you cook with herbs and spices, you know how much better a fresh herb will work for you rather than an old one. It works the same for medicinal herbs. We manufacture all of our products in our own 5500 sq. ft. manufacturing space, which allows us to know for sure what goes into our products and that the freshness and quality live up to our high standards”- Herb Lore

* In partnership with our friends at Herb Lore. Photo courtesy of Herb Lore
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