Expelling a retained placenta
After the baby has been delivered, the placenta can take up to an hour to separate from the wall of the uterus. During this time, the last amount of the amniotic fluid drains away and there is some blood loss as the placenta separates. The uterus should continue contracting (although it may ‘rest’ for a while) after baby has been born to encourage the placenta to separate; all of the techniques/remedies listed within this section can also help encourage this. Most placentas will deliver themselves within half an hour after birth. Some midwives and doctors are okay with waiting two hours after birth for the placenta to deliver, as long as there are no symptoms of emergency such as significant bleeding.
Types of retained placenta
Placenta Adherens- Occurs when the contractions of the womb are not robust enough to completely expel the placenta. This results in the placenta remaining loosely attached to the wall of the uterus. This is the most common type of retained placenta.
Trapped placenta- When the placenta successfully detaches from the uterine wall but fails to be expelled from the woman’s body it is considered a trapped placenta. This usually happens as a result of the cervix closing before the placenta has been expelled. The Trapped Placenta is left inside the uterus.
Placenta Accreta- When the placenta attaches to the muscular walls of the uterus instead of the lining of the uterine walls, delivery becomes harder and often results in severe bleeding.
Signs & symptoms of a retained placenta:�If the placenta is not delivered within an hour after birth, this is the most obvious sign of a retained placenta.
�Fever.
�Foul smelling discharge from the vagina.
�Large piece of tissue coming from the placenta.
Heavy bleeding.
Pain that does not stop.
Natural things that only the midwife/obgyn can do
Massaging the uterus- Stimulates contractions.
Remove the placenta by hand- The midwife may be able to do this. However, it carries an increased risk of infection. A natural antibiotic (if not a prescription antibiotic) is suggested.
Applying pressure called controlled cord traction- Can help prevent retained placenta.
Increase oxytocin
Why it helps: This is the most important method of naturally expelling the placenta. Oxytocin is the chemical that causes uterine contractions. Uterine contractions are what is needed to naturally expel the placenta.
Breastfeed immediately after birth- Nipple stimulation naturally causes the mother to secrete oxytocin, which is the chemical that causes the uterus to contract and expel the placenta.
Essential oils- There are multiple different essential oils that promote uterus contraction. See next page for details.
Massage- Can significantly increase oxytocin levels.
“Dancing labor” positions- Skin to skin contact can significantly increase oxytocin (it is known as the “love chemical”).
Loving-Kindness meditation- Designed to enhance feelings of kindness and compassion for yourself and others. Researchers believe that you give yourself a boost in oxytocin when you do this and may even up-regulate oxytocin receptors.
Music therapy- Slow-tempo music has been shown to increase oxytocin.
Alternating warm and cool temperatures- Increases oxytocin levels. Take a warm shower for a few minutes then finish it off with cold water for 1-2 minutes. Focus on breathing while in cold water.
Keep lights dimmed- When a woman exposes herself to light during labor, it can slow contractions (or even stop labor all together).
Position
Remain in an upright position to allow gravity to help encourage the placenta to separate, to make expulsion easier and to reduce risk of hemorrhaging.
Standing supported squat- Use for trapped placenta. Realigns the pelvis and increases opening by 30%.
Squatting- Use for trapped placenta. May increase pelvis diameter by as much as 2cm. When squatting, try to stay on tip toes for optimal posture; the better the posture, the better this position will work. See diagram below.
Essential oils
Clary Sage- Can induce labor by stimulating uterine contractions. Increases oxytocin levels.
Jasmine- Can induce labor by stimulating uterine contractions. Can also strengthen contractions once labor has started. Increases oxytocin levels.
Myrrh- Helps increase contractions.
Chamomile- Increases oxytocin levels.
Rose- Expands the pelvis. Helps ligaments soften.
Helichrysum- Supports healthy placental delivery.
Clary Sage- 2-3 drops on cotton ball and inhale. Mix with carrier oil and rub on abdomen, rub on bottom of feet/wrists.
Jasmine- 2-3 drops on cotton ball and inhale. Mix with carrier oil and rub on abdomen, rub on bottom of feet/wrists.
Myrrh- 2-3 drops on cotton ball and inhale. Mix with carrier oil and rub on abdomen, rub on bottom of feet/wrists.
Chamomile- 2-3 drops on a cotton ball and inhale. Mix with carrier oil and rub on abdomen, bottom of feet/wrists.
Rose- Use for trapped placenta. 2-3 drops on a cotton ball and inhale. Mix with carrier oil and rub on abdomen, bottom of feet/wrists.
Helichrysum- 2-3 drops on a cotton ball and inhale. Mix with carrier oil and rub on abdomen, bottom of feet/wrists.
How to use them: (Use 1 oil at a time & use 3-5 drops of oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil)
Herbs
Motherwort leaf- Stimulates muscles of the uterus. Only use if there is no sign of hemorrhage because it has properties that increase uterine blood flow.
Angelica root- Stimulates muscles of the uterus. Only use if there is no sign of hemorrhage because it has properties that increase uterine blood flow.
Black cohosh- Stimulates muscles of the uterus. Can induce labor.
Fenugreek- Stimulates muscles of the uterus. Can induce labor.
How to use:�Motherwort leaf- Can be made into a tincture and taken under the tongue, put in tea, massage oils, soaps and lotions. Can be used in poultice.
Angelica root- Can be made into a tincture and taken under the tongue, put in tea, massage oils, soaps and lotions. Can be used in poultice.
Black cohosh- (Use in small amounts, too much can cause headaches, perspiration, dizziness, visual disturbances, slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, muscle damage, nausea and vomiting.) Can be made into a tincture and taken under the tongue, put in tea, massage oils, soaps and lotions. Can be used in poultice.
Fenugreek- Can be made into a tincture and taken under the tongue, put in tea, massage oils, soaps and lotions. Can be used in poultice. Can be taken as a supplement.
How to make a hot poultice:�Take the leaves/roots (or listed herbs above) and place them in a saucepan with a double ratio of water to herb (example 1/4 cup herbs to 1/2 cup water), bring to a simmer and cook for a couple of minutes. Use gauze over your poultice to keep the poultice in place and to help protect your clothing. You will replace this regularly.
Homeopathy
Cimicifuga- Use if there is shaking, trembling and soreness with the retained placenta.
Nux vomica- Use if there is extreme irritability and aggravation with the retained placenta.
Sepia- Use if the mother is completely drained of energy with the retained placenta.
How to use:�Homeopathy should always be used as directed on the bottle.
Crystals
Amethyst- Alleviates feelings of stress and anxiety while simultaneously attracting feelings of peace, which can help the mothers body better produce oxytocin.
Rose quartz- Promotes emotional balancing while attracting feelings of self love, which can help the mothers body better produce oxytocin.
Clear quartz- Known as the “Master Healer” of crystals because it can be used to help alleviate any form of ailment. It also amplifies the healing properties of other crystals around it.
Black tourmaline- Protects against negative energy while promoting emotional balancing and stability by grounding the root chakra, which can help the mothers body better produce oxytocin.
Bloodstone- Strengthens the body’s ability to heal itself and optomizes function of the reproductive organs.
How to use:�A waterproof fanny pack can be worn by the mother to keep crystals on her/near her reproductive organs. They can also be worn as jewelry (while being careful not to get them wet) or can simply be set up near the birthing mother.
Healy
Hormones- Bioenergetic support for the body’s chemical messengers
Organ meridian- Harmonizing the energy flow between the organs
Sacral chakra- Harmonizing the energies of the sacral chakra
Inner strength- Energetic promotion of self-confidence when you feel uncertain or insecure.
Positive thoughts- Energetic orientation towards positive thoughts.
Mental balance acute- Supports positive thinking.
Being- Designed to help you remain centered during life’s turmoil.
Relax- Provides anti-stress effects.
How to use:�Should be used without electrodes for healing electromagnetic frequencies without microcurrents. Place Healy device within 3 feet of the mother in labor while using one of the programs listed below to achieve this.
Birth Partner, emotional support & affirmations
Birth partner support is easily one of the most important parts of helping a mother expel a retained placenta. This is because the mother is in need of the chemical oxytocin, which is what causes the uterus to contract and expel the placenta. Oxytocin is also known as the “chemical of love” because it is produced when the mother is feeling comfortable, unstressed and loved. In addition to using techniques listed on the “increase oxytocin levels” page, you can also use techniques listen within the “relaxing/calming down” section. This situation often puts the mother under a lot of stress mentally/emotionally and mentally, so it is important to try and keep her stress levels as low as possible so that her body can produce oxytocin in order to contract the uterus and expel the placenta. �Most placentas deliver within a half hour after both, with some taking up to two hours. Some midwives and doctors are happy to wait up to two hours as long as all is going well and there is no bleeding; this is something that is important to discuss with the midwife/doctor prior to labor and have written in your birth plan. �The drug syntometrine is often administered routinely to deliver the placenta as fast as possible. It can be a life saving drug, as it causes the uterus to contract very fast and can prevent/treat hemorrhaging, but it can spoil the beautiful atmosphere of a calm delivery and it does not come without side effects. The side effects of syntometrine include: nausea, contraction pain, headaches, jaundice in the baby, colic and emotional disorders in the baby (because it passes through breastmilk).