Energy boost
Use these methods if the mother is mentally/emotionally/physically struggling with energy during any part of labor and needs a rejuvenating “refresher”. This can be especially helpful during the transition or pushing stages of labor.
These remedies can be helpful for the birth partner to use as well.
Up iron intake
How it helps: If you are iron deficient, it will leave you tired and lacking in energy. Women can become very deficient during labor and delivery, especially if heavy bleeding occurs.
Vitamin C- Boosts absorption rate of iron. Can be taken orally. Packets can be put in beverages to drink. Drops applied on skin in concentrate with diluted essential oils.
Iron supplement- Is an immediate source of iron. A great iron supplement is one containing things like beef liver.
Eating- Good sources of iron are meats, beans and green vegetables.
Cast iron- Cook labor meals on all cast iron.
Essential oils
Roman Chamomile- Provides sense of rejuvenation and relief.
Spearmint- Provides energy boost. Provides motivation. Supports healthy emotions.
Lemon- Provides energy. Provides sense of clarity.
Orange- Provides energy. Provides sense of clarity.
Garinium- Provides energy boost. Supports healthy emotions.
Neroli- Confidence booster. Releases stagnant energy.
Rose- Helps with fatigue and exhaustion.
Roman Chamomile- 2-3 drops can be put on a tissue/cotton ball and inhaled. Dilute with carrier oil and rub on temples, feet & wrists.
Spearmint- 2-3 drops can be put on a tissue/cotton ball and inhaled. Dilute with carrier oil and rub on temples, feet & wrists.
Lemon- 2-3 drops can be put on a tissue/cotton ball and inhaled. Dilute with carrier oil and rub on temples, feet & wrists.
Orange- 2-3 drops can be put on a tissue/cotton ball and inhaled. Dilute with carrier oil and rub on temples, feet & wrists.
Garinium- 2-3 drops can be put on a tissue/cotton ball and inhaled. Dilute with carrier oil and rub on temples, feet & wrists.
Neroli- 2-3 drops can be put on a tissue/cotton ball and inhaled. Dilute with carrier oil and rub on temples, feet & wrists.
Rose- 2-3 drops can be put on a tissue/cotton ball and inhaled. Dilute with carrier oil and rub on temples, feet & wrists.
How to use: (Use 1 oil at a time & use 3-5 drops of oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil) Note: Use spearmint instead of peppermint, as peppermint reduces breast milk supply.
Herbs, tinctures & supplements
Guarana- Commonly used as an ingredient in energy drinks and supplements due to its stimulating effects.
Spearmint- A great physical refresher, gives mood and brain boost as well.
Ashwagandha- Gives a huge boost to energy and focus.
Lemon- Provides energy, vitamin c and uplifting feelings of happiness.
Magnesium- Converts glucose from food into energy.
Iron- Is a component of red blood cells, it binds with oxygen that is absorbed through the lungs and then carries that oxygen to cells throughout the body; that oxygen then becomes part of the chemical process of energy production.
B12- Besides helping form red blood cells, B12 converts fat and protein to energy. A B12 deficiency causes tiredness and anemia.
Omega-3 fatty acids- Provides your body with healthy calories, which is vital for energy production.
Liquid chlorophyll tincture- Helps treat anemia
How to use:
Guarana- Best taken in supplement or tincture form using only the organic flower.
Spearmint- Can be used in form of an essential oil, can be eaten, can be put in a beverage and is also a common ingredient used in chewing gum.
Ashwagandha- Can be taken as a supplement in pill form or powder form, drank in a beverage.
Lemon- Can be used in form of an essential oil, can be eaten or put in a beverage.
Magnesium- Can be taken as a supplement or eaten in foods high in magnesium, such as: Pumpkin seeds, peanuts, cashews, spinach and more.
Iron- Visit “Up Iron Intake” slide.
B12- Can be taken as a supplement or eaten in foods high in B12, such as: beef, chicken, fish, low fat yogurt/milk, eggs and more.
Omega-3 fatty acids- Can be taken as a supplement (cod liver oil)t or eaten in foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as: Salmon, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts and more.
Liquid chlorophyll tincture- Drops can be put in tea/water. Can be taken in a oral supplement in capsule form. See instructions on package for dosage information.
Homeopathy
Kali phosphoricum- Helps relieve physical and mental fatigue due to overexertion, sleeplessness and headaches.
Silicea- Helps relieve symptoms of general fatigue accompanied by irritability.
Cinchona officinalis- Helps relieve weakness/lack of energy due to loss of fluids (inability to hold down fluids, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or bleeding).
Gelsemium- Helps exhaustion including drowsiness, physical weakness (such as heaviness of the limbs and eyelids) and mental exhaustion.
Sulphur- Helps with general fatigue.
Sterculia- helps with general fatigue. Specifically helps to provide energy if mother cannot hold down food.
Sepia- Gives up during labor, extremely exhausted with no energy.
How to use: �Homeopathy should always be taken as directed on the bottle.
Crystals
Red Jasper- A highly energizing crystal that has the power to not only lift our spirits when we feel energetically low, but it also helps to preserve energy. It can also help treat anemia, which is a common cause of low energy (especially during pregnancy and labor).
Yellow Jasper- Gives us a boost to help conquer our dreams by illuminating our inner strength and abilities, which helps us get and stay going at our own pace without fear. Its vibration can provide a steady energy source, promoting physical energy and elevating stamina.
Citrine- One of the best energy boosting crystals. It carries the vitalizing energy of the sun! This restores balance to the solar plexus, which is the power Chakra in the body; when this Chakra is blocked or out of balance, you may feel lethargic or tired. This has an incredibly powerful effect on our stamina and physical body, keeping us awake, present and reminds us of our personal power
Carnelian- Known as the stone of motivation and endurance. It awakens stored energy from our root and sacral chakras, then circulates that energy throughout all of our chakra centers. It removes energy blocks, which improves our natural drive (which can boost determination to get things done without feeling pressured or stressed) and lifts our spirits overall.
Clear Quartz- One of the best crystals for energy and motivation. Connected to the crown chakra, this crystal helps us connect with higher frequencies, set the intentions and go after them. It cleanses our energetic fields from negative exterior influences that are taking away from us and then creates more space for uplifting energy to come our way. It is a great stone for releasing energetic and emotional baggage that weighs us down, keeps us stuck, unmotivated, tired, and fatigued. It then refills our energetic reservoirs by uplifting energy and helping us get going.
Red Goldstone- Known as the stone of ambition and drive. It strengthens the energy field while balancing the root and sacral chakras. It is a vitalizing crystal that has an incredibly positive influence on our physical body, as it removes vibrational blockages and helps us find a life course, so we don’t waste or drain our energetic resources.
How to use:�The birthing mother can wear a waterproof fanny pack while in water to keep crystals on body/near reproductive organs. You can also wear them as jewelry (while being careful not to get them wet) or set them up near you. �Note: Most citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst (natural citrine is rare); this changes its metaphysical properties, so be sure to buy from a reliable supplier.
Healy
Energy- Supports your ability to bioenergetically respond to life’s tiring demands.
Performance- Energetic balancing that supports your desire to excel.
Stamina- Bioenergetic optimization of the capacity for endurance.
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 to achieve this.
Food
Why it helps: Without adequate nutrition, the women’s body will begin using fat as an energy source, increasing acidity of the blood in the mother and infant. Fasting can also cause emotional distress, potentially moving the blood away from the uterus and placenta. The key is eating easy to digest carbohydrates. Eat in small portions, about 1 snack every hour. If eating does not sound appealing, dextrose & 100% caffeine tablets can supply an immediate boost of energy.
Examples of good snacks to have:�Honey sticks
Finger sandwiches (the meats & green vegis will help iron levels)
Homemade organic energy bars/balls
Green vegetables (helps iron levels)
Dates (helps iron levels)
Oatmeal
Organic trail mix
Apple sauce
Toast
Water melon
Apples
Dark chocolate
Beverages
Why it helps: Staying hydrated is a very important part of labor, especially when it comes to staying energized. If you are dehydrated you will not have energy to do anything. At least 8 oz of fluids every hour should be drank during labor. A liquid chlorophyll tincture can be added to drinks for an extra boost of energy.
Examples of good drinks to have:
100% organic black coffee
Orange juice
Homemade electrolyte drink (3-4 slices of ginger, 1 cup of water + juice from ½ of a lemon, 1/4tsp sea salt, 1-2tbsp of raw honey)
WATER! If the mother cannot keep down water, offer crushed ice for her to suck/chew on.
Teas listed in the “Herbs & Tinctures” section
Lemon juice�
Birth partner
The birth partner plays a highly important role during a women's labor and delivery. It is importing that the birth partner keeps their energy levels up too so that they can stay awake/active and help keep the mother on a mentally and physically positive track. The birth partner should be eating and drinking regularly as well as the mother. They should bring lots of snacks and drinks for themselves and prepare for a long labor. It’s always better to be over prepared than under, especially during labor!
As a birth partner, it is extremely vital that the birth partner stay positive especially if/when the mother is struggling. During difficult parts of labor, the mother may feel incapable, exhausted, easily aggravated and just overall not in the best mindset/mood. It is very important that a birth partner is able to recognize this and help the mother by using all of the techniques listed in this section as well as positive affirmations. If you begin to feel aggravated and/or exhausted, etc.. as well, it is best to take a quick break (as long as you are not needed by the mother) and ask the obgyn/midwife/doula/other family member/friend to take over for a quick minute while you get a refresher. Any of the listed remedies in this section and the relaxing/calming section would be great for the birth partner to use for themselves during this time as well.