Getting ready for a homebirth mentally and emotionally

[HotI]

does arnica go off? i got some last time but never used it and have them still in my drawer.

[Bella29]

I don't have any of those things.... Where is a good place to source them? Health food shop? I remember the MW at one hb I went to, made up a herb mixture and put it on some pads before putting them in the freezer to sooth my gf's peri after birth. I have no idea what was on it or if my MW does that sort of thing, so I had thought to make something up myself.

Ps Jen, lovely thread! I have been subscribed for awhile and it is lovely to hear all of this supportive advice.

[meow]

My student MW soaked a bunch of my cloth pads in my peri-natal herbs and put them in the freezer. I bought mine from blissful herbs and highly recommend them, plus her teas.

Not sure about arnica?

[HotI]

i got the arnica from my accupuncturist.

[Jennifer13]

My local pharmacy stocks arnica, but I got mine from my m/w group who sell birth supplies online (also where I got the pool liner, etc) when the pharmacy was out of stock. PM me if you'd like the link, as you can order online and have it shipped, along with other things you might need.

I've also remembered my m/w is a naturopath, so I really should ask her about these things!

[Bella29]

I just had a look at blissful herbs and have placed a huge order!! didn't ask about arnica. might just get the arnica from a local health food shop or chemist

[Pip82]

My only tip would be to organise some yummy healthy food for you to eat afterwards, for me that is part of the emotional side because it made me feel cared for and revitalised after the birth. Also not so healthy but I had calippo icypoles to munch on during labour and I found them a great distractor as I could bite on the tube and they gave me fluids and energy. Definitely consider getting a box of those!

[meow]

I just had a look at blissful herbs and have placed a huge order!!

She has great stuff!

I got arnica pillules from my homeopath. Just not sure if they expire. She made mine super strength (and added bellis perennis) given I tore 1st labour and was planning on not stitching if I tore again. Best thing ever as I did tear again and loved helping my body do it's own thing.

I saw arnica cream at the chemist. I got some calendula cream which I used too.

Pip- I agree that having good food (and natural medicines) really helped me emotionally prepare. It helped create that wonderful cocoon of nurturing that a HB can be.