birth without fear – mama libélula

There is no shortage of advice about pregnancy, birth, post-partum, breastfeeding, and those early newborn days online. However, for naturally minded mommas, it can sometimes be difficult to find quality information that is in line with their ideals.

Below you will find an organized collection of articles written from a holistic & natural perspective on a variety of pregnancy, birth, and post-partum related topics — everything from remedies for morning sickness, to nourishing your body during pregnancy, to preparing for birth + post-partum, to herbs for breastfeeding, and so much more.

Continue reading →

Pregnancy + Birth

Placentophagia: Eating Your Placenta

October 8, 2019June 19, 2022 Kristine

Updated February 27, 2022

“Placentophagia is not such an unusual behavior for most mammilian mothers in the perinatal period. Animals of all the mammilian groups […] most all will injest the placentas of their newborn young. Animals are not aware of the biochemical benefits, yet instinctually they find the placenta extremely palatable immediately after giving birth,” says midwife & author, Robin Lim (120).

There are many wise women, doulas, mothers, and midwives, like Lim, who believe in the benefits of placentophagy. However, there is also a lack of widely accepted scientific evidence proving these benefits. This being said, it is important to note that very little scientific research on placentophagy in humans exists.

Continue reading “Placentophagia: Eating Your Placenta” →

Holistic Healing, Pregnancy + Birth

Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness

January 8, 2019June 19, 2022 Kristine

Updated February 28, 2022

Morning sickness is one of the most common issues that pregnant women deal with during their first trimester. For many women, morning sickness occurs anytime or is an all day problem, not just something they experience in the morning.

Herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar, explains, “a combination of factors, including sudden hormonal changes, shifting dietary needs, an insufficient amount of B vitamins, and/or low blood sugar, give rise to morning sickness. In particular, a rapid increase in the hormone chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) during the first few months of pregnancy is thought to be a cause of the complaint.”

Thankfully there are many safe natural remedies that can be helpful for easing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Continue reading “Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness” →

Pregnancy + Birth

Herbs for Childbirth

September 7, 2017May 26, 2022 Kristine

My daughter & I, shortly after she was born

Updated March 2, 2022

Herbs are a safe, natural way to support new moms emotionally and physically during labor. If you plan on having a natural childbirth, or just want to reduce the medications that your infant is exposed to during the birthing process, herbs are a great, effective alternative to pharmaceuticals.

The last few weeks of pregnancy are a great time to start putting together your herbal birthing kit. Having everything in order can help set your mind at ease as your due date approaches. The following preparations are helpful to have on hand for a smooth, natural child birth.

Tag: birth without fear

Resources for Naturally Minded Pregnant Mommas