Herbs can be a real help in labor, and even in getting labor going.  Learn  about herbs in this article that are good for labor, and see which ones might seem right for you.  rinking herbal teas on a regular basis is a good way to ensure the benefits of herbs that gently tonify and strengthen the uterus, getting you ready for a great birth. Drinking teas is a good way to make sure you are getting enough fluids, during early labor.

Keeping well hydrated, is crucial during labor.  Here are herbs that are well known to help childbirth: 

   * Blue  cohosh (Caullophylum)and black cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa)are two herbs that work synergistically to bring on labor (but do not use them before the last two weeks of pregnancy). During labor they can make contractions more efficient in a long, stalled labor, and help the uterus clamp down after birth. 1/2-tsp. tincture 3xday.
    * Raspberry leaf (tea or tincture) is one of the best uterine tonic herbs to prepare uterine muscles for an efficient labor. Its astringent action slows bleeding and helps to expel the placenta. Have the tea on hand or make raspberry tea ice cubes to suck on during labor. Drink tea or  1/2-1 tsp. tincture 3xday.

Many herbs can help calm  emotionally, and ease the pain of contractions:   
    * Scullcap (Scutelaria Latefloria)relieves pain, as well as calm and relax the body.
     *Passiflora  helps pain, as well as calm and relax the body.
    * Chamomile  helps control pain during labor by relieving tension.

Other herbs help with emotional balance during labor:

    * Motherwort is one of the best herbs to give immediate emotional balance during the ups and downs of labor, but only small amounts. 15-20 drops of a tincture at a time
    * A massage oil, enhanced with herbs, will relax the muscles and ease back labor pain. Use relaxing, aromatic herbs such as chamomile, rose, and lavender.
    * Essential oils like Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender  can help.  Citrus essential oils are clean, refreshing and uplifting. Be sure that essential oils are used in a carrier oil or mister and not applied directly to or on the skin.

Stop Bleeding Herbs
    * Shepherd's Purse tincture is the best herb to quickly stop bleeding. I've seen it stop postpartum hemorrhaging. Shortens bleeding after birth dramatically.
Drink freely after birth. Then, after least 3 cups 3x day until bleeding stops. Not safe during pregnancy.Other stop bleed herbs: Agrimony, Yarrow, Pomegranite peels