Natural therapies
Recovery after a mild postpartum haemorrhage (Class I) will normally be similar to women who have experienced a normal blood loss. The exception may be that the woman could be light headed in the hours (and sometimes days) after the birth and tire more easily in the first couple of weeks.
Recovery from a moderate, to severe, postpartum haemorrhage can be a long, drawn out process. The woman can be
anaemic (if a blood transfusion was not given), feel weak, tire easily and in some cases feel depressed. These symptoms combined with the pressures and demands of early mothering can make recovery somewhat difficult.
A moderate to severe postpartum haemorrhage can also contribute to a lower milk supply for a few weeks, or taking longer to establish an adequate milk supply, if the woman is breastfeeding. It may be necessary to feed the baby more frequently to establish and increase the milk you need to produce.
It is important that you rest often, eat regularly and well with iron rich foods (you may wish to revise Iron in Pregnancy), drink plenty of fluids and take iron supplements for up to 6 to 8 weeks after the birth. You will need plenty of support from family and friends and patience with yourself in your body's ability to cope.
Natural therapies
Some women will use natural therapies to nurture their body. This may include having regular massages or acupuncture. Some herbalists will prescribe remedies such as fennel seed and nettle (for milk supply), and possibly Lady's mantle, squaw vine and/or
raspberry leaf for building energy and uterine muscle tone. See your herbalist.
Homoeopaths may recommend remedies for exhaustion. These can include Cocculus, Kali phosphoricum, Nux vomica, Staphysagria or Phosphoric acid. Consult your practitioner.
Information sources