Flower Essences for Pregnancy & Childbirth
by Peggy Rada, Fleurs de Vie

Published in the September 1999 issue (Volume 7, Issue 7) of The New -Stork Times: The Mothering Source for Switzerland (abr@goldnet.ch)

Flower essences are herbal remedies which contain the energetic healing pattern of flowers infused in water and preserved (usually) with alcohol. Flower essences interact with the human energy field to harmonise the emotions, calm and clear the mind and bring about a sense of peace and well-being. Flower essences are natural, safe, and non-habit forming; they have no side effects and can be used by everyone. It is also safe to use them alongside all other treatments or therapies (allopathic or holistic). This makes them the perfect remedies for pregnant women as well as new born babies. The first 38 flower essences were made in England in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach. Today thousands of flower essences are being made all over the world.

More and more women are turning to flower essences to support them during their pregnancies. Although this can be a joyous time, it can also be a time of niggling fears and insecurities. Have I made the right choice? Is this the right timing? Will I be a good mother? Will my child be healthy?  Having a baby, particularly a first child, is a major life change and flower essences can help both parents to face these changes with courage and confidence. They encourage a bonding between mother and child even before birth. Flower essences can soothe the emotional oversensitivity which may accompany the hormonal changes of pregnancy.They can also help relieve certain physical discomforts experienced during pregnancy such as backache and sleeping problems.

Mental or emotional blockages may be the reason why some women do not conceive easily, particularly if there are no physical problems evident. In any case, pregnancy is a time when a woman wants to feel her best on all levels, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, so as to communicate love and security to her unborn child. Therefore the pre-conception period is a good time to rid yourself of old toxic emotions such as anger, unresolved grief, jealously, fear, lack of self esteem  - none of which you want to carry over into your new life as a mother. Facing these issues, letting go of the past, forgiving yourself and others is a powerful way to lighten your load, making room for love and abundance to fill your life.

The period immediately before the birth and the birth itself is a time when flower essences can be of immense benefit. Certain flower essences are specially blended to keep you calm and collected in the face of potentially difficult or stressful situations. It is a good idea to start taking these essences one week before the due date. They can also be taken during labour, by both parents.

The birth itself is always traumatic for both mother and child. Shock and trauma can stay in a person's energy field for decades, and may eventually lead to physical or emotional problems. Certain flower essences are particularly good for dissolving the effects of shock from the energy field and should be used by mother and child as soon as possible after the birth for 4 to 5 days.

Following the birth the mother needs to regain her strength and here again certain flower essences assist convalescence while others energetically strengthen the immune system. This can be of particular interest if the birth involved any surgery. Remember that flower essences work energetically and therefore can be used alongside any allopathic treatment recommended by your midwife or doctor.

The first few weeks after giving birth represent an important period of bonding between parent and child. Various fears and insecurities may raise their ugly heads again at this time. Flower essences can help you to feel safe and confident and establish a loving bond with your child.

Below is a list of some of the flower essences which may be of use during pregnancy and childbirth. Other essences may also be appropriate depending on the person and the situation. Flower essences are usually taken by placing several drops on the tongue, two or more times a day. The essences can also be placed on the inside of the wrists. For babies, place a drop on the forehead. Essences can also be added to bath water for both parents and babies.

Bottlebrush (Australian Bush Flower Essences) - this essence helps you move through any major change with confidence. For feelings of inadequacy, take throughout the pregnancy and after the birth as needed. It also assists bonding between mother and child.

Birth Essence (South African Flower Essences) - This combination of seven essences works to create harmony and inner peace for both mother and baby. For the baby, the transition from being cocooned in the womb to facing life as a separate entity is enormous.  Similarly, for the recuperating mother, a huge readjustment is required to handle the responsibility of a helpless infant's demands.  For best results take it through the last trimester of pregnancy and for 10 -12 weeks after birth.

Courgette Zucchini (Laboratoire Deva) - For a harmonious pregnancy.  This essences helps pregnant women balance their emotions. More generally, it stimulates feminine creativity, especially when it has been stifled by difficult social or cultural surroundings.

Emergency Essence (Green Hope Farm) - This Flower Essence mixture can be taken in situations of high stress, sudden intense turmoil, trauma, or fear to help keep our electrical systems from shutting down in shock. For childbirth, start taking the essence several days before the baby is due. Can be taken throughout labour.

Fig (South African Flower Essences) - Sexual fears affecting the ability to conceive and fears relating to parenthood are particularly effectively treated by this essence. Fear blocks creativity and, whether it is on a  physical, emotional or spiritual level, the release of fear clears the path for the expression of the creative force, which is mankind's inherent birthright. It is beneficial to use this essence in preparation for conception and pregnancy.

Grenadier  Pomegranate (Laboratoire Deva) - Helps women resolve conflicts between professional and family life. Recommended for women who reject or who cannot express their femininity. Brings harmony and  balance to women in the last months of pregnancy.

Houx Holly (Laboratoire Deva) - For any kind of strongly negative state: anger, jealousy, bitterness, envy, rage, suspicion, revenge, hatred, violence, bad temper, vexation, selfishness. Encourages forgiveness and compassion. Opens the heart to release toxic emotions and receive love.

Macrocarpa (Australian Bush Flower Essences) - Provides energy, vitality and endurance to those who are tired, exhausted or burnt out. A good essence for convalescence after childbirth.

Magnolia (Green Hope Farm) - Magnolia eases the emotional stress on babies during the intense experience of switching gears from the watery dark world of the womb to the bright, noisy intense world in which they must breathe and experience the illusion of separation. This is a helpful Essence for the mother to take before and during delivery and for the baby to take right after birth and then for several weeks postpartum.

Parenting Essence (South African Flower Essences) assists both mother and father in meeting the challenges that this intense phase of life presents.  It enhances your ability to nurture, care for and protect, while strengthening your trust in your own intuition, which is an essential part of successful parenting.

Pear (Master's Flower essences) - This essence instils peace of mind and a sense of rhythm and proportion. It is for being fully present in the moment, able to handle any crisis; it imparts stability during major changes. This essence will also erase the effects of shock or trauma from the energy field.

She Oak (Australian Bush Flower Essences) - An essence which is beneficial in overcoming imbalances  and bringing about a sense of wellbeing in women. It benefits women who feel distressed about infertility. It removes those personal blocks that prevent conception.