Post Partum Haemorrhage

The most important thing is to ensure you’re getting enough iron. This is true for any Iron deficiency anaemia.

Foods and herbs rich in Iron include:

  • Liver – but no women should eat liver during the pregnancy
  • Red meat
  • Fresh dates
  • Unsalted cashew nuts
  • Watercress
  • Stinging nettles
  • Dandelion leaves
  • Parsley
  • Chives
  • Lovage
  • Fennel
  • Offal
  • Black pudding
  • Yeast extract
  • Molasses
  • Dried beans

    You can also increase your absorption of Iron by eating foods rich in Vitamin C at the same time – all the citrus fruits, tomatoes, and salads.

    Some foods, however, inhibit the absorption of iron. They include uncooked bran, tea, coffee, cola drinks, chocolate and antacid medicines.

    There are two types of Iron available from food. Haem iron, from animal sources, is much more easily absorbed than non-haem iron, found in plants, which requires a far larger intake to give the same benefit. Cooking in traditional cast Iron pots also provides a useful source of Iron and for vegetarians and vegans a traditional Indian vegetable balti cooked in the proper cast Iron balti dish will give significant amounts of easily absorbed iron.

    In addition to the herbs mentioned above, the following herbal remedies and supplements can also be helpful:

  • Gentian
  • Chinese angelica
  • Echinacea
  • Brewer’s yeast

    Other key vitamins and supplements for the treatment of anaemia are:

  • Iron
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin B12
  • Folic acid
  • Desiccated liver – but check with your doctor if you are pregnant, or even if you are trying.

    The Homoeopathic remedies Ferrum metallicum, Calcarea phosphorica and China may also be beneficial.

    Deficiency of Folic acid is widespread and since it can’t be stored by the body, regular consumption is vital. Many people fail to get enough in their diet, but there are also factors which interfere with its absorption – excessive alcohol consumption, the contraceptive pill and some anticonvulsant drugs for the treatment of epilepsy as well as chronic bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease and other conditions leading to chronic diarrhoea.

    Before consulting any complementary practitioner about an anaemia problem it’s essential to have a thorough conventional blood examination to determine the exact form of the condition. The best complementary treatment is dietary advice from a qualified naturopath. A registered medical herbalist may also be able to help with specific herbal remedies.
     
     
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    The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.