09/06/2012: Sp from Gc, Ci: "Is it ok for a nursing mother to consume fish oil or krill oil. This would be in addition to consuming probiotics (in the form of sauerkraut) and extra virgin coconut oil. Especially want to know if these combinations will cause any problems to the mother or the baby. Thanks."

09/07/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Sp, I don't think krill oil will present any problem while breastfeeding. I would make sure that all the products you're questioning though are from a good source. All three things would benefit both the mom and the baby! Hope this helps, Lisa"

10/18/2011: Kuljeet Singh from Khamanon, Punjab: "After delivery, doctor put three stitches three times which has become infected by pus. Please tell me fast reliever and antibiotic."

10/18/2011: Kim from Effingham, Illinois replies: "Topical MSM, make a paste apply. Several salt water soaks. Argan oil and Niacinamide and Lycine mixed in spray bottle. Hope this helps. MSM topical is good to put on guaze and on tooth infection - very high in sulfur. Silvadene cream - will knock out any infection. Also make sure you clean from front to back. Watch for temperature spikes, this bacteria can get into uterus and create more problems... Report to MD if temp above 101. Drink plenty of water."

10/23/2011: Genierose from Cookeville, Tennessee, Usa replies: "Make solution of water and juice from a crushed garlic clove. Pat the area with this solution several times a day. It's a miracle!"

10/23/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Iodine is a natural antibiotic, anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti viral. You could dilute it in some water and apply to the area."

11/03/2012: Vicky\'s from Arlington, Tx: "Can I take Apple Cider Vinegar while breastfeeding?"

[QUESTION]  05/31/2009: rawan from Abu Dhabi, UAE: "Hi, I noticed after I delivered my baby something wrong with my muscles and / or nerves!

When I hold my son sleeping in my arms and he is just one year old and keep him for a while after put him down I feel tremors in my arm, it usually happens when we carry heavy shopping bags but never happen in this situation!

Also I bought a yoga CD so I can do some activities at home, I did the first lesson wonderfully but the second after few days was not OK, it needs some bridge movement which put load on your arms and after I finished I was all weak and shaking it last for a while then back to normal!

what's wrong with my muscles? I went to neurologist because I was scared from any disorder and he told me that I am fine!

Also from time to time I feel like tremor in my body and hands but without seeing it by eyes!

What is the relation between whats happening and baby delivery? any deficiencies?

I am taking multivitamins."

06/01/2009: T from Maryland, USA replies: "Hi Rawan, I saw your other post as well, and you'd mentioned there that you'd had all sorts of medical tests done. Pregnancy can trigger thyroid problems. Often this will resolve on its own, but not always. Your symptoms of fatigue, lethargy, moodiness, depression, and muscle weakness are common thyroid symptoms (they could also be caused by something else, but a thyroid problem would be a good thing to rule in or out right up front). Assuming thyroid testing was done, you should see about getting the lab numbers yourself and researching them online - don't take a doctor's word for what is "normal". The medical profession is notoriously ignorant when it comes to thyroid disease and many people suffer needlessly because of it. There are good thyroid forums out there with knowledgeable people who can help you understand the lab results. Ask for not only TSH testing but Free T3 and Free T4 testing (make sure they order the FREEs). You might also want to test for antibodies at the same time (TPOAb and TgAb) as they can indicate an autoimmune type of thyroid disease. Again, get the lab numbers for yourself and research online.

Please do update us and let us know how it's going and what you find out. Sending best wishes for your health!"

08/18/2009: Rawan from Abu Dhabi, Uae replies: "Thank you for your reply, i just saw it because I didn't know EC they post it since there was no postpartum issues page here!!

Now I am feeling ,much better, mind you my theroide (TSH,FT3 & FT4) were done and everything came fine!antibodies I had some small issue after my second pregnancy (this is my third) but didn't check it this time.

I did try many think to help myself, ACV, Oil pulling but didn't get result or wasn't patient enough to hang on with it!

I went to homeopath - naturopath and got something to tune nervs also a natural vitamin from spirulina and Probiotic plus enzymes for stomach because I was having hard time to eat !

So I think I was over stressed from the situation which damage more my nervous system (burned out) and I had kind of anxiety (tremors) also some emotional issues but all due to hormones I guess because till now and after all these months I feel great just I got Postpartum PMS, 2 days before period I feel nervous and tired and can't sleep well also last 2 days of period and in the ovulation time, so deffenetly it's hormonal issue but can live with it :)

Now am taking just every few days vitamin B complex, 3 times a day fish oil (1000 mg.

It is so sweet from you to answer really! thank you a lot and wish u all the best!"

EC: We created a new ailments page after getting your first post!

08/18/2009: Rawan from Abu Dhabi, Uae replies: "EC, thank you so much I did really appreciated! I am fan of this wonderful trustful site and I love it and love its readers helpers! you guys are awsome! It was just sad to me when I didn't see postpatrum issues in the list of aliment since it is really painful time for any mother who pass throught it and NOT giving it attention was very frustrating! I hope more posts and contribution from sufferers or past sufferers to be able helping others! bless you!"

[QUESTION]  04/26/2010: Natalia from North Royalton, Ohio, Usa: "Hello, I am 29 years old. I had a baby in December of 2009. About a month after delivery, I developed insomnia. It started out gradually then increased to me being able fall asleep from 5am until 7am, only. Some days I only sleep 1 hour, 7-8am. This has been going on for the past 3 months. I take stress B vitamins, multivitamins, a Stress care product for energy and adrenal support (contains ashwagandha, licorice root, holy basil, shatavari root, gotu gola, etc.), vitamin D3, Rhodiola, and a naturopathic insomnia medication. I have been going to a chiropractor and he has re-aligned my pelvis. He believes that I have a major hormone imbalance post pregnancy. I have never had sleep issues before. I can't even take naps. I have no sleepiness. He is trying to crack my upper back to get the adrenals to work and balance my hormones. Is there something else that I can do to help balance my hormones post pregnancy. I am in need of help. Please write back!

Thank you,
Natalia"

04/26/2010: Trish from Chautauqua, Ny, Usa replies: "I suggest you visit a good Five-Element Acupuncture Pracitioner .... have had wonderful results w/menopause symptoms."

04/26/2010: Tom from Regina, Sk replies: "Natalia: I check what I knew with a search and it came up with many good articles right on. I just hope this works for you.
I used "post partum depression trace mineral deficiency" for the string.

The best one overall, with even more info that came up is here, although the writer's CV is unknown and even I don't agree with 100% of the post's content:

http://www.rense.com/general79/badfood.htm
This is just wrong in my opinion. There are 2 deficiencies that plague most women to varying degrees and this deficiency is caused or exacerbated by doctors, dieticians, the New Food Pyramid (NFP)... and, oh yeah, Pregnancy! The two deficiencies referred to regard Minerals/Trace-Minerals & EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids), deficiencies already epidemic, anyway.

Conclusion: Doesn't this collectively mean that "We Intuitively Know" (or at least highly suspect) that Postpartum Depression is likely caused or at least exacerbated by an EFA &/or Mineral deficiency? For once that alleged "Whack-Job" Tom Cruise was sorta right concerning a "chemical-Imbalance" (I especially love it when he plays a cocky, young guy with attitude...hummm?) If there really is a "chemical imbalance", why not try giving all the Vitamins, Minerals, Trace minerals, EFA's & digestible Protein, to provide the raw materials for your body to repair itself, while avoiding those nutrient-stealing foods mentioned above... instead of designer drugs like the breathtakingly stupid SSRI's (selective seratonin re-uptake inhibitors).

Maybe try some or all of his first a) to h) list there, but especially the trace minerals and EFAs."

04/26/2010: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Natalia,

In Traditional Chinese medicine and Asian cultures it is a known fact that having children results in us mothers losing "chi". After all, our babies are made from us. They also know that after having a baby, it is imperative to work at building the chi back up. They don't work on hormones, or separate parts per se but rather as a cohesive organism, restoring our energy channels. This was all explained to me long ago after my third child. I was a wreck and at that time my best friend who was studying to be an acupuncturist told me to get to a good acupuncturist. She recommended one for me. They should be able to make you a Chinese herbal "medicine" which will restore your balance. In my case, I was exhausted and freezing all the time. Everyone is different and they look at us as unique individuals. For example, three different people may have fibromyalgia but depending on the symptoms and when they check you, they can see that each one is unique although from the surface it all looks like "fibromyalgia".

I hope this information helps you. I know that after having a baby, it can be a difficult time in spite of the glory and miracle of it all. I wish you the best, Lisa"

04/26/2010: Jbw from Dayton, Ohio replies: "Try calcium citrate at least 3 x per day 200mg ea.

Your hormones are very much out of alignment after giving birth. Try to get help during the day so you can simplify your life; this will equate less stress. Make sure your diet is good and start walking at least 30 min every day or at least 3x per week. Also take a multi-vitamin 1 per day usually does the trick. I had the same experiences. Have your doctor run blood work to check your thyroid and other hormones. Good Luck."

[YEA]  10/15/2012: Jewel from Stanwood, Washington, United States: "I accidently came upon this cure after having my third child. I had suffered severe postpartum depression with my first and second children to the point where I was barely able to leave the house for months. With my third, I realized right away that she was intolerant of dairy and because I was breastfeeding I switched to organic soy milk. The fog of depression had just started but when I started drinking soy milk, I noticed that on those days I felt like myself. I didn't connect the two until I talked to my counselor about it and she brought up the fact that soy has natural estrogen and so unknowingly I was balancing my hormone levels. I continued to drink it as needed and have not dealt with post partem depression at all since. I hope this helps someone."

05/31/2009: Selena from Chula, GA replies: "Of course you are tired and having mood swings. Running after a toddler is a lot of work. It is normal to feel depressed and worn out. Especially if this is your first child. Motherhood is hard and no one ever really understands how much of yourself you lose when becoming a parent. Suddenly your life belongs to someone else and every time you try to take time out for yourself you feel guilty. My suggestion to you is to eat a very good energy rich diet (green drinks very good). Get lots of sunshine and fresh air. Enlist any friend or relative that you trust to keep your child and have some "you" time at least once a week. You didn't state whether you were single or not, but if you are married you and your husband should have dates. I always felt guilty when my kids were small because I felt like I was a bad mom if I weren't with them every moment I wasn't working. For your health and sanity, don't forget about yourself (or your marriage). Good luck and know you aren't alone."

08/18/2009: Rawan from Abu Dhabi, Uae replies: "Hi, thank u for ur reply whuch is much appreciated! I did reply on my second post you can read my answer also to tell u I am married and having 3 kids plus I got house maid to help at home so it isn't the matter of running after my baby. But thank God everything is fine now with some tinny issu which I can deal with it! I hope I hear from other women as well who was having such or other postpartum issues! Regards"

09/07/2012: Duddu from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: "I want to lose all my baby weight. I want to know whether is it safe to take ACV to lose weight while breast feeding? please help me with clear answers."

09/07/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Duddu, You can take ACV while breastfeeding but do you realize that you will burn a lot of calories while breastfeeding? The "baby fat" will burn off just by your breastfeeding your baby. I had five kids and breastfed all of them and returned to my normal weight each time just by doing this. And my first one, I gained 45 lbs.! Hope this helps, Lisa"

09/10/2012: Duddu from Abu Dhabi, Uae replies: "Hi Lisa, Thank you for the reply. This is my second baby and usually after child birth I don't lose weight as I breast feed rather I put on.. So I am not there in that list of ''lose weight while breast feeding'' :(.. I have 6 months to lose a lot of weight before the wedding of my sis-in-law... I am relieved to read that ACV is safe while BF, , shall give a try along with my dies and workouts.. wish me luck.."

[YEA]  07/24/2012: Elaine from Edmond, Oklahoma, Usa : "When my daughter was born I had terrible hemorrhoids. But, what hurt more was the laceration and episiotomy. The second day home with my baby my mother called early and asked if I needed anything before she came over. I remembered an article I had read a few years back about Witch Hazel and hemorrhoid relief. I asked her to bring me a bottle. She brought three and was I ever grateful. I put some of the WH in my sitz bath, about a 1/3 of cup. The relief was MIRACULOUS. Not only did it sooth my clustered hemorrhoids, but it soothed my laceration and episiotomy! I also felt I healed faster too. One word of advise, don't buy cheap WH. It's watered down. Buy the more expensive brand. I never thought to do this back then but, I don't see why you couldn't put some WH in an aerosol bottle and spritz it on the area for inbetween sitz baths."