Witch Hazel?

hotflmomma

 

 What is witch hazel and how would you use it?

 Sorry for my ignorance! lol

Chickpea2010

I use it as astringent/toner after I wash my face. It works well, I like it!

EmilyAnn10

Chickpea2010:

I use it as astringent/toner after I wash my face. It works well, I like it!

This. But I was told not to use it due to a certain chemical in it that can affect the baby especially early in the pregnancy. I rarely used it anyways but when I did need it I still used a bit. Can't avoid everything!

MrsDannyOutlaw

It is a plant. Excerpt from Wikipedia:

Medicinal uses

The bark and leaves are astringent; the extract, also referred to as witch hazel, is used medicinally. Extracts from its bark and leaves are used in aftershave lotions and lotions for treating bruises and insect bites. Witch-hazel helps to shrink and contract blood vessels back to normal size, hence its use as the active ingredient in many hemorrhoid medications. It is also a common treatment for postpartum tearing of the perineum. The seeds contain a quantity of oil and are edible. It is also used in treating acne.

 Examples:

Tucks

Wet Ones

 

 

hotflmomma

What would you use it for during post partum? I "think" I remember people soaking their pads in it, but that sounds a little strange to me... 

Chickpea2010

EmilyAnn10:

Chickpea2010:

I use it as astringent/toner after I wash my face. It works well, I like it!

This. But I was told not to use it due to a certain chemical in it that can affect the baby especially early in the pregnancy. I rarely used it anyways but when I did need it I still used a bit. Can't avoid everything!

Oh, I didn't know that - but luckily I usually only use it in the summer when I'm a little greasier. Thanks for the info! I was just thinking it's about time to get some!

hotflmomma

OOOHHhhhhhhh, Good to know!

EmilyAnn10

Chickpea2010:

EmilyAnn10:

Chickpea2010:

I use it as astringent/toner after I wash my face. It works well, I like it!

This. But I was told not to use it due to a certain chemical in it that can affect the baby especially early in the pregnancy. I rarely used it anyways but when I did need it I still used a bit. Can't avoid everything!

Oh, I didn't know that - but luckily I usually only use it in the summer when I'm a little greasier. Thanks for the info! I was just thinking it's about time to get some!

I honestly wouldn't worry too much about it. Go ahead and use it, just don't go overboard. I know OB's are all different so yours may say it's "A-okay!" while mine says "Don't do it." But -- mine also has never mentioned not drinking coffee, soda, or alc. during the pregnancy unlike others.

lalalalindsy

Like previous poster's Wiki info, the astringent aspect helps things get back to normal after birth.  My hospital had Tucks pads to put on top of my absorbent pads and I was very grateful for it (I did have a tear; I don't know if they would have suggested it if I hadn't).  Tucks and the pre-moistened toilet wipes were great things to have for home after vaginal birth. 

jen_jupiter

My midwife and the RN's who taught my prenatal classes highly recommend it's use for hemorroids and after delivery.  I do not think there's a safety issue.  Tucks pads are commonly used.

Chickpea2010

EmilyAnn10:

Chickpea2010:

EmilyAnn10:

Chickpea2010:

I use it as astringent/toner after I wash my face. It works well, I like it!

This. But I was told not to use it due to a certain chemical in it that can affect the baby especially early in the pregnancy. I rarely used it anyways but when I did need it I still used a bit. Can't avoid everything!

Oh, I didn't know that - but luckily I usually only use it in the summer when I'm a little greasier. Thanks for the info! I was just thinking it's about time to get some!

I honestly wouldn't worry too much about it. Go ahead and use it, just don't go overboard. I know OB's are all different so yours may say it's "A-okay!" while mine says "Don't do it." But -- mine also has never mentioned not drinking coffee, soda, or alc. during the pregnancy unlike others.

Sometimes I wonder - if we lined up all the OBs in the US and interviewed them, how many differing opinions would we get? I'm guessing...countless.

But I didn't realize that it had postpartum uses as well. I will have to look into this some more!

VampyAuthor

Witch Hazel is great for hemmies. Soak a cotton ball and wipe area, you're good to go.

Also when I had DD I went natural and had a 2nd degree tear, I used witch hazel pads for that as well.

AllieJean

hotflmomma:

What would you use it for during post partum? I "think" I remember people soaking their pads in it, but that sounds a little strange to me... 

It is supposed to help with any hemmies or just normal swelling after birth. I made some frozen pads with witch hazel and chamomile (sp)

buler23

Witch Hazel is one of my must haves for after delivery.  That stuff was the only way I made it through the first few days.

EmilyAnn10

Chickpea2010:

EmilyAnn10:

Chickpea2010:

EmilyAnn10:

Chickpea2010:

I use it as astringent/toner after I wash my face. It works well, I like it!

This. But I was told not to use it due to a certain chemical in it that can affect the baby especially early in the pregnancy. I rarely used it anyways but when I did need it I still used a bit. Can't avoid everything!

Oh, I didn't know that - but luckily I usually only use it in the summer when I'm a little greasier. Thanks for the info! I was just thinking it's about time to get some!

I honestly wouldn't worry too much about it. Go ahead and use it, just don't go overboard. I know OB's are all different so yours may say it's "A-okay!" while mine says "Don't do it." But -- mine also has never mentioned not drinking coffee, soda, or alc. during the pregnancy unlike others.

Sometimes I wonder - if we lined up all the OBs in the US and interviewed them, how many differing opinions would we get? I'm guessing...countless.

But I didn't realize that it had postpartum uses as well. I will have to look into this some more!

 

I've wondered the same EXACT thing! My SIL and I have had a few conversations back and fourth about "he said/she said" What Her doctor said and then what my doctor said. Who the heck do you believe? I think in the end you need to go by your gut instincts. If doc. has another opinion, great, but he/she should listen, too! 

smssy2005

The Tucks hemorrhoid wipes have witch hazel in them. They are very cooling and I definitely recommend getting some.