10 tips for a natural birth

Once you arrive home from the hospital (or if you delivered your baby at home), you will have a new set of responsibilities -- taking care of your bundle of joy! Babies aren't always easy, though, and many infants seriously rattle their parents' nerves even before they fully open their eyes. During the first few days and weeks, be keenly aware that things you've taken for granted may no longer be true. Also be aware that sleep deprivation makes minor problems and stresses feel much worse.

Coping with a fussy baby
If you have a fussy baby, one natural soothing remedy is "gripe water," a herbal remedy that helps settle a baby's tummy. It is available at health food stores; consult your pediatrician before using it. Swaddling in an organic cotton blanket is a tried-and-true technique. Pacifiers are invaluable to many mothers, but they often are made of synthetic materials and cause problems if you're trying to determine when sucking means hunger and when it is just a comfort mechanism. (A baby who sucks on your pinky turned upside down and lets go after a time is just soothing herself. A truly hungry baby will "root" -- open her mouth, look desperately for food, and cry incessantly until she gets what she wants.) Screaming during diaper changes can be remedied by hanging or placing a hair dryer near the changing table and turning it on during changes. Directing the warm air toward your baby help eliminate diaper rash, and the sound and warmth seem to help a baby cope. A low-EMF hair dryer is available online.

Nursing comfortably
Finding nursing poses that work well for you and your baby can also create some challenges in the early days. If you possibly can, just try to relax. Your baby senses your stress, and if you are calm she can find peace. Sleep deprivation because of nursing can make you irritable, as can sore or cracked nipples -- apply some lanoline ointment, available at most drugstores. Cocoa butter, shea butter and mango butter can help sooth sore breasts as well. The stresses of nursing can be eased by aromatherapy, sitz and herbal baths (they also promote mom's healing), soothing music and a comfortable chair. Mostly, have faith that you and your baby will soon find a rhythm. When you do, nursing will shift from a chore to a joy.

If you're sore from delivery, don't be shy about getting a postnatal massage. A specialized therapist in craniosacral or other body work can help deal with the trauma of birth for mom and baby.

Dealing with family and friends
Last but not least, ask for help! It may take some time to get your body and mind back. That's OK; you've done quite a bit of work. Until you're feeling back together, lean on family and friends. One of the best ways to help a new mother is to deliver her food, wave, and leave. Don't be shy about asking this of friends or family members who say, "If there's anything I can do..." If you're asked what kind of meals you might enjoy, go for simple, natural whole foods that are high in nutritional value and low in sugar. A large pot of soup is always a good bet, because it is easily stored and reheated. If you're given an opening, ask for help with the housecleaning and laundry, too. Be sure you have nontoxic cleaning supplies on hand for the volunteers.

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Excerpted from Organic Baby: Simple Steps for Healthy Living by Kimberly Rider. Copyright 2007 by Kimberly Rider. Excerpted with permission from Chronicle Books. All right reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced without permission in writing from the publisher.