Couple Find The Right Formula

The West Australian, Saturday November 23 1996

Having a baby has been a bittersweet experience for Karen Scarrott.

Sweet for the obvious reason - a happy, healthy eight-month-old son, Kalani - but bitter because of the concoction of herbs she drank every morning and night before and during her pregnancy. "He's the best thing that could ever ever happen," Ms Scarrott said.

The Safety Bay woman tried for eighteen months to get pregnant - to no avail. Medical tests on both Karen and Stephen Scarrott found nothing wrong.

Then one day early last year, Ms Scarrott saw Queenslander Ruth Sharkey on television, talking about the powers of herbal medicines. Mrs Sharkey, dubbed 'the babymaker', helped many would-be mothers to become pregnant.

Ms Scarrott sent away for more information, filled out a questionnaire, paid $70, and received small bottles of a disgusting-tasting liquid.

She drank 5 ml each morning and night, and was pregnant within two months. She switched to another herbal formula designed to prevent miscarriage. At 32 weeks, she took another mixture to ease birthing pains.

And Ms Scarrott is taking herbs again - a slightly less foul mixture - to try to give Kalani a sibling.

Links Medical Disclaimer

We will in no way sell, transfer or give away your email address or personal information to any third parties.