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HOMEOPATHY IN PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
Homeopathy has a great deal to offer the pregnant woman, both during the pregnancy and delivery. One of the fantastic things about homeopathy is that it can be used safely by the pregnant/breast feeding woman with no fear of it interfering with the baby. In fact each year more and more midwives train in homeopathy so that they can administer it as part of their general care for the expectant mother.
The information I have given below gives you a general idea of some of the remedies that can help certain events during pregnancy and childbirth. Most homeopathic pharmacies stock "Birth Kits", which include guidelines as to the remedies they contain. However, if you do want to go down the natural medicine route using homeopathy I would advise doing so under the care of a fully qualified practitioner or a homeopathically trained midwife. You can find a qualified homeopath in your area by calling the Society of Homeopaths (0845-4506611) and getting a copy of their register of practitioners, similarly a homeopathically qualified midwife can be found by calling the Faculty of Homeopaths (020-7566-7800) for their register.
This information is by no means exhaustive of all the remedies that may be indicated during pregnancy, childbirth or post partum care. If there are problems with feeding, the baby not accepting the breast or milk, mastitis, cracked nipples etc. I would advise that you see your homeopath in order to get the individuality of the symptoms logged so that the relevant remedy can be prescribed.
Morning sickness
Ipecacuanha - this is the number one homeopathic remedy for morning sickness. It is characterised by continuous nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting. The tongue is clean and the mouth does not have any odd tastes. There may be a lot of saliva produced.
Symphoricarpus - this is another commonly prescribed remedy in morning sickness. Here the nausea is very strong, it is made worse by food and any sort of motion. The nausea often leads to vomiting (more so than in Ipecac.) and has bitter tastes in the mouth. There might also be an accompanying constipation.
Sepia - this remedy is indicated if the person has a lot of tiredness and the morning sickness is made better by eating or exercise. The person also has a sensitivity to smells that can make the nausea worse.
Gossypium or Cocculus might be indicated if the person feels like they have constant motion sickness.
Labour problems
Caulophyllum - This remedy is indicated in the complete absence of labour or pains may be very weak and irregular. The labour pains often do not feel as if they are pressing downwards but just fizzle out. The remedy is also useful for non-labour pains that might come on in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Pulsatilla - This remedy is indicated when labour pains are present but they are weak or weakening and being induced is advised. She will feel airless and crave fresh air from any source.
During labour many women find massage of their low back and loins helps with pain and discomfort, you should get your husband to do this. It is important that he gets involved in the process and this is a role that will help in many aspects of bonding. To help with the massage you could use a mild oil such as sweet almond oil. Also adopt whichever position gives you the greatest relief during labour, this may be squatting, bending over the bed etc.
Retained placenta
Secale - This remedy is indicated if there is any retained placenta (either whole or in part). The person has a normal temperature to touch but they say they feel very hot. There may be haemorrhage of very dark blood from the uterus.
Retained placenta can lead to infection in the uterus, as it is foetal tissue in origin and will decompose if left in the uterus. Although I suggest a remedy for this, I personally think that any part of a retained placenta is safest removed following orthodox medical intervention.
To help the body recover from the birth
Arnica - one tablet twice daily for three days after you have given birth. This is to help heal any bruising that may have occurred.
Calendula tincture - add 20-30 drops to a bowl of boiled cooled water and use this to wash the vulva and perineum etc. after childbirth. This will prevent infection, ease any pain and help to promote healing of the tissues. I would advise using it at least twice daily. If you find the solution stings reduce the number of drops.
Miscarriage
Homeopathy can be used to great effect in the area of miscarriage. However, I would always advise seeking help from a qualified homeopathic practitioner in order to deal with this. There are many remedies that could be indicated and separating them could depend on such things as the type of pain, the colour of the blood, causation and the exact timing of the miscarriage during the pregnancy. Also if the miscarriage has occurred later in the pregnancy there may be an issue of grief that needs to be addressed too.
One remedy that may be of great use to a woman with a history of miscarriage is Viburnum opulus. I give a packet of this remedy to all of my pregnant patients who have a history of miscarriage, the moment they feel that a miscarriage is threatened the remedy should be taken and may, in some cases, avert the miscarriage. All miscarriages should be reported to your GP so that any investigations deemed relevant can be carried out. If the embryo/foetus is more advanced it might be possible for a post mortem to be carried out in order to determine if there was anything wrong with it, abnormalities could be just due to chance or may be indicative of a possible undiagnosed genetic disorder. If there is recurrent miscarriage it may be that the mother needs various investigations to see if her immune system is playing a role in causing the loss e.g. the action of natural killer (NK) cells, antibody action or clotting problems.
Pharmacies for Birth Kits
- Ainsworths, 36 New Cavendish Street, London, W1M 7LH 020-7935-5330
- Helios, 89-97 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2QR 01892-536393
- Nelsons, 73 Duke Street, Grosvenor Square, London, W1M 6BY 020-7495-2404
All three pharmacies will provide birth kits by mail order.
CLINIC
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