Homeopathy in pregnancy, what can I use?

Homeopathic remedies have a 200 year history of use during pregnancy and childbirth and are rendered safe, gentle, non-toxic, when correctly chosen, energetically stimulates the body’s natural defences to heal itself. Homeopathy can help tremendously leading up to the birth of a baby, avoiding or reducing some of the problems associated with labour and in dealing with post-natal symptoms.

Homeopathy uses ultra dilute “micro” doses in which the original substance (usually derived from a plant or mineral) is diluted in liquid repeatedly and vigorously shaken with each dilution. Homeopathic remedies don’t contain any molecules of the original substance, yet medicinal qualities are retained. Even though the doses are small, they are very effective, yet safe and gentle. It works on the principle of “like cures like” – that is, a substance that would cause symptoms in a healthy person is used to cure those same symptoms in illness. It is important to understand that homeopathy does not override the body’s needs.

Remedy Potency/Strength

There is a number followed by a “C” beside the remedy name denoting the potency, or strength, of the homeopathic remedy. The higher the number beside the remedy, the higher the strength. Strength usually matches with how acute the situation is, as well as with the energy of the patient. However if you take 3 pellets and put this in a small bottle of water and take little sips it will have the same strength and potency as when you put 3 pellets directly under your tongue. Important is that you do not touch the pellets with your hands just directly from the cap or a spoon to your mouth and no eating or drinking before and after for aprox 5-10 min.

Taking five pellets will not significantly increase the response over taking two pellets. The way it is usually explained is as follows. Homeopathic remedies appear to act by giving the body a subtle stimulation to which the body responds (if it is a well-indicated remedy). Example If you were to directly touch the electrical outlet with one finger, you would receive a shock of let's say 220volts. If you touch it with two fingers, or 10 fingers you'd still receive a shock of 220 volts.

This works the same way for the number of pellets taken each dose doesn't seem to make a lot of difference. Take two of these BB-size pellets just to make sure they are getting enough to cause a response.

Sometimes the pellets used by the manufacturer are much smaller than BBs. Don't be alarmed. For somewhat smaller pellets, take three or four per dose, and for the tiniest (mustard seed sized) pellets take five to ten.

Remedies can be taken in water as well as dry under the tongue. The most common way to take them in water is to simply put a dose into a drinking glass of water.

Here are several remedies used in pregnancy strength would be 30c

Aconite:

Fear and fright = Aconite.

Extreme fear experienced during pregnancy. Contractions feel violent and intense, producing a state of fear and anxiety. Restless, agitated and fearful that they might die. Especially helpful during transitional phase of labour. Baby appears shocked and unsettled after birth. Very comforting for nervous fathers and grandparents.

Arnica:

Feeling sore and bruised during labour. They may not want to be touched. Relieves soft tissue damage (perineum and abdomen) following birth. Reduces swelling and bruising and risk of infection and promotes healing. Useful to reduce caput/swelling of baby’s head after birth.

Bellis Perennis:

Follows well after Arnica or if Arnica does not ease discomfort. Exceptional for bruised, sore, pelvic pain or abdominal tissues during pregnancy and following birth.

Caulophylum: not to be taken before 37 weeks

Can be used at term to help strengthen and tone the uterus and prepare and soften the cervix prior to birth. Also helpful if labour pains fail to dilate the cervix and contractions become irregular, short and spasmodic. Used to co ordinate and strengthen contractions.

Cimicfuga: not to be taken before 37 weeks

Similar to Caulophyllum. The difference being it helps to produce coordinated contractions while allaying fear and anxiety. Encourages a woman to trust the birth process and open up both emotionally and physically. She may feel unable to endure labour. Common words might be “I can’t do it.” Incredibly useful for women who may have a painful or traumatic memory of a past pregnancy, birth, miscarriage etc.

Gelsemium: not to be taken before 37 weeks

Excellent remedy for dysfunctional labour with failure to progress, especially if baby is lying in a posterior position. There is weakness and exhaustion and muscles tremble with the effort of movement. Contractions are felt in the back. Especially helpful when there is fear or anticipation of birth. May be useful before birth to help ease anxiety. May also be useful to ease fear and anticipation of birth in fathers and grandparents.

Hypericum:

Shooting, nerve pains following caesarian section or perineal tears and episiotomy.

Kali Carbonicum:

Pain of contractions felt mainly in the back (especially posterior positioned babies). The backache may extend to the buttocks. Feel as if back would break and back pain is better for hard pressure. Often feels very chilly.

Nux vomica:

For contractions felt in the back that extend to the buttocks and thighs. They feel as if they want to move their bowels or urinate, but nothing much is passed. They are irritable, impatient and easily angered and offended. Sensitive to odors, light and noise. No pressure can be tolerated on the back and pain is worse from pressure (the opposite from Kali Carb).

Staphisagria:

Encourages the quick healing of incisions or lacerated wounds. Useful following incision, penetration or stretching of muscle fibers after catheterisation and episiotomy. Relieves feelings of anger, resentment, disappointment and emotional upset that may follow a difficult labour and birth or caesarian section.

Homeopathic help for breastfeeding problems

Homeopathy will greatly help mothers with nursing and breastfeeding difficulties. These include mastitis, painful sore nipples, reduced milk supply, over abundant milk supply and emotional difficulties breastfeeding and bonding with their babies.

Castor equi

Excellent for cracked and ulcerated nipples.

Lac caninum

Helps to regulate milk supply if there is not enough milk or to regulate it if there is too much. Especially useful to help ease emotional difficulties if a mother is in conflict with nursing and the sexuality of her breasts.

Phytolacca

For sore, cracked nipples, which hurt when baby nurses. Also useful for breast infections (mastitis) where there are hard, sore, painful lumps.

Pulsatilla

If there is an over production of milk or if milk supply is erratic. The mother may feel very weepy and needs lots of company and reassurance.

Urtica urens

If the milk production is slow to get going or if there is an over or under production. Can help establish a good milk supply.

Guidelines for using Homeopathic Remedies

• For BEST results homeopathic remedies should be taken on a clean palate.

• Do not eat or drink 10 – 15 minutes before and after food and drink (apart from water).

• Place the remedy under your tongue and leave to dissolve.

• It is important to try and avoid strong flavors such as mint, coffee or toothpaste. These can interfere with the absorption of the medicine.

• Remedies can be dissolved in pure water and given in liquid form. Crush 2-4 pillules between two teaspoons and dissolve in a glass of water. Sip when needed

• Use the remedy that best matches the symptoms at the time. Not every symptom has to be present for the remedy to help.

• During childbirth remedies can be given every 15 minutes if needed. If no improvement is seen after 3 doses then stop and change to the next best matching remedy. A 30c or 200c potency is recommended during labour and childbirth.

• When using remedies after the birth take one dose every 1 – 4 hours until discomfort is relieved. If there is no improvement by the third dose then change to the next best indicated remedy. Once there is improvement re dose only if the pain returns.

• Storage: Store remedies in a cool, dark place away from strong smells, essential oils and direct sunlight.

• IMPORTANT: Remedies to prepare the uterus for labour (Cimicifuga and Caulophyllum) should NEVER be used routinely in early pregnancy as they can potentially initiate contractions. It is advised that you discuss the use of these remedies in consultation with a trained homeopath prior to your birth.

Do you want to know what you can use while in labour to in case of stalled labour, not dilating, anxiety or fear click here to read more: