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Homeopathy during pregnancy  |  Homeopathy during labour
Homeopathy during the post natal period  |  Homeopathy during the menopause

Homeopathy during pregnancy

Part 1 of a series of 3 articles discussing the uses of homeopathic remedies which are
useful during pregnancy, labour and the post-partum period

Introduction

It was a German physician, Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) who founded and developed homeopathy as an alternative to the often cruel medical practices of his day. He based it on an idea that may be traced back to the ancient Greeks i.e. that disease may be treated with 'similars' - substances that produce similar disease symptoms in a healthy person.   Indeed, 'Homoeopathy' means "similar suffering".  Hahnemann spent many years confirming and developing the philosophy behind this principle,  testing substances on healthy human volunteers to find the healing properties within, and documenting his results.  Physical and mental/emotional symptoms were noted, and his writings remain the inspiration and guide of the Classical Homeopath today.  If you are pregnant, homeopathic remedies will not harm the baby, and will indeed help you both prepare for the tasks ahead.  However, please note that the remedy Thuja, frequently used to treat warts, should NOT be taken during the first three months of pregnancy.  

 'Self-prescribing'  

Well-chosen homeopathic remedies are safe and gentle in their action, and will do much to enhance your pregnancy, labour and the early days of Motherhood, but please remember the following : . only ONE remedy should be taken at one time. . take only one pill at a time (the 'dose'),letting it dissolve slowly under your tongue. . if circumstances allow, do not eat or drink anything for 20mins before or after taking the remedy. . use 6C potency for minor physical complaints which you would expect to recover from relatively quickly. . use 30C potency for symptoms requiring immediate attention and accompanied by great pain (eg. useful during labour) or which have lasted for some time. . After taking the first dose, wait for a reaction: .If you improve - don't take any more remedy.  Repeat it only when the same symptoms return.   .If nothing happens, and you are sure your choice best describes you, repeat.  If you improve, STOP.  Repeat only when the same symptoms return.   .If nothing happens, you probably have the wrong remedy for you, so stop taking it and speak to your homeopath. . ALWAYS STOP once you start to improve, repeating as needed. . NEVER over-prescribe, as once your natural healing process has begun, a further dose of remedy could disrupt progress. . If in doubt, do not prescribe, and seek the advice of your homeopath. NB. During labour, a remedy stimulus will be used up quickly and in direct proportion to the severity of the situation, so it may be necessary to repeat one dose of 6C or 30C every 5 - 30 mins. Homeopathy is all about individuals - everyone is different, which is why the time for repeating a remedy is judged by your personal reaction. Should you choose homeopathy to enhance your natural birth experience, remember that your homeopath, will be able to advise you on which remedies to have ready for the big day. Here are some suggested uses for remedies you may already have in your homeopathic first aid kit and had not thought of trying during pregnancy, labour and the post-natal period:

      *PREGNANCY* 

Nausea and Vomiting

IPECACUANHA When nausea is constant, with empty belches and not relieved by vomiting. You feel  worse after eating, when you smell food or tobacco and whenever you move. You are thirstless, and your tongue is clean.   ARSENICUM  When nausea and vomiting are followed by faintness and possible diarrhoea. You are very anxious, and this makes you extremely restless and demanding for those caring for you.  You are very thirsty, drink in sips and find that warm drinks make you feel better. The smell or even the thought of food make you worse. NUX VOMICA  For constant nausea with dry heaves and possible constipation, when you find yourself thinking 'If only I could vomit I'd feel much better', and when you vomit, you find that you do. You are also extremely sensitive to any noise or touch, and this makes you very irritable, angry and quarrelsome.  PHOSPHORUS For nausea with sour belching and vomiting taking place after food or drink have become warmed in your stomach (approx 15 mins).  Strangely, you find you feel worse when putting your hands in warm water or when you are showering or bathing.  Drinking something cold is helpful and you find yourself easily reassured when comforted. SEPIA For constant nausea, especially bad between 3-5pm. You find you feel temporarily better after eating, but have to be forced to do this, as the smell of food makes you feel worse. Exhaustion has left you snappy and indifferent, and so 'off' sex that even the smell of your partner makes you feel ill.  

Insomnia  

COFFEA  You are unable to sleep from the excitement of good news and find yourself making plans and coming up with countless new ideas, all of which keeps you awake.  Once asleep, your dreams are vivid, but you have become so sensitive that you wake at every sound and even the slightest pain induces despair. GELSEMIUM You cannot sleep due to nervous irritation, bringing on violent itching of the head, face, neck and shoulders. Once asleep you toss and turn from nightmares about death. You are weary & exhausted. NUX VOMICA  You are sleepy on going to bed, but find yourself woken by anxious thoughts, most often around 3am. Once you settle again, your sleep is so deep that it is almost impossible to wake you when the alarm goes off.  You may groan, talk and weep during sleep, and, in many respects, the morning is your worst time of day.

Varicose Veins & Piles  

BELLIS PERENNIS  The veins in your legs feel sore and bruised, and you may be unable to walk, as your legs feel weak. You may be experiencing sudden groin pains. All the pains are relieved by a cold compress. PULSATILLA  Your legs feel heavy and feel worse after prolonged standing and getting cold.  The pains constantly change location and character, and you yourself have changeable moods - happy and laughing one minute, then crying the next.  Crying, with someone there to comfort you, brings relief, as does fresh air. HAMAMELIS  This remedy is almost specific to varicose veins of the legs, genitals and rectum (haemorrhoids or piles), which have prickling and stinging pains and are sensitive to touch.  The veins in the legs are hard and knotty and piles protrude and bleed profusely. You feel better taking rest and lying quietly.

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Homeopathy during Labour

Part 2 of a series of 3 articles discussing the uses of homeopathic remedies which are
useful during pregnancy, labour and the post-partum period

* LABOUR *

Homeopathy can enhance normal labour, helping to minimise pain, discomfort and distress.

If you have chosen to use homeopathic remedies when you are in labour, please remember to notify your birthing team in advance.  This way, they will be aware of your wishes and your birth partner will have time to become familiar with your birthing kit remedies and their uses. This is important, as during labour it is unlikely that you will be able to make the decisions necessary to self-prescribe - you will be too busy with the job in hand. Your birth partner and/or midwife, even if very confident and competent with homeopathy, may not 'prescribe' remedies for you as such - they can assume an advisory 'supporting role' only, to assist you in your choice to employ and self-administer homeopathic remedies. 
(You may purchase a standard birthing kit from a homeopathic pharmacy, or your homeopath will give you advice on which remedies to buy.)

'Prescribing' during labour

In addition to the advice given for self-prescribing in last month's article on pregnancy, it is well to observe the following:

. if in doubt, do nothing
. do not over-prescribe
. prescribe

. only if there is some need in the labour
. on presenting symptoms only
. mainly on the emotional state 

. remember that absence of a certain symptom does not contra-indicate a remedy

Some birthing kit remedies with a few of their suggested uses include:

ACONITE

A remedy for intense fear and fright. Contractions stop altogether from fear. You believe that you or the baby is going to die, and are very anxious and restless.

ARNICA

After delivery Even if you were to use no other remedy during labour, this one will always be appreciated, especially immediately after your baby is born. It's main use is for injuries to soft tissues (eg. bruising), especially if you fear being approached or touched and insist you are fine and well, when this is obviously not so. Your head may feel hot, while your arms and legs are cold. Use immediately after the birth to ease aching, bruising and soreness and speed up the healing process.

Emotional Shock & Physical Trauma of a difficult birth

Use when your baby was delivered either very fast or by forceps or caesarian.

BELLIS PERENNIS

This remedy is similar to Arnica, but acts on deeper tissue. Use after caesarian delivery to speed up healing.

CAULOPHYLLUM

People requiring this remedy are generally weak and exhausted, so much so, that they can hardly speak. They frequently suffer from rheumatism, and have a strong desire for fresh air, even while demanding a warm bath.
Slow Labour where the unbearable contractions are weak and irregular or may have stopped altogether from exhaustion. The cervix is not dilating and 
the pains are shifting in the wrong direction eg. from groin to abdomen or chest.
Lack of tonacity of womb where the midwife is concerned that the womb is not contracting as it should shortly after the birth.
After-pains across the lower abdomen, extending to the groins.

CIMICIFUGA

This remedy is useful in women who are totally negative about the labour and everything associated with it, yet insist on talking during a contraction (very unusual). 
Slow labour where you feel 'if these contractions don't get going, I'll go crazy' and burst into tears and become extremely restless. Your birthing team are concerned that you may be losing your sense of reality.
Contractions stop when someone enters the room or if you feel chilled. The contractions resume once you feel warmer.

CHAMOMILLA

When you are intolerant of the slightest pain, demand instant relief and shout that you cannot bear it any more, and are rude, quarrelsome and impossible to please. You may send everyone away, then want them to come straight back again and reject all attempts at consolation outright!
Unbearable labour pains extending into the thighs, with the above behaviour.

IPECACUANHA

A remedy for nausea, especially where you are sulky, wanting something, but unable to say quite what.
Nausea during labour, not relieved by vomiting accompanied by an unsuccessful urge to pass water with thirstlessness and breathlessness between contractions.

KALI PHOS
A remedy for mental tiredness, so much so, that you are unable to concentrate on your breathing.
Weak, slow contractions coming every 15 - 30 minutes.

PULSATILLA

A remedy that should be included in every birthing kit. It is especially useful where you are laughing one minute, and weeping the next, are desperate to please, invite lots of people to the birth and apologise constantly for taking so long. You feel a strong need for emotional support and fresh air. You are thirstless, even though your mouth is dry.
Slow labour with pains felt in the back, but moving from place to place with the contractions. Everything is ready to go, but nothing happens.
Faintness, nausea and vomiting during labour with the above. 
Turning the baby except in the case of a footling breech, which cannot be turned homeopathically.

PLEASE REMEMBER
The homeopath who has taken your history, worked on your case and found your constitutional remedy will always be the best person to approach for homeopathic advice.

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Part 3 of a series of 3 articles discussing the uses of homeopathic remedies which are useful during pregnancy, labour and the post-partum period

* THE POST-NATAL PERIOD *

Once you have your baby, your homeopathic first aid and birthing kits can still be put to good use to help you recover from the 'after-shocks' of labour and to overcome other common problems that may now occur. (Please follow the same rules for 'Self-Prescribing' given in the previous article on pregnancy).

CALENDULA (tincture)
After Episiotomy/Tear or Caesarian

Add 5 drops of tincture to a glass of water and apply externally to speed healing of clean wounds. Do not apply undiluted, as it will sting!! Dry with a hair dryer.

HYPERCAL
After Episiotomy/Tear or Caesarian

HYPERCAL is a blend of Hypericum and Calendula tinctures and can be used and administered in the same way as Calendula tincture, above. Hypericum on its own is used for injuries to nerve-rich parts of the body.

BELLIS PERENNIS

When Arnica has failed to give relief try Bellis to ease bruised soreness after childbirth.

STAPHYSAGRIA
Following caesarian, forceps or episiotomy

Where the operative procedure was more than you expected and you find yourself harbouring feelings of resentment, anger and humiliation, which will not go away.

IGNATIA
Following an emotionally traumatic birth

When you find you are unable to stop tormenting yourself with recollections of your labour experience and are growing increasingly moody and introspective, crying alone and feeling better after a meal or in a warm place.

CASTOR EQUI
Sore, cracked, tender nipples,

This remedy can be helpful, especially if you have no other symptoms. Your breasts may be engorged, with itchy skin.

LYCOPODIUM
Sore, cracked, tender nipples,

Where your nipples are sore, cracked and stinging; your breasts are swollen and fell lumpy and you find your baby is obtaining blood instead of milk. Emotionally, you find that the responsibility is weighing too heavily on you, and there is nothing you would like more than to run away.

BELLADONNA
Mastitis

Belladonna may be called for where your breasts are red-streaked from the centre to the circumference, inflamed, hot, tender, engorged and throbbing with pain. Your milk supply is over-abundant and you are emotionally excited with a high fever with dry, burning heat, red face and dilated pupils. Lying down makes you feel better.

PULSATILLA
Mastitis

Use this remedy where your milk supply is low, your breasts are swollen and tense and the milk itself is thin, watery and acrid. Pains change location, and extend to the chest and down the back. You find yourself weeping while you nurse.

Milk production continues after the baby is weaned

PULSATILLA is often used to dry up the milk in such a case, particularly if you find your mood changeable, and crave company, consolation and fresh air.

PLEASE REMEMBER

The homeopath who has taken your history, worked on your case and found your constitutional remedy will always be the best person to approach for homeopathic advice.

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Homeopathy during the Menopause 

Did you know that the word 'Menopause' comes from a Greek word meaning 'top rung of the ladder'?  The mental images this can conjure up will vary on the individual - some could say that the only way to go is down; others that is it an achievement to be proud of; and someone else again, that it is a time to stretch your wings and fly.Modern society, where youthful looks and appearances are everything, would like us to take the first view - that for all women, the Menopause occurring at the correct time is something which should be dreaded and put off indefinitely.  This natural process has in effect been labelled a disease and, sadly, we no longer celebrate and value the role of the useful and active older women in our society.  If a woman sails through a symptom-free menopause, as is more often the case than we are generally led to believe, does she have a problem at all?You could also say that having reached the top rung, you have an achievement to celebrate - the wealth of life experiences you have gathered along the way, gives you wisdom that younger women do not have and now is the time to share your knowledge and be treated with esteem.Freedom from periods and lessening family commitments, can also mean that at last you have the time to look to yourself and your needs, and fulfil any personal ambitions that you have had to shelve until now.Homeopathy looks at the menopause in the light of a natural process, which, like pregnancy and labour, may at times require a little assistance to make it as comfortable a time as possible for you.  It is not seen as a disease to be 'cured'. In other words, it does not provide a form of Hormone Replacement Therapy to delay the inevitable, but 'holistic' assistance, which helps you cope with and overcome any problems you may encounter, physical or emotional, while going through this period of change.  If needed, homeopathic help will not interfere with any prescribed medication you may be taking and should come in the form of constitutional treatment from a professional homeopath and falls outside the scope of the first-aid home prescriber.

One of the false beliefs that many menopausal women have today, is that osteoporosis as an inevitable part of the menopause.  This is not so, as osteoporosis is a disease in itself. Sadly, it is on the increase and is probably linked to a combination of factors such as our diet, sedentary, stressful life-style and ancestral origin. Those more likely to develop osteoporosis have ancestors who were Arctic Innuit or from Northern Europe, the British Isles, China or Japan and are thin and small boned.  Those at lower risk of developing the disease have ancestors who were native Australians or came from Africa or the Mediterranean, who are plump and large boned. Exercise is the best way we can encourage our bodies to retain denser bone tissue, as muscle use encourages bone to maintain its strength. Walking, low impact aerobics and dancing are all beneficial.   Eating more raw food, drinking less alcohol, cutting out smoking, coffee, salt and sugar and eating less meat are also helpful, as are eating larger meals for breakfast and lunch and smaller meals in the evening.

Please remember -

Seek professional help if your symptoms recur of do not improve or keep on recurring. The homeopath who has taken your history, worked on your case and found your constitutional remedy will always be the best person to approach for homeopathic advice.

All text and Images © Barbara Geraghty 2003 - 2008 Registered London Homeopath

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