Healing Wings :: Homeopathy and childbirth

Homeopathy and Childbirth

Homeopathy in pregnancy and labour
Storage and dosage guidelines for prescribing in labour
Where to purchase your homeopathic medicines in Athens
Eight homeopathic medicines and their indications for use during labour
Homeopathic healing in postpartum period including following episiotomy and Caesarean section
Support for natural childbirth in the Athens area
Recommended reading

Homeopathy in pregnancy and labour

Pregnancy is an important time for the body and is greatly assisted and supported by homeopathic treatment which is safe for both mother and baby.

The applications of homeopathy during pregnancy, labour and in the postpartum period are numerous. In pregnancy, homeopathy can help with symptoms such as morning sickness, constipation and more complicated problems such as high blood pressure or symphysis pubis dysfunction. It is also very important in cases where there is a tendency to repeated miscarriages. During labour, it can help with the dilation of the cervix, the strength and pain of contractions, also with exhaustion and any overwhelming emotions. It provides significant aid in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage and infection.
Homeopathic medicines are safe and without side effects for both mother and baby and for this reason are well suited for women during this time. The ideal time for you to start homeopathic treatment with a professional homeopath is actually prior to conception in order to obtain optimum health during your pregnancy and beyond.

The homeopathic medicines which you will find detailed further below are safe and effective for use during and after labour.
You will not, however, be in a position to prescribe for yourself during labour. Your homeopath, midwife or partner should be designated to undertake this responsibility as they will be in a better position to observe.

A more comprehensive birthing kit is available on request, however, because this is beyond the knowledge of an inexperienced prescriber, it is recommended that you visit your homeopath/attend a seminar in order to have a thorough understanding of how to use it.
Ideally you should visit your homeopath with your midwife or birthing partner a month before the birth so that the person can have time to feel confident about using the kit.

I am happy to undertake individual consultations with pregnant women and their birthing partners on request, please contact me by e-mail: info@healingwings.net or 6942 909559
(if I am unable to answer at the time please leave a message).

Storage and dosage guidelines for prescribing in labour

Please note if you are under the care of a homeopath already you should not self prescribe but should refer back to your prescribing practitioner.

Remedies are sensitive to strong smells such as coffee, mint and perfume.

Store in a cool dark place away from above and similar substances.

Ideally you should not eat, drink or have cleaned teeth for minimum of 15 minutes before and after the remedy. The capsules are best opened and the contents dropped directly onto a clean tongue. If you purchase loose granules, tip some onto a small clean spoon and then straight into the mouth. Suck until dissolved. Remember the granules are medicated on the outside and this is why you must handle them with care. They are easily absorbed in the mouth which is the best way for them to pass into the body.

The remedies should ideally be in a 200CH as the situation demands a high potency and the body will use up this potency quite rapidly. However the indicated remedy will still work in a 30CH potency but may need much more frequent repetition.

The best person to prescribe in a birthing situation is either your homeopath if you choose to have one on hand during your labour, your midwife or your partner. Your partner is in an ideal position to recognize if you are in a different state than usual i.e. perhaps you are more irritable, angry, afraid or weepy. It is unwise to attempt to self prescribe, it is certain that your mind will be on other things!

Once a remedy has taken effect it should be repeated as required, this may be every hour, half hour or every 10 minutes if necessary. If the effect holds for longer do not be in haste to repeat and stop as soon as amelioration holds.

If the first remedy does nothing after 2 doses it is likely not quite the right prescription, try and look again at the symptoms and choose another more suitable remedy.

If a remedy is clearly working well and is being repeated frequently it can be put in a glass of water and sipped at intervals, each sip being equal to one dose. This can also be done if you are running out of the required remedy and will make what is left last longer.

If required for the baby some granules can be mixed with a little water in a teaspoon and drops applied to the lips and mucous membranes. If a mother is breastfeeding she may take the remedy and it will be passed to the child in her milk.

Bach Flower Rescue Remedy is also recommended to be used as often as required.

Where to purchase your homeopathic medicines in Athens

There are many homeopathic pharmacies. The most highly recommended is Korres which is based at Eratosthenous and Ivikou 8, 116 35 Pangrati, Tel: 210 722 2774
However pharmacies in other areas also stock their remedies and so you can either inquire at your local pharmacy or at the number above.

Other pharmacies are available, if you use another it is advisable that you go on recommendation from a friend or other who uses them regularly and can vouch for their efficacy.

Eight homeopathic medicines and their indications for use during labour

ACONITE
Aconite is a remedy for shock and fear. In labour it will help if the labour is going too fast and pains are strong and frightening. Often the person who needs this remedy will have a fear that they might die. This might be completely out of proportion to the severity of the situation, i.e. there may be no real risk but the person has this feeling nonetheless.
ARNICA
Arnica is the most important remedy for bruising and trauma. During labour can help speed dilation of the cervix and can help prevent both haemorrhage and postpartum infection.
It can be helpful if the woman feels tired especially if there are no other indications for remedies such as Kali Phos or Gelsemium (compare further below).
Please note it can also be given to the baby in case of a traumatic birth or forceps delivery.
CAULOPHYLLUM
This remedy may be used if labour is delayed, i.e. if the cervix remains rigid and contractions are not coordinated, changing location and going into the bladder and groins. It can strengthen contractions when they are weak, of short duration or slow down to a stop.
Woman may feel trembly, chilly and weak and may also have pains in fingers and toes appear concurrently.

If this remedy seems indicated but has no effect consider Gelsemium below.
Do not use this remedy in pregnancy except under expert advice.
CHAMOMILLA
This remedy can be useful when the pain is centered in the lower back. Particularly with the baby in posterior position.
The woman will feel incredibly irritable with the pain. The pain will seem almost too much to endure. She may react by pushing people away, may not want to be touched or looked at and may react with anger if she has to be examined internally.
This remedy will not be useful unless there is extreme irritability.
KALI CARBONICUM
Low back pain. Relieved by pressure/rubbing (compare Chamomilla for posterior presentation).
Chilly and aggravated by draughts.
Aggravation during the night, especially 2-4am.
Woman may be nagging and complaining.
KALI PHOSPHORICUM
Exhaustion with no other indications or if Arnica is not helping.
May feel unable to cope and sensitive to noise.
It can be alternated with Arnica when labour slows down and the woman herself or uterine muscles may be tired.
GELSEMIUM
This remedy will be helpful if there is a failure to dilate with tiredness and weakness (compare to Kali Phos, Arnica and Caulophyllum).
The weakness often presents with very heavy eyelids and a dazed expression.
Woman may feel trembly especially from fright or anticipation.
It is a remedy for anticipatory anxiety. If entering the hospital and all the subsequent procedures causes the woman to feel very anxious and this seems to be impacting the labour i.e. decreasing or even halting previously strong contractions then Gelsemium by addressing the anxiety may help get things underway again.
PULSATILLA
The woman will feel very weepy and tearful and desperate for the company of her partner or other loved ones if she requires Pulsatilla. She will feel better with fresh air.
If the contractions are weak and the cervix is not dilating as it should Pulsatilla can be considered but only if a similar emotional state is presenting.

Homeopathic healing in the postpartum period

ARNICA
After birth or especially Caesarean Arnica will help the healing and ease pain and discomfort. It is a major remedy for postoperative healing.
As a guide one dose three times a day for up to three days should provide much relief, it can be repeated much more frequently if necessary, i.e. every two hours. If however you are still in some discomfort consider Bellis Perennis or Staphysagria below.
Remember Arnica will very much benefit your baby if the birth has been traumatic or forceps were used.

BELLIS PERENNIS
This remedy will further help cases where there is any residual bruising or discomfort remaining after Arnica. It is indicated for abdominal wounds and deep trauma and will complement the initial action of Arnica.

HYPERICUM
This remedy is indicated for injury to the coccyx during labour or delivery and for lacerations which affect parts rich in nerves, including surgery to the genital area. Helpful after episiotomy or a natural tear (compare to Staphysagria) and also for any residual effects following an epidural.

Episiotomy or laceration (in tincture form)
A tincture of hypericum mixed with calendula (Hypercal) can be purchased from a homeopathic pharmacy and used externally. Mix 10 drops in a tablespoon of sterile or cooled boiled water and apply to perineum on a compress. Keep in contact for up to an hour and repeat several times until relief is obtained.

STAPHYSAGRIA
This remedy is also indicated following caesarean, or episiotomy with pain in the incision, great sensitivity and redness of the wound. This is particularly helpful for example if the woman has had an unexpected caesarean which was not of her choosing and feels somewhat violated by the procedure. Consider also Arnica, Bellis Perennis (caesarean) or Hypericum (episiotomy) on their own individual merits.

Support for Natural Childbirth in the Athens Area

Eutokia - Association for the Promotion of Natural Childbirth
Filias 50, Maroussi, Athens 151 23 Website: www.eutokia.gr
Tel: 210 6844 201 E-mail:eutokia@eutokia.gr

Natural Childbirth Centre
The birth centre resides in the Private Maternity Clinic “Niki”
122 Idomeneos str, Illion 131 23
Tel: 210 261 6155
Midwife in charge of the maternity clinic is Elda Lati Tel: 69466 22891

Evangelia Philippaki
GP, attends home births.
Tel: 210 804 2751

Birth Voice
Informal and relaxed meetings held by mothers, midwives, doctors, doulas and La Leche League group leaders whose aim is to empower mothers to be to attain the birth experience they want.
You are welcome to attend at any stage in your pregnancy.
Contact: Laura 210 623 2527 or laura@liverakos.info
Demetra 210 808 2656 or demetral@otenet.gr

Maria Andreoulaki
Doula and reflexologist
Tel: 210 68 59 336
e-mail: tornlaki@hol.gr

La Leche League Greece
Breastfeeding support groups and expert advice from mothers experienced and trained in the art of breastfeeding. It is recommended that you attend prior to your birth.
LLL Hotline: 210 600 3249
Website: www.llli.org

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