Labor, Birthing and Homeopathy

Homeopathy Helps During Birth
There are effective remedies to help deal with possible problems during childbirth, such as a cervix which is slow to dilate, pain, excessive bleeding, retained placenta, other difficulties.

Your homeopath will advise you and your partner on the use of remedies in labor. Ask your homeopath she can attend the birth or if they will supply a labor kit with instructions for your partner to follow.

The following remedies are often required, both during and after labor, so if you are new to homeopathy or are unable to consult a homeopath, you can start out with these:

• Aconite: the labor is too fast (any stage), the pains are very strong (even unbearable) and you have a feeling of panic

• Arnica: this remedy is often indicated for relief of soreness that comes from physical exertion and muscle strain. It is also useful for soreness after labor and delivery, and for hemorrhoids that follow childbirth. An indispensable remedy that can be given from time to time during labor to help the muscles function properly, to relieve the over-exertion of labor and reduce the bruised feeling after delivery.

• Calcarea phosphorica: This remedy can help to strengthen a woman who tends toward easy tiredness, poor digestion, cold hands and feet, and poor absorption of nutrients. Some women who need this remedy find only “junk food” appealing during pregnancy, or have cravings for smoked and salty food. A history of easy tooth decay and aching bones and joints can also suggest a need for this remedy. A person who needs Calc phosphorica is often irritable because of tiredness, and may long for travel or a change of circumstances.

• Caulophyllum: This remedy may be helpful to women with weak muscle tone in the uterus. A history of irregular periods, slow and difficult labor with previous deliveries, or weakness of the cervix may bring this remedy to mind. The woman may feel erratic pains like sticking needles, or episodes of contracting pain. She typically feels nervous, shaky, and trembling (sometimes irritable, as well). for a difficult labor where the cervix is slow to dilate and the pains are strong but ineffective. You feel cold and trembly.

• Carbo vegetabilis: This remedy can be helpful to a woman who feels weak and faint during pregnancy, with poor circulation, a general feeling of coldness, and a craving for fresh or moving air. She may also have frequent digestive upsets with burning pain and a tendency to belch. A woman who is deeply tired from overwork, many pregnancies close together, or a previous illness may regain some strength with Carbo vegetabilis.

• Cimicifuga (also called Actaea racemosa): This remedy can be helpful to women who are nervous and talkative, with a tendency to feel fearful and gloomy during pregnancy. They may become over agitated and fear a miscarriage — sometimes having pains that feel like labor pains too early, or pains that shoot from hip to hip and down the thighs.

• Ferrum metallicum: A woman who has a sturdy build, but looks very pale and weary—flushing red from any exertion or emotion — may respond to this remedy. Ferrum is often helpful in correcting anemic tendencies.

• Ferrum phosphoricum: This remedy can be helpful for nervous, sensitive women who often feel weak or tired, with easy flushing of the face and a tendency toward anemia. A woman who needs this remedy often has a slender build and may develop frequent neck and shoulder stiffness.

• Kali phosphoricum: for simple exhaustion during labor, mental, emotional and physical.

• Nux vomica: This remedy may be useful for indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, and constipation during pregnancy. A woman needs this remedy usually is impatient, irritable, and chilly.

• Pulsatilla: This remedy is often helpful at times of strong hormonal changes, especially to women who are moody and emotional, and want a lot of affection and attention. They often crave desserts or butter and may overeat, which can lead to indigestion and nausea, or excessive weight-gain. Pregnant women who need this remedy feel uncomfortable in hot weather and in stuffy rooms, improving from gentle exercise in open air.  When contractions are irregular and weak, the cervix is slow to dilate and you feel miserable, clingy and tearful. You may talk about wanting to give up and go home!

• Sepia: Women who are tired, dragged out, and irritable during pregnancy (feeling overburdened by demands of family members, or with little enthusiasm for the pregnancy) may benefit from this remedy. Poor circulation, nausea, constipation, a tendency toward accidental urine loss, and a feeling of sagging or weakness in the pelvic floor, and an energy-boost from exercise are other indications for Sepia.

Healing After Your Birth
After the birth, you can use homeopathic remedies to speed up healing for yourself and your baby - this will help you to enjoy the whole experience more:

• Aconite: for shock following the fear of the intensity of birth, in yourself, your partner or your baby.

• Arnica: to relieve soreness, bruising and after-pains. Also helpful for babies who are bruised (from a long labor or a forceps delivery).

• If you are still sore after three days, take Bellis perennis to help with bruising to deep muscle tissues

• Kali phos: for mental exhaustion after delivery, with headache, tiredness but too excited to sleep, especially in the first day or two after the birth

• Pulsatilla: post-natal ‘blues’, especially when the milk comes in. You feel utterly miserable and burst into tears at the slightest thing but you feel much better for being comforted

 Portions reprinted from http://www.homeopathy-soh.org/about-homeopathy/what-is-homeopathy/pregnancy-and-childbirth.aspx
 

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