Birth throws up many interesting and challenging experiences. Each person and their life are unique, the experiences, the challenges and the ways in which these challenges and experiences are met. Perhaps the most challenging experience is pregnancy and childbirth because it is so emotionally and spiritually charged.
Homœopathy is a system of medicine that is as equally interesting and challenging. It does not treat diseases but sick people and views every sick person as being unique. It also acknowledges the body’s (or nature’s) ability to self-heal. The homoeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body to self-heal, i.e. they work together with the body and not against it.
Being a special milestone in a woman’s life many women want a pleasant, memorable and non-invasive birth for themselves and their child. Homœopathy can be very effective during pregnancy and labour, often reducing the need for drugs and/or surgical intervention.
When the labour is slow and exhausting, the contractions are short, weak and irregular and no progress is being made, the mother is exhausted and fretful Caulophyllum is most helpful in strengthening the contractions and speeding up the labour.
Arnica is very well known as a first aid remedy for bruising and trauma to tissue, it is wonderful for promoting healing after birth, reducing bruising and the soreness as well as aiding in the recovery of the uterus. It can also help with post surgical trauma after a caesarean.
Pulsatilla is a remedy often used to help turn a breech baby to the correct position. It is also helpful during painful, ineffectual labour where the mother is weeping, feeling helpless and seeking reassurance.
A few drops of Calendula tincture can be added to the bath to soothe the soreness and heal any wounds and is great for bathing the baby as it cleans without the harshness of disinfectants and soap on baby’s soft skin.
Homœopathy can be of use in issues that arise pre and post birth; morning sickness, delays in milk coming through, difficulties feeding, mastitis, post-natal depression to name a few.
The beauty about Homœopathy is that it can be used in many situations; it works rapidly so the effects are felt quickly, there are no side effects to the mother or the baby and the need for drugs is reduced so that a mother is able to be more fully present to the experience.
The Ankhara Rose Therapeutics Birthand Beyond Homœopathickit contains 10 of the most commonly used remedies in pregnancy birth and lactation. It also provides an easy to use booklet designed to help any pregnant woman, doula, midwife or mother confidently prescribe her own remedy. The kit is $75 and is available from the ICSM shop or from www.ankhararose.com.au.
