Childbirth Materia Medica Cal - Cau

A Specific Guide to Homoeopathy in Childbirth.
18 Remedies for use before, during and after labour

CALENDULA
A wonderful remedy for speeding the healing process of cuts/ lacerations / wounds. Available from many chemists in cream or ointment form, the latter is especially recommended since it is water resistant. Use as healing balm for perineum after birth to treat tears / episiotomy wounds. In tincture form can be added to bath water or diluted to make a compress. Take internally if there is pus present or the pains are causing particular discomfort. Can be alternated with other post-birth remedies, (e.g. Arnica or Bellis Perennis).

CARBO VEGETABALIS
The "Homoeopathic corpse reviver", this remedy has saved many lives. Symptoms at their most extreme are complete state of collapse due to oxygen starvation. Body cold, limp and pale, or blue. Use in conjunction with other efforts to revive respiration. Hold one pill inside the lower lip of patient (including newborns) until symptoms alleviate. In foetal distress due to oxygen starvation, give to mother to reduce risk of asphyxia to baby. Less severe cases: extreme sluggishness; little or no vitality; coldness (even breath) ; intense air hunger (especially cold). Face appears pinched, pale, sallow or blue. Excellent remedy for excruciating trapped wind (e.g. after Caesarian). Worse: Exertion; heat; humidity; lying down; morning and evening. Better: fanning/ fresh air

CAULLOPHYLLUM
Usually used in the first stage of labour to establish strong productive contractions. Do not use routinely. If needed contractions will be centred in lower half of uterus, whilst top (fundus) feels flabby. Although sharp and painful, contractions are short, ineffective, spasmodic and unstable moving around the bladder, groin or thighs. Sometimes they will slow or stop completely, due to exhaustion. Cervix fails to dilate. Symptoms include chilliness, shivering, trembling and irritability. May be thirsty during contractions. If thirstless and Caullophyllum fails think of Gelsemium. continued...