Childbirth Materia Medica R - Z

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

SECALE
Like Pulsatilla intolerant of stuffy rooms, but emotionally more stupefied in labour, with much longer contractions. If these stop, trembling may start. Most often used to antidote ill-effects of Syntometrine, often routinely injected to speed up expulsion of placenta. Take immediately after where possible. Can be used to encourage a retained placenta to be pushed out naturally, if contractions are too weak.

SEPIA
Pains severe; dragging down; much relieved by exercise. Emotionally feel irritable or indifferent to loved ones; respond badly to sympathy. Sluggish and weepy. Useful for treating uterine prolapse with strong bearing-down
sensation. Think of Sepia if children are born close together, giving the body insufficient time in between to recover. Worse: fasting; touch; staying in same position. Better: after eating; moving around.

STAPHISAGRIA
Most often used after labour, particularly if mother feels anger, resentment or humiliation because of medical procedures or interventions during labour and does not want to be touched. Consider it if the birth involved any of the following: intrusive or painful internal examinations; insertion of a catheter; an enema; forceps delivery; episiotomy; stitches; use of stirrups. Pains are stitching and smarting.