Childbirth Guide

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

NOTES FOR THE PRESCRIBER:
We strongly recommend that a birth partner or birth assistant reads this leaflet prior to labour and takes responsibility for prescribing, so that the mother-to-be can concentrate on her labour. When reading the following information please bear in mind that labour is a natural process and forgive the necessary focus on the dysfunctional! Our aim is to suggest a range of remedies that will cover eventualities.

For best results it is essential that you consider the whole picture, in other words the mental and emotional as well as the physical symptoms. Observe as much as possible. In this way you can keep questioning brief and disturb the rhythm of the labour less.

Certain remedies marked * are often needed frequently and can be crushed in water and sipped as required. (See Materia Medica Section)

If the remedy works, repeat it only if the same symptoms return. If the symptoms change significantly try to find the remedy that best matches the new picture. If you have tried the same remedy six times and had no response it is the wrong remedy, think again.

Remember that attending a birth can be physically and mentally exhausting, you may need to take remedies too! Where remedies are indicated for the newborn, these can be taken by the mother if she is breast feeding and will pass to the baby. If the baby is not being breast-fed or needs the remedy urgently, hold the pill inside the baby’s lower lip until it takes effect, then remove. After the birth a number of different remedies may be needed.

In non-emergencies, for best results, alternate them, leaving a 15 minute gap.All remedies recommended are in 200 potency, which is particularly appropriate for labour, where symptoms are often intense. For everyday first aid treatments a lower, 30, potency is advisable.