Homeopathy and Childbirth

Last week we looked at how Homeopathy can help you prepare for childbirth. This week we look at the three distinct stages of labour and briefly consider the question of medical intervention.

First stage:
Characterised by low adrenalin. A time of waiting whilst the body does the work of opening up. Offer minimum resistance. Don’t make predictions about how dilated you are or how long it will take. Shut out your rational mind. Breathe in as the contraction comes and out during. Ask your birth assistant to remind you if they notice you are forgetting to breathe or holding your breath because of the pain. It may help if they breathe with you. Use a clock with a second hand to time the average length of particularly painful contractions; just knowing how long they will last helps you to pace yourself and to remember that they won't last forever! Stay upright whenever possible. Keep moving. Minimum distractions and interruptions. Maximum comfort, support, encouragement and reassurance. Sip watered down fruit juice between contractions to keep energy and blood sugar levels up. Remember Rescue Remedy.
Transition:
Point where your cervix is fully dilated and nature of contractions begin to change to those which will push baby out. Potentially the most difficult time because of these conflicting messages. Many feel the need for pain relief at this time. Attendants should reassure; suggest a visit to the toilet (for a change of scene); help with breathing; encourage mother to visualize baby and talk to it. Remember Rescue Remedy.
Second stage:
Characterised by high adrenalin as mother takes a more active role. The pushing will just happen. If for any reason labour seems too fast, get down on all fours with bottom high as possible, head low; panting also helps slow things down. If contractions have many peaks divide your out breath; as if blowing out separate candles.
Third stage:
Particularly in hospital, Syntometrine is routinely injected into the mother to speed up the delivery of the placenta and Vitamin K is given to the baby. If you decide against either or both it is easiest to put it into a written birth plan. It is not unusual for contractions to stop for a while before pushing the placenta out naturally.
Medical Interventions:
Before the birth become as well informed as possible about the pros and cons. For your own peace of mind, if for any reason intervention is suggested, rather than requested by you,
ask for:
a clear explanation of the problem
information about any possible alternatives
a time limit on your decision that will not endanger either the baby or you.

PRACTICAL HOMEOPATHY: A useful guide for you to cut out and keep
The most important remedy to have handy during and after labour is Arnica. I have spoken to many women who have given birth both with and without Arnica and they are amazed at how much Arnica helps to keep energy levels high and reduces painful bruising and swelling. It can also limit blood loss. Apart from Arnica there are many very helpful homoepathic medicines in my "Specifics for Childbirth" kit.

IF LABOUR IS
slow and contractions stop, Caulophyllum 200,
slow and mother feels helpless and weepy, Pulsatilla 200
slow and mother feels indifferent and exhausted, Sepia 200
slow, long, exhausting and painful, Arnica 200
too fast or violent, Aconite 200
characterised by violent backache (posterior presentation) Kali Carb 200

After labour:
AFTER PAINS
after many children, Secale 200
groin area, intense, Cimicifuga 200
long-lasting, Secale 200
extending to hips, buttocks, legs, Kali Carb 200
worse if baby feeds,Arnica 200, Chamomilla 200, Pulsatilla 200, Secale 200
with sore, bruised feeling, Arnica 200
with weepiness, Pulsatilla 200
unbearable, Chamomilla 200 or Cimicifuga 200

ANGER (often suppressed) about the birth, Staphisagria 200
BRUISING Arnica 200 or Bellis Perennis 200
CAESAREAN, after effects of
Arnica 200, Bellis Per 200, Calendula 200, Hypericum 200
CATHETER, after effects of, Staphisagria 200
DRUGS, after effects of:
Morphine or Pethidine, disturbed sleep, irritable Chamomilla 200
Syntometrine, Secale 200 (give asap afterwards as an antidote)
General anaesthetic, Phosphorus 200 (esp. if vomiting)
for general detoxification, Nux Vomica 6
EPIDURAL,after effects of, Arnica 200, Hypericum 200,
EPISIOTOMY Calendula 200, Hypericum 200, Staphis 200
FORCEPS delivery, after effects of,
Arnica 200, Bellis Per 200, Calendula 200, Staphisagria 200
PLACENTA, retained
with bearing down sensation, Secale 200, Sepia 200
after long exhausting Labour, Arnica 200
contractions weak or nonexistent, Pulsatilla 200
with bleeding, Ipecac 200/ with shaking, Caulophyllum 200, Cimicifuga 200
URINE retained, mother, Arnica 200 / baby, Aconite 200

© Mary Aspinwall

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