Showing posts with label labour pains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label labour pains. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Homeopathic during the postpartum period

Homeopathic during the postpartum period

Here is the list of most effective medicines according to symptoms.

ARNICA
After birth or especially Caesarean Arnica will help the healing and ease pain and discomfort. It is a major remedy for postoperative healing.
As a guide one dose three times a day for up to three days should provide much relief, it can be repeated much more frequently if necessary, i.e. every two hours. If however you are still in some discomfort consider Bellis Perennis or Staphysagria below.
Remember Arnica will very much benefit your baby if the birth has been traumatic or forceps were used.

BELLIS PERENNIS
This remedy will further help cases where there is any residual bruising or discomfort remaining after Arnica. It is indicated for abdominal wounds and deep trauma and will complement the initial action of Arnica.

HYPERICUM
This remedy is indicated for injury to the coccyx during labour or delivery and for lacerations which affect parts rich in nerves, including surgery to the genital area. Helpful after episiotomy or a natural tear (compare to Staphysagria) and also for any residual effects following an epidural.

Episiotomy or laceration (in tincture form)
A tincture of hypericum mixed with calendula (Hypercal) can be purchased from a homeopathic pharmacy and used externally. Mix 10 drops in a tablespoon of sterile or cooled boiled water and apply to perineum on a compress. Keep in contact for up to an hour and repeat several times until relief is obtained.

STAPHYSAGRIA
This remedy is also indicated following caesarean, or episiotomy with pain in the incision, great sensitivity and redness of the wound. This is particularly helpful for example if the woman has had an unexpected caesarean which was not of her choosing and feels somewhat violated by the procedure. Consider also Arnica, Bellis Perennis (caesarean) or Hypericum (episiotomy) on their own individual merits

Homeopathic medicine during labour

Homeopathic medicine during labour

Following eight medicines are very effective as per symptoms during labour

1. ACONITE
Aconite is a remedy for shock and fear. In labour it will help if the labour is going too fast and pains are strong and frightening. Often the person who needs this remedy will have a fear that they might die. This might be completely out of proportion to the severity of the situation, i.e. there may be no real risk but the person has this feeling nonetheless.

2. ARNICA
Arnica is the most important remedy for bruising and trauma. During labour can help speed dilation of the cervix and can help prevent both haemorrhage and postpartum infection.
It can be helpful if the woman feels tired especially if there are no other indications for remedies such as Kali Phos or Gelsemium (compare further below).
Please note it can also be given to the baby in case of a traumatic birth or forceps delivery.

3. CAULOPHYLLUM
This remedy may be used if labour is delayed, i.e. if the cervix remains rigid and contractions are not coordinated, changing location and going into the bladder and groins. It can strengthen contractions when they are weak, of short duration or slow down to a stop.
Woman may feel trembly, chilly and weak and may also have pains in fingers and toes appear concurrently.

If this remedy seems indicated but has no effect consider Gelsemium below.
Do not use this remedy in pregnancy except under expert advice.

4. CHAMOMILLA
This remedy can be useful when the pain is centered in the lower back. Particularly with the baby in posterior position.
The woman will feel incredibly irritable with the pain. The pain will seem almost too much to endure. She may react by pushing people away, may not want to be touched or looked at and may react with anger if she has to be examined internally.
This remedy will not be useful unless there is extreme irritability.

5. KALI CARBONICUM
Low back pain. Relieved by pressure/rubbing (compare Chamomilla for posterior presentation).
Chilly and aggravated by draughts.
Aggravation during the night, especially 2-4am.
Woman may be nagging and complaining.

6. KALI PHOSPHORICUM
Exhaustion with no other indications or if Arnica is not helping.
May feel unable to cope and sensitive to noise.
It can be alternated with Arnica when labour slows down and the woman herself or uterine muscles may be tired.

7. GELSEMIUM
This remedy will be helpful if there is a failure to dilate with tiredness and weakness (compare to Kali Phos, Arnica and Caulophyllum).
The weakness often presents with very heavy eyelids and a dazed expression.
Woman may feel trembly especially from fright or anticipation.
It is a remedy for anticipatory anxiety. If entering the hospital and all the subsequent procedures causes the woman to feel very anxious and this seems to be impacting the labour i.e. decreasing or even halting previously strong contractions then Gelsemium by addressing the anxiety may help get things underway again.

8. PULSATILLA
The woman will feel very weepy and tearful and desperate for the company of her partner or other loved ones if she requires Pulsatilla. She will feel better with fresh air.
If the contractions are weak and the cervix is not dilating as it should Pulsatilla can be considered but only if a similar emotional state is presenting.