Ten Commonly used Remedies for

Childbirth and the Postnatal period

Here is a brief introduction of ten of the most well-used
homeopathic remedies.

Aconite:
Fear and fright = Aconite.
Extreme fear experienced during pregnancy. Contractions
feel violent and intense, producing a state of fear and
anxiety. Restless, agitated and fearful that they might die.
Especially helpful during transitional phase of labour. Baby
appears shocked and unsettled after birth. Very comforting
for nervous fathers and grandparents.
Arnica:
Feeling sore and bruised during labour. They may not want
to be touched. Relieves soft tissue damage (perineum and
abdomen) following birth. Reduces swelling and bruising
and risk of infection and promotes healing. Useful to
reduce caput/swelling of baby’s head after birth.
Bellis Perennis:
Follows well after Arnica or if Arnica does not ease
discomfort. Exceptional for bruised, sore, pelvic pain or
abdominal tissues during pregnancy and following birth.
Caulophylum:
Can be used at term to help strengthen and tone the uterus
and prepare and soften the cervix prior to birth. Also helpful
if labour pains fail to dilate the cervix and contractions
become irregular, short and spasmodic. Used to co
ordinate and strengthen contractions.
Cimicfuga:
Similar to Caulophyllum. The difference being it helps to
produce coordinated contractions while allaying fear and
anxiety. Encourages a woman to trust the birth process
and open up both emotionally and physically. She may feel
unable to endure labour. Common words might be “I can’t
do it.” Incredibly useful for women who may have a painful
or traumatic memory of a past pregnancy, birth, miscarriage
etc.
Gelsemium:
Excellent remedy for dysfunctional labour with failure to
progress, especially if baby is lying in a posterior
position. There is weakness and exhaustion and muscles
tremble with the effort of movement. Contractions are felt in
the back. Especially helpful when there is fear or
anticipation of birth. May be useful before birth to help ease
anxiety. May also be useful to ease fear and anticipation of
birth in fathers and grandparents.
Hypericum:
Shooting, nerve pains following caesarian section or
perineal tears and episiotomy.
Kali Carbonicum:
Pain of contractions felt mainly in the back (especially
posterior positioned babies). The backache may extend to
the buttocks. Feel as if back would break and back pain is
better for hard pressure. Often feels very chilly.
Nux vomica:
For contractions felt in the back that extend to the buttocks
and thighs. They feel as if they want to move their bowels
or urinate, but nothing much is passed. They are irritable,
impatient and easily angered and offended. Sensitive to
odors, light and noise. No pressure can be tolerated on the
back and pain is worse from pressure (the opposite from
Kali Carb).
Staphisagria:
Encourages the quick healing of incisions or lacerated
wounds. Useful following incision, penetration or stretching
of muscle fibers after catheterisation and
episiotomy. Relieves feelings of anger, resentment,
disappointment and emotional upset that may follow a
difficult labour and birth or caesarian section.

Homeopathic help for breastfeeding

problems
Homeopathy will greatly help mothers with nursing and
breastfeeding difficulties. These include mastitis, painful
sore nipples, reduced milk supply, over abundant milk
supply and emotional difficulties breastfeeding and bonding
with their babies.

Castor equi
Excellent for cracked and ulcerated nipples.
Lac caninum
Helps to regulate milk supply if there is not enough milk or
to regulate it if there is too much. Especially useful to help
ease emotional difficulties if a mother is in conflict with
nursing and the sexuality of her breasts.
Phytolacca
For sore, cracked nipples, which hurt when baby
nurses. Also useful for breast infections (mastitis) where
there are hard, sore, painful lumps.
Pulsatilla
If there is an over production of milk or if milk supply is
erratic. The mother may feel very weepy and needs lots of
company and reassurance.
Urtica urens
If the milk production is slow to get going or if there is an
over or under production. Can help establish a good milk
supply.