Homeopathy is ideal for women in their childbearing years as it is a gentle yet highly effective system of medicine.
During pregnancy, some women will choose to live with the discomfort of minor complaints such as morning sickness or heartburn rather than seek treatment, as they are concerned about possible side effects on their unborn child.
Homeopathic medicines cannot cause side effects as only a minute amount of the active ingredient is used in their preparation and they work by stimulating the body’s own healing powers. Homeopaths recognise that symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person and that it is this person who needs treatment rather than their symptoms.
By stimulating the vitality of a pregnant woman, homeopathic treatment will automatically benefit her baby.
By being as healthy as possible during pregnancy you give your baby the ideal conditions in which to thrive. Many homeopaths will additionally advise you on diet and lifestyle to encourage a healthy pregnancy and birth through the improving health of your lifestyle.
Good homeopathic treatment prior to conception can help you to be as healthy as possible during your pregnancy.
The many physical and emotional changes of pregnancy may cause minor health problems such as mild urinary troubles, diarrhoea, heartburn, anaemia, varicose veins, backache, cramps, thrush and emotional distress to name but a few.
All these problems and other more complicated symptoms such as raised blood pressure or oedema can be helped by professional homeopathic treatment.
Where can I buy homeopathic remedies?
Most high street chemists now stock a limited range of frequently used homeopathic remedies in 6C or 30C potencies.
The Natural Food Store stocks many remedies and has a fully trained and qualified Homeopath on the shop floor most days for you to talk to. Remedies are available in any potency and in several different forms including soft tablets, which are particularly suitable for babies and young children. Remedies can be made up on the day and collected later or posted to your home address, and orders by telephone, postal and via their website are also available. If you are undergoing a course of homeopathic treatment then you should contact your practitioner before prescribing for yourself.
What complaints can be treated?
The following suggestions are for minor complaints that may be experienced during pregnancy. If your symptoms are severe or chronic, or if they persist consult a registered Homeopath, your Midwife or your General Practitioner (GP).
Morning Sickness
Symptoms of morning sickness include nausea, occasional vomiting and tiredness. Many women experience these symptoms during the first three months of pregnancy, usually in the morning when the stomach is empty, although it can occur at any time of the day and some women may experience sickness throughout their pregnancy.
The traditional cure of eating a dry biscuit before getting out of bed is worth trying. Avoid rich, fatty foods and try eating little and often if your nausea is worse when you are hungry. Inform both your GP and midwife if your vomiting is severe, for example if you are unable to keep food down and are losing weight, or if it persists past your third month.
The following remedies are the more commonly indicated:
Ipecac: constant, deathly nausea with empty belching and retching. Vomiting is difficult and provides no relief from your nausea. Your tongue will look clean.
Nux Vomica: nausea with retching that is relieved by belching, retching, indigestion and heartburn. You may also have the sensation of a knot in the stomach and be very irritable.
Pulsatilla: nausea with little vomiting, which is worse after eating and drinking and better in the fresh air and for company. You may feel generally weepy, moody and better for being comforted.
Sepia: intermittent nausea which is worse in the mornings and worse for the smell or thought of food; there will be an empty, sinking feeling in the stomach which is temporarily relieved by eating. You will feel apathetic, exhausted and heavy but oddly is better for vigorous exercise, and you may also be indifferent or cross with children and partner.
Constipation in Pregnancy
Constipation is common in pregnancy as hormones that prepare the pelvic muscles for labour can slow the digestive processes down. Mild constipation can often be helped by adjusting the diet; increase fluid (particularly water), fruit and vegetable intake; go easy on wheat products (gluten may have a clogging effect), and avoid iron tablets.
Any lasting change in your usual bowel movements should be assessed by your GP, but for simple constipation in pregnancy try one of the following remedies:
Bryonia: large, hard, dry stools which are difficult to expel, with a headache that is worse for the slightest movement and you are generally irritable.
Nux Vomica: frequent urging to pass a stool but you cannot, in spite of straining, or you pass only small amounts each time. You feel as if some is left behind any this may occur with piles that itch and bleed.
Sepia: you strain to pass a large, hard stool. Your stomach feels full and there is a sensation of a lump in the rectum that may remain even after passing stool, you also feel generally sluggish.
Sulphur: constipation with piles that itch and burn and are worse for heat. You are also generally restless, thirsty and are sensitive to heat.
How can homeopathy help during the birth?
There are many effective remedies that can help deal with possible problems during childbirth, such as pain, a slow dilating cervix, excessive bleeding and retained placenta among others.
Pregnancy and Childbirth Kits
These kits contain remedies often needed both during and after labour, so if you are new to homeopathy or unable to contact a homeopath then these kits can be very useful. Remedies included are:
Aconite: the labour is too fast at any stage, the pains are very strong (even unbearable) and there is a feeling of panic.
Arnica: this wonderful remedy can be given from time to time during labour to help the muscles function properly, and to relieve the over-exertion of labour.
Kali Phosphoricum: for simple exhaustion during labour.
Caullophyllum: the albour is not progressing, the cervix is slow to dilate, pains are strong but ineffective and move about, and you feel cold and tremble.
NB Do not take Caullophyllum during your pregnancy without consulting a qualified Homeopath.
Pulsatilla: contractions are irregular and weak, the cervix is slow to dilate and you feel miserable, clingy and tearful, you may even think or talk about wanting to give up and go home.
Healing after the birth
After the birth you can use homeopathic remedies to speed healing for yourself and your baby. This will help you to recover from the trauma and enjoy the delights of your baby more quickly. Aconite: for shock of, or fear from the intensity of birth, for mothers, babies or partners.
Arnica: relieves soreness and bruising and helps with after pains. It is also helpful for babies who are bruised from a long labour or a forceps delivery. Arnica may also be taken after a fall or accident while you are pregnant. If you are still sore after three days, take Bellis Perennis to help with bruising.
Kali Phosphoricum: mental exhaustion after the birth with headaches, insomnia, sleepy or a bit too excited to sleep – especially in the first day or two after the birth.
Pulsatilla: post-natal ‘blues’, especially when your milk comes in, you may feel utterly miserable and bursts into tears for the slightest reason, and feel much better for being comforted.
Breastfeeding problems
There are some problems that can make it difficult for women to breastfeed successfully including mastitis, painful nipples and a slow milk supply. Homeopaths recognise that breast milk gives babies a good start in life, so do keep in touch with your midwife, breastfeeding counsellor and your homeopath. One useful remedy is Phytolacca for sore, cracked nipples that hurt when the baby nurses. It is also useful for breast infections where there are painful lumps in the breast.
Treating Babies
Babies tend to respond quickly to homeopathic treatment. There are homeopathic remedies to help relieve the pains of colic or teething – Chamomilla is helpful here, nappy rash and obviously for more serious problems too. You will need to consult a homeopath if you want this type of treatment for your baby.
How do I take a homeopathic remedy?
As a general guide, take one dose of your selected remedy three times daily for up to three days. Stop when you feel better. You may find that you want to take a remedy more often or you may want to take more than one remedy in a single day. This is fine; you can change your remedies according to your needs. When giving birth, you may require different remedies at each stage of the process. Let tablets dissolve under the tongue. Hard tablets maybe chewed if they do not dissolve. Try to avoid eating, drinking, smoking or brushing your teeth 10 minutes before and after taking a remedy and keep the remedies away from strong odour and your mobile phone as these may render them inactive.
Diet
During pregnancy it is especially important to eat well, from a wide range of foods. This will provide you with the extra nutrients that you need. If you are on a restricted diet or wish to take nutritional supplements, then it is important that you do so on the advice of a competent medical practitioner, nutritional therapist or homeopath.
General rules are to avoid smoking, alcohol and coffee, as these are all bad for your own health and that of your unborn child. Be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep, and to exercise regularly as any exercise you do will be good for you – yoga has been found to be particularly helpful during pregnancy.
Increase your intake of iron-rich foods to keep up with an increased demand. Foods rich in iron and folic acid include green, leafy vegetables, blackstrap molasses, dried peaches and apricots, beans and lentils, whole grains, seeds including sunflower, sesame and pumpkin, nuts, eggs, oat bran and brewer’s yeast. Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron, so take a fresh citrus drink with a meal to increase your iron intake. Avoid tea, especially with a meal as the caffeine content actually prevents it from being absorbed properly.
How do I find a registered experienced homeopath?
The experienced homeopaths who work within The Complementary Health Care Clinic all have many years experience, are fully registered and insured, and furthermore are all part of the core lecturing team of The Homeopathic College of East Anglia which operates from the same premises. Our Homeopaths provide a caring and competent service to fully ensure the health and well being for you and your family. All are registered with The Society of Homeopaths, for which there are stringent academic and clinical assessments before admission to their register.
If you would like more information to book an appointment or to request a prospectus for Autumn 2007 entry to The Homeopathic College of East Anglia, please call 01603 665173.
Homeopathy is ideal for women in their childbearing years as it is a gentle yet highly effective system of medicine.
During pregnancy, some women will choose to live with the discomfort of minor complaints such as morning sickness or heartburn rather than seek treatment, as they are concerned about possible side effects on their unborn child.
Homeopathic medicines cannot cause side effects as only a minute amount of the active ingredient is used in their preparation and they work by stimulating the body’s own healing powers. Homeopaths recognise that symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person and that it is this person who needs treatment rather than their symptoms.
By stimulating the vitality of a pregnant woman, homeopathic treatment will automatically benefit her baby.
By being as healthy as possible during pregnancy you give your baby the ideal conditions in which to thrive. Many homeopaths will additionally advise you on diet and lifestyle to encourage a healthy pregnancy and birth through the improving health of your lifestyle.
Good homeopathic treatment prior to conception can help you to be as healthy as possible during your pregnancy.
The many physical and emotional changes of pregnancy may cause minor health problems such as mild urinary troubles, diarrhoea, heartburn, anaemia, varicose veins, backache, cramps, thrush and emotional distress to name but a few.
All these problems and other more complicated symptoms such as raised blood pressure or oedema can be helped by professional homeopathic treatment.
Where can I buy homeopathic remedies?
Most high street chemists now stock a limited range of frequently used homeopathic remedies in 6C or 30C potencies.
The Natural Food Store stocks many remedies and has a fully trained and qualified Homeopath on the shop floor most days for you to talk to. Remedies are available in any potency and in several different forms including soft tablets, which are particularly suitable for babies and young children. Remedies can be made up on the day and collected later or posted to your home address, and orders by telephone, postal and via their website are also available. If you are undergoing a course of homeopathic treatment then you should contact your practitioner before prescribing for yourself.
What complaints can be treated?
The following suggestions are for minor complaints that may be experienced during pregnancy. If your symptoms are severe or chronic, or if they persist consult a registered Homeopath, your Midwife or your General Practitioner (GP).
Morning Sickness
Symptoms of morning sickness include nausea, occasional vomiting and tiredness. Many women experience these symptoms during the first three months of pregnancy, usually in the morning when the stomach is empty, although it can occur at any time of the day and some women may experience sickness throughout their pregnancy.
The traditional cure of eating a dry biscuit before getting out of bed is worth trying. Avoid rich, fatty foods and try eating little and often if your nausea is worse when you are hungry. Inform both your GP and midwife if your vomiting is severe, for example if you are unable to keep food down and are losing weight, or if it persists past your third month.
The following remedies are the more commonly indicated:
Ipecac: constant, deathly nausea with empty belching and retching. Vomiting is difficult and provides no relief from your nausea. Your tongue will look clean.
Nux Vomica: nausea with retching that is relieved by belching, retching, indigestion and heartburn. You may also have the sensation of a knot in the stomach and be very irritable.
Pulsatilla: nausea with little vomiting, which is worse after eating and drinking and better in the fresh air and for company. You may feel generally weepy, moody and better for being comforted.
Sepia: intermittent nausea which is worse in the mornings and worse for the smell or thought of food; there will be an empty, sinking feeling in the stomach which is temporarily relieved by eating. You will feel apathetic, exhausted and heavy but oddly is better for vigorous exercise, and you may also be indifferent or cross with children and partner.
Constipation in Pregnancy
Constipation is common in pregnancy as hormones that prepare the pelvic muscles for labour can slow the digestive processes down. Mild constipation can often be helped by adjusting the diet; increase fluid (particularly water), fruit and vegetable intake; go easy on wheat products (gluten may have a clogging effect), and avoid iron tablets.
Any lasting change in your usual bowel movements should be assessed by your GP, but for simple constipation in pregnancy try one of the following remedies:
Bryonia: large, hard, dry stools which are difficult to expel, with a headache that is worse for the slightest movement and you are generally irritable.
Nux Vomica: frequent urging to pass a stool but you cannot, in spite of straining, or you pass only small amounts each time. You feel as if some is left behind any this may occur with piles that itch and bleed.
Sepia: you strain to pass a large, hard stool. Your stomach feels full and there is a sensation of a lump in the rectum that may remain even after passing stool, you also feel generally sluggish.
Sulphur: constipation with piles that itch and burn and are worse for heat. You are also generally restless, thirsty and are sensitive to heat.
How can homeopathy help during the birth?
There are many effective remedies that can help deal with possible problems during childbirth, such as pain, a slow dilating cervix, excessive bleeding and retained placenta among others.
Pregnancy and Childbirth Kits
These kits contain remedies often needed both during and after labour, so if you are new to homeopathy or unable to contact a homeopath then these kits can be very useful. Remedies included are:
Aconite: the labour is too fast at any stage, the pains are very strong (even unbearable) and there is a feeling of panic.
Arnica: this wonderful remedy can be given from time to time during labour to help the muscles function properly, and to relieve the over-exertion of labour.
Kali Phosphoricum: for simple exhaustion during labour.
Caullophyllum: the albour is not progressing, the cervix is slow to dilate, pains are strong but ineffective and move about, and you feel cold and tremble.
NB Do not take Caullophyllum during your pregnancy without consulting a qualified Homeopath.
Pulsatilla: contractions are irregular and weak, the cervix is slow to dilate and you feel miserable, clingy and tearful, you may even think or talk about wanting to give up and go home.
Healing after the birth
After the birth you can use homeopathic remedies to speed healing for yourself and your baby. This will help you to recover from the trauma and enjoy the delights of your baby more quickly. Aconite: for shock of, or fear from the intensity of birth, for mothers, babies or partners.
Arnica: relieves soreness and bruising and helps with after pains. It is also helpful for babies who are bruised from a long labour or a forceps delivery. Arnica may also be taken after a fall or accident while you are pregnant. If you are still sore after three days, take Bellis Perennis to help with bruising.
Kali Phosphoricum: mental exhaustion after the birth with headaches, insomnia, sleepy or a bit too excited to sleep – especially in the first day or two after the birth.
Pulsatilla: post-natal ‘blues’, especially when your milk comes in, you may feel utterly miserable and bursts into tears for the slightest reason, and feel much better for being comforted.
Breastfeeding problems
There are some problems that can make it difficult for women to breastfeed successfully including mastitis, painful nipples and a slow milk supply. Homeopaths recognise that breast milk gives babies a good start in life, so do keep in touch with your midwife, breastfeeding counsellor and your homeopath. One useful remedy is Phytolacca for sore, cracked nipples that hurt when the baby nurses. It is also useful for breast infections where there are painful lumps in the breast.
Treating Babies
Babies tend to respond quickly to homeopathic treatment. There are homeopathic remedies to help relieve the pains of colic or teething – Chamomilla is helpful here, nappy rash and obviously for more serious problems too. You will need to consult a homeopath if you want this type of treatment for your baby.
How do I take a homeopathic remedy?
As a general guide, take one dose of your selected remedy three times daily for up to three days. Stop when you feel better. You may find that you want to take a remedy more often or you may want to take more than one remedy in a single day. This is fine; you can change your remedies according to your needs. When giving birth, you may require different remedies at each stage of the process. Let tablets dissolve under the tongue. Hard tablets maybe chewed if they do not dissolve. Try to avoid eating, drinking, smoking or brushing your teeth 10 minutes before and after taking a remedy and keep the remedies away from strong odour and your mobile phone as these may render them inactive.
Diet
During pregnancy it is especially important to eat well, from a wide range of foods. This will provide you with the extra nutrients that you need. If you are on a restricted diet or wish to take nutritional supplements, then it is important that you do so on the advice of a competent medical practitioner, nutritional therapist or homeopath.
General rules are to avoid smoking, alcohol and coffee, as these are all bad for your own health and that of your unborn child. Be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep, and to exercise regularly as any exercise you do will be good for you – yoga has been found to be particularly helpful during pregnancy.
Increase your intake of iron-rich foods to keep up with an increased demand. Foods rich in iron and folic acid include green, leafy vegetables, blackstrap molasses, dried peaches and apricots, beans and lentils, whole grains, seeds including sunflower, sesame and pumpkin, nuts, eggs, oat bran and brewer’s yeast. Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron, so take a fresh citrus drink with a meal to increase your iron intake. Avoid tea, especially with a meal as the caffeine content actually prevents it from being absorbed properly.
How do I find a registered experienced homeopath?
The experienced homeopaths who work within The Complementary Health Care Clinic all have many years experience, are fully registered and insured, and furthermore are all part of the core lecturing team of The Homeopathic College of East Anglia which operates from the same premises. Our Homeopaths provide a caring and competent service to fully ensure the health and well being for you and your family. All are registered with The Society of Homeopaths, for which there are stringent academic and clinical assessments before admission to their register.
If you would like more information to book an appointment or to request a prospectus for Autumn 2007 entry to The Homeopathic College of East Anglia, please call 01603 665173.
Authors
Tricia Stephenson is the Owner and Proprietor of The Natural Food Store, The Complementary Health Care Clinic and The Homeopathic College of East Anglia. With over 30 years of experience in the Health industry, Tricia is available on Tuesdays & Saturdays for simple queries on the shop floor of The Natural Food Store, 4 Exchange Street Tel 01603 613228. Consultations for more complicated enquiries are available (on Thursdays) at The Complementary Health Care Clinic, 34 Exchange Street Tel 01603 665173.
Georgina Fisher is the Practice Manager of The Complementary Health Care Clinic and College Registrar of The Homeopathic College of East Anglia. She qualified in Complementary Therapies at the University of Greenwich in 2004, after completing her MTI Holistic Massage training with Christine Way (now at Inner Space) in 2001. Specialising in Aromatherapy and Stress Management, she offers a unique approach to stressed out individuals having grown up in the Complementary & Alternative Medicine industry, and then extensively training in its theory.
