Pregnancy Notes: Homeopathy Remedies

There are so many things I love about homeopathy... it is safe, aids the body to heal, non-toxic and my kids even think the pellets are like candy because they taste sweet! For those who are not familiar with homeopathy... Please read this great, simple article that explains what homeopathy is and how it works. 

It is so safe that I don’t have to worry about my kids getting sick if they swallow a whole bottle and... ahem... my oldest daughter has done that a few times! As a child, I did that but with a bottle of baby Tylenol and had to go to the emergency room to get my stomach pumped. Yeah, that's why you will never see that stuff or any form of over-the-counter/prescribed medication in my house. I don’t want that to happen to any of my kids!

So, if you take the wrong remedy for something… you don’t have to worry about it making you sicker because it won’t do anything to you if it is not the right kind! You can simply switch to a different kind of remedy better matched to your symptoms. You can’t really do that safely with over-the-counter or prescribed medication.

Below I am going to share a few that I’ve used through each of my births and what they do. Then I want to share with you a new program that I am doing right now (started late, though) with pregnancy #4 that I learned recently from a homeopathic.

Again, this is why I love homeopathy… I do not have to worry about any harm being done to the baby or me while doing this program!

Oh, ahem... again, before you read on, I have to say this for legal reasons... I'm not a doctor, just a pregnant gal who likes to share what she is doing to have a healthy pregnancy & birth. Please consult your midwife or doctor about any changes you make to your diet while pregnant. Homeopathy does not cause interactions with pharmaceutical drugs and are safe for everyone. You can read more FAQs about homeopathy here.

Homeopathy Remedies for Labor & Birth

We all know that childbirth is a natural process and unless complications develop, no intervention is needed. More and more parents are accepting this view once again and choosing to labor without anesthesia and, more so recently, many prefer to have their baby born at home.

Homeopathy can help make childbirth easier with the use of homeopathic remedies to help prevent lengthy, painful labor and soothe sore muscles after birth.

Caulophyllum thalictroides

I first learned about this remedy from Homeopathic Medicine at Home while pregnant with Tobi (#3) and believe it made a difference in my labor & birth. Here’s a soundbite from the book:

"The early settlers first learned about this remedy from the Indians, who called it “squaw-root” or “birth-root”. Indian women chewed the root when they were at full term. The early homeopaths, ever on the alert for curative medicines, potentized this remedy, which they called Caulophyllum thalictroides.

In the event of false labor pains (pains not accompanied by effacement and dilation of the cervix), the remedy stimulates the onset and continuation of effective contractions.

A British homeopath, Dr. Douglas M. Borland, author of Homeopathy for Mother and Infant, recommends taking a daily dose of Caulophyllum during the last 2 or 3 weeks of pregnancy to ease labor. Many mothers (including myself) have reported a rapid, “easy” labor."

I started taking this remedy about a week before my due date and Tobias was born exactly the due date I predicted (he’s the only one I knew for sure when I conceived!). The labor was fast and fairly easy. I was surprised by how quickly it was happening and how smoothly it flowed. Tobi was born in less then 2 hours!

When to use:

You can start taking it, once or twice a day, 2 to 3 weeks before the due date. Or when you start to feel contractions, take it every 15 minutes and stop when contractions become full and steady.

Carbo vegetabilis

I have not needed to take this, but always have it on hand just in case. This remedy is known as the “great reviver”, proved to help restore strength when exhausted.

If labor has been going on for some time and you feel completely depleted and too tired to carry on. Plus, you cravings for cold, moving air… Carbo vegtabilis is the remedy for you. After taking your first dose you should start to feel your strength coming back to complete the job!

When to use:

When you feel completely exhausted, take repeated doses every 15 minutes until you feel your strength come back. Stop taking when you feel strengthened.

Arnica Montana

I was first introduced to homeopathy after the birth of my first baby. My midwife gave me a bottle of Arnica Montana to help with muscle pains and aches from the birth.

I was all for trying a natural alternative to Tylenol or aspirin. I didn’t want to take either, but didn’t know what I could take to help with my sore muscles because I was still very new in the world of natural remedies at that time. Thankfully my midwife took care of that for me!

After she told me how much to take and how often… I was shocked to find myself feeling great very quickly. I noticed if I missed a dose within the time frame I start to feel sore, but as soon as I took my dose… my pains and aches magically went away! It was amazing!

After that experience, I knew I had to explore the world of homeopathy. Ever since, I have been able to treat my family holistically using homeopathy, among other natural remedies, with great success! I am still learning as I go along in life and have to say that I am not an expert even though I’ve been using homeopathy for over 5 years now.

I’ve used Arnica with all my pregnancies and ALWAYS always have a bottle or two around for my family. I also have a bottle of arnica oil that is wonderful to rub on sore muscles and a bottle of arnica tincture to mix with water for a more potent effect. This is one homeopathy we use quite often with our 3 energenic kids and lots of animals running around!

In addition to relieving sore muscles and bruised parts, Arnica will speedily heal an episiotomy or tear if they happen.

When to use:

Immediately after delivery and repeat the dose every 15 to 30 minutes until you feel comfortable. Keep taking it every hour after that.

Homeopathy Remedies for Pregnancy

A while back I received an email update from Joette Calabrese who is a practicing homeopathic and has a wonderful website, HomeopathyWorks, that I’ve learned much from. The focus of the newsletter was about pregnancy and how to have a healthy pregnancy, quick labor and easy birth by using homeopathy. 

Joette shared her experiences of using these very homeopathies to improve the outcome of her last 2 pregnancies after having a very long (40 hours!), painful labor with her first (all natural too!). The results were amazing… pain was minimal and the labor/birth were quick & easy! She gave birth at home and was over 40 years old at those times.

The following program came not only from her own personal experiences, but also from attending many home births and working with lots of women. She recommends a daily intake of homeopathic cell salts, instead of prenatal vitamins, that will supply the nutrition a mama and baby needs. She says they have a proven record and unlike some prenatal vitamins, carry no side effects.

Remember, no amount of homeopathy or prenatal vitamins will substitute for a poor diet. So, it is vital that you load up on wholesome, nutritionally dense foods... read my note on "Super Foods for Mama & Baby" (coming soon!).

Below is the list of remedies and the schedule she recommends for mamas to follow for the duration of the pregnancy and for as long as the baby nurses:

Calcarea fluorata 6 or 12: Prevents stretch marks, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.  It also builds good tooth enamel in the mother and child as well as strong bones for both.

Ferrum phosphoricum 6: Strengthens blood vessels and arteries and helps prevent anemia.

Magnesia phosphorica 6: Alleviates spasms and cramps, such as leg and abdominal cramps. It can even eliminate the baby's hiccups in utero.

Natrum muriaticum 6: Helps cope with metabolic changes of pregnancy.  Prevents and cures dry skin, heartburn, swollen ankles and helps to eliminate toxins.


Silicea 6: Needed, for blood, skin, hair and nails. 

Schedule

Month 1:  Calc fluor 6x, Mag phos 6x, Ferr phos 6x

Month 2:  Calc fluor 6x, Mag phos 6x, Ferr phos 6x

Month 3:  Calc fluor 6x, Mag phos 6x, Nat mur 6x

Month 4:  Calc fluor 6x, Nat mur 6x, Silicea 6x

Month 5:  Calc fluor 6x, Ferr phos 6x, Silicea 6x

Month 6:  Calc fluor 6x, Mag phos 6x, Ferr phos 6x

Month 7:  Calc fluor 6x, Mag phos 6x, Nat mur 6x

Month 8:  Calc fluor 6x, Nat mur 6x, Silicea 6x

Month 9:  Calc fluor 6x, Ferr phos 6x, Silicea 6x 
(Continue for as long as the baby is nursing)

Take three to four pills of each remedy, three times a day, according to the monthly schedule.

Just like higher potency homeopathic remedies, cell salts (sometimes called tissue salts or biochemic homeopathy) are prepared in highly diluted dosages. This gives them a greater ability to work. 

You can purchase cell salts in most health food stores, Vitacost (this link is my referral link, get $10 off on your first purchase from Vitacost!) or online. They are pretty inexpensive.

Joette’s office also carries a convenient cell salt kit which you can purchased if you are interested.

What about you? Do you use homeopathy during pregnancy, birth and/or postpartum? Please share below!

Linked up at Monday Mania and Simple Lives Thursday.

Note: I am not affiliated with Joette or Homeopathy Works or 1-800-Homeopathy.

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Pregnancy Notes: Top 11 Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Postpartum Books/DVDs

With so many books out there on pregnancy & childbirth... how do you know which ones are worth your time to read and which ones should be left on the shelf?!

One of the things you can do is read the author's bio and a chunk of the first chapter. Is the book focused on natural birth or medical interventions? If the book is written by a medical professional, chances are high that it will have a big slant towards pregnancy & childbirth requiring medical interventions.

Reading many of these books, plus many articles and birth videos helped me overcome the fear I had when I was pregnant with my first baby. I was completely clueless and my midwife went the whole 9 yards to educate me completely on all things pregnancy & childbirth. It was an amazing time of learning how our bodies are made to grow & carry a child, handle the pain in childbirth and nourish the child via breastfeeding.

Basically, I learned that even though God cursed Eve with pain of childbirth... He didn't leave Eve or us to fend for ourselves! He graciously & lovely equipped our bodies to know how to handle that pain, so that it ends up being a labor of love... not a labor of pain.

Honestly, I do not believe that any healthy mama should use unnecessary medical interventions out of convenient or fear... but that's my opinion. It is my desire that every mama should be well educated on how she will give birth and know the risks of medical interventions if she chooses that route.

Remember, knowledge is power and ignorance is not bliss!

Reading these books is a good place to start with helping you decide what your birth plan will be. This list of books (& DVDs) on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and postpartum health have been pulled together by popular choice among many mama friends that I know. Enjoy!

Top 11 Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Postpartum Books/DVDs

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
This book is a must-read for every woman should be learning as much as she can before making major decisions regarding how you will give birth. It is hard to gather accurate, unbiased information. Not surprisingly, much of the research does not support common medical opinion and practice.

Birth activist Henci Goer gives clear, concise information based on the latest medical studies. This book will help you compare and contrast your various options and shows you how to avoid unnecessary procedures, drugs, restrictions, and tests.


Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
What you need to know to have the best birth experience for you. Drawing from her thirty-plus years of experience, Ina May Gaskin, the nation’s leading midwife, shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience.

This book gives expectant mothers comprehensive information on everything from the all-important mind-body connection to how to give birth without technological intervention. Filled with inspiring birth stories and practical advice, this book takes the fear out of childbirth by restoring women’s faith in their own natural power to give birth with more ease, less pain, and less medical intervention.


Birthing from Within
Here is a holistic approach to childbirth that examines this profound rite-of-passage not as a medical event but as an act of self-discovery. Exercises and activities such as journal writing, meditation, and painting will help mothers analyze their thoughts and face their fears during pregnancy.

For use during birth, the book offers proven techniques for coping with labor pain without drugs, a discussion of the doctor or midwife’s role, and a look at the father’s responsibilities. Childbirth education should also include what to expect after the baby is born. Here are baby basics, such as how to bathe a newborn, how to get the little one to sleep, and tips for getting nursing off to a good start.

Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a process of continuous learning and adjustment; This book provides the necessary support and education to make each phase of birthing a rewarding experience.



Childbirth without Fear

Essential reading for all mothers-to-be! In an age where birth has often been overtaken by obstetrics, Dr Dick-Read's philosophy is still as fresh as it was when he originally wrote this book.

He unpicks every possible root cause of western woman's fear and anxiety in pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding and does so with overwhelming heart and empathy.

A newer edition will be coming out on January 13th, 2013 and the foreword will be written by Ina May Gaskin. You can pre-order it now.



The Joy of Natural Childbirth

I have not read this book myself, but a good mama-friend highly recommended it.

First published in 1963, this pioneering book has introduced thousands of couples to joyful childbirth through four editions and over three decades. Completely revised, it presents a sound, scriptural philosophy of God's goodness in in birth.




Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
This book comes HIGHLY recommended by many of my mama-friends. 

Since the Bradley method was first introduced in 1970, a growing number of expectant parents have opted for natural childbirth, knowing that it's safer than medicated or surgical delivery.

This book provides all the answers on how to have a successful Bradley birth, offering sound advice on how to prepare physically for labor and what to expect during each of its stages. Photos & line drawings included.


A Natural Guide to Pregnancy and Postpartum Health
Having a baby can and should be one of the most joyful experiences of a woman's life. While there are hundreds of books that provide information on how to ensure the development of a healthy baby, few of them dedicate more than a few pages to the nourishment of the mother herself during this physically and emotionally demanding time. It is rarely discussed, but women commonly experience a wide variety of ailments during the postpartum period, from depression to anxiety, backache, and loss of libido.  

This is the first book by physicians that is devoted entirely to telling women how they can prevent postpartum problems and attain optimum health after the delivery of their babies. Elements of the program, which is meant to be adopted during-or, if possible, before-pregnancy, include diet, nutritional supplementation, exercise, hormone-balancing, the use of medicinal herbs, and conventional medications. Developed by the authors in clinical practice, this program has a proven track record in helping women to avoid and overcome postpartum difficulties.


The Nursing Mother's Companion, 6th Edition
This accessible and authoritative guide to breastfeeding has been trusted by new parents and recommended by professionals for more than two decades.

Kathleen Huggins has extensively revised and updated this 25th anniversary edition to equip nursing mothers with all the information they need to overcome difficulties and nurse their babies successfully from the first week all the way to the toddler years, or somewhere in between. Now more than ever, this book is an indispensable handbook for every new mother. 



Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding
Everything you need to know to make breastfeeding a joyful, natural, and richly fulfilling experience for both you and your baby!

Drawing on her decades of experience in caring for pregnant women, mothers, and babies, Ina May Gaskin explores the health and psychological benefits of breastfeeding and gives you invaluable practical advice that will help you nurse your baby in the most fulfilling way possible. 

Inside you’ll find answers to virtually every question you have on breastfeeding. This book is filled with helpful advice, medical facts, and real-life stories that will help you understand how and why breastfeeding works and how you can use it to more deeply connect with your baby and your own body. Whether you’re planning to nurse for the first time or are looking for the latest, most up-to-date expert advice available, you couldn’t hope to find a better guide than Ina May.


The Business of Being Born
A great movie that talks about the reality of hospital births. Good for many women to see so they can get a good look at the pros & cons of hospital births and home births.

Not every woman's birth is the same and you will see that in this movie.




HOME DELIVERY
I have not seen this, but it is on my list of home birth movies to watch! Can't wait to see it and let you know what I think of it.

From what I read... it is a very simple movie looking into the lives of 3 very different women and why they are choosing home births for their babies. It also shares their journey and birth experiences.

Check out their website!




Are there any other books or DVDs that you would recommend to your mama-friends? Please share!

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