HOW HOMEOPATHY CAN SUPPORT A HEALTHY PREGNANCY: SAFE NATURAL REMEDIES
Pregnancy is often a time when people turn to homeopathy and natural remedies. They are looking for a natural, gentle approach to help them and their growing baby thrive during these months. It can feel too intrusive or harsh to use medications (with their possible side effects) at this time.
Homeopathy is a very safe and gentle option during pregnancy. It can be used alongside regular medication, if that is needed, with little to no side effects. It supports physical and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and childbirth, with a multitude of benefits for a large range of potential issues.
I offer a Pregnancy Support Package to help women throughout their pregnancy and into childbirth. I tailor a programme for the individual, using homeopathy, tissue salts, nutrition, and a homeopathic childbirth kit. Please do get in touch if you would like to find out more.
The Tissue Salts Programme
Tissue salts were developed by Dr Schuessler in the nineteenth century and they are micro doses of the body’s 12 essential minerals. Taking tissues salts can rebalance any deficiencies in these minerals and enable the body to absorb them very quickly and efficiently. Tissue salts are very safe during pregnancy and have an extremely low risk of side effects.
The Tissue Salts Programme has been used by homeopaths to support pregnancy for many years. The programme uses 5 of the mineral salts. They are given during specific months of the pregnancy, as the mother and baby will need certain minerals at specific stages of development. This programme ensures that any mineral deficiencies are overcome and gently supports the growing and maturing baby.
For example, the tissue salt CALC FLUOR is given during months 2 and 6 to support the development of bones and to promote elasticity of connective tissue for both the mother and baby.
Homeopathic Support
Homeopathy during pregnancy supports the woman and baby in two ways. The first is with treatment that supports the woman holistically, taking into account current symptoms, emotions, how they are as a person, medical history and family medical history. The second uses homeopathic remedies that are specific to particular acute symptoms, e.g. morning sickness. It is always completely tailored to the individual, which is why it is so important to consult a registered homeopath.
Common Ailments in Pregnancy and Possible Homeopathic Solutions
Morning Sickness
SEPIA is one of the main homeopathic remedies for morning sickness. It is a great remedy for hormonal fluctuations and especially indicated where the woman is cold, feels heavy, and would like to just shut herself away from everything.
PULSATILLA can also be thought of for morning sickness. The woman may be highly emotional and chilly but feels better for company or in the fresh air.
Heartburn
NUX VOMICA is often a first choice for heartburn during pregnancy. The woman may experience belching, hiccups and heartburn with a sour or bitter taste. The person may also be quite irritable or impatient and very sensitive to smells, noise and light.
MERCURY is another option for heartburn, especially if it is worse at night. There may be increased saliva, a metallic taste in the mouth, and the person is likely to be very sensitive to changes in temperature.
Back Pain
RHUS TOX is one of the possibilities for treating back pain in pregnancy. The pain may have been brought on by strain or overlifting, and is often worse on first movement but better for continued movement. The pain is frequently combined with restlessness.
ARNICA is useful for back pain where there is general soreness or a bruised feeling. The pain may have come on after a shock or fall.
Constipation & Haemorrhoids
CALC CARB is often considered for constipation in pregnancy (although there are many possible remedies). The woman might also have haemorrhoids, cramps in the legs, be tired from overwork, and worried about her responsibilities.
BRYONIA is another possibility for constipation and haemorrhoids, especially where the system and digestion is very dry. The person would usually want to be alone and quiet, and might be quite irritable.
Urinary Tract Infections
CANTHARIS is the go-to for urinary tract infections, where there is burning pain on urination and extreme urging.
STAPHYSAGRIA can also be used for UTIs, especially those brought on by negative emotions such as irritation or a feeling of someone’s wishes being ignored.
These examples show just a few ways in which homeopathy can be extremely helpful during pregnancy, gently navigating any issues produced by the woman’s changing body.
Homeopathy for Childbirth
There are also many homeopathic remedies that can be useful during labour, childbirth, and during recovery. They can help with different emotions that come up during labour, with fatigue and exhaustion, with contractions, and with postpartum healing.
I recommend the Helios Childbirth Kit, which comes with 18 remedies and instructions. I include this kit as part of my Pregnancy Support Package and give advice on using it during sessions.
Useful Remedies in Childbirth
CAULOPHYLLUM can help promote strong contractions in labour, especially where contractions have been ineffective or where they are slowing due to fatigue.
GELSEMIUM can be useful in early labour where there is fear, weakness and trembling.
PULSATILLA may be used if contractions are stopping and starting. The woman may feel faint and nauseous but better for fresh air.
ARNICA and CALENDULA are fantastic remedies for healing after childbirth and I would always recommend taking them for a week or two after delivery.
Resources
HELIOS HOMEOPATHIC PHARMACY sells the Homeopathic Childbirth Kit as well as individual homeopathic remedies.
HOMEOPATHY FOR MOTHER AND BABY by Miranda Castro is a great book with a wealth of advice and guidance on remedies for different ailments.
DOULAS can be a wonderful support during labour and childbirth and many of them use, or are open to using, homeopathy. Look at https://doula.org.uk/ to find a doula near you.
CONTACT ME to find out how homeopathy can support you through pregnancy and beyond. I offer a FREE DISCOVERY CALL so you can ask questions and find out how homeopathy could help you.
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