Want to get through your pregnancy drug free and healthy?

Aspects of Homeopathy

Our resident Homeopath, Lee Ní Chinnéide, will discuss all aspects of Homeopathy and its various benefits in pregnancy and labour at her talks on Wed 9th Nov and Wed 30th Nov in the elbowroom Clinic at 8pm (tea and biscuits provided!!). Lee has run a full time homeopathic practice for the past 8 years in both Dublin and Galway and specialises in the treatment of fertility, pregnancy, birth and children, but also has a broad general practice.

Positive pregnancy experience

Pregnancy can be stressful to a woman’s body, the health of the woman significantly affects the health of the foetus. Homeopathic medicines will help improve the health of the mother as well as the foetus thereby assuring a more positive pregnancy experience. Homeopathic medicines are gentle, safe, non-toxic and effective in treating various common problems of pregnancy and childbirth.

Healing

Homeopathy works with the body’s natural defence system, thus allowing the body to heal itself. Some of the common ailments during pregnancy and labour that can be treated by using Homeopathic remedies are given below.

Various conditions during pregnancy can be assisted with the use of homeopathic remedies such as:

Morning Sickness: Morning sickness during the early months of pregnancy can range from mild nausea to constant vomiting requiring hospitalization. This may be caused due to low blood sugar, low blood pressure, hormonal changes, Vitamin B6 and iron deficiency, and an excess of spicy or greasy foods. Suggested Remedy to help morning sickness: Asarum and Colchicum

Mood Swings: Hormonal changes and mixed feelings about your forthcoming parenthood can have a depressant effect on your nervous system, causing mood changes, unexplained crying and anxiety. These symptoms can last throughout the pregnancy. Suggested Remedy to help mood swings: Pulsatilla and Sepia

Dizziness / Faintness: Dizziness during pregnancy can result from circulatory changes, stress, fatigue and hunger. During pregnancy the uterus has a great demand for blood supply which reduces the supply to other parts of the body. Warm weather, a warm bath, or standing for too long can cause blood pooling in the legs or feet, which leads to lack of blood supply to the brain. The brain becomes temporarily short of oxygen which then leads to dizziness and fainting. Suggested Remedy to help dizziness/faintness: Argent nitrate

Heartburn: Progesterone relaxes the valve between the oesophagus and the stomach, making it easier for stomach acid to flow into the oesophagus, irritating the oesophagus and causing a burning sensation in the chest. Pressure on the stomach from the growing uterus may also cause stomach acid to flow upwards. Heartburn will be worse after meals, when lying down, straining or coughing. Suggested Remedy to help heartburn: Nux vomica and Pulsatilla

Backache: Low back pain extending down the legs is a common complaint during pregnancy especially in the last trimester, since this is the area of the body most stressed by the additional weight that you are carrying. During pregnancy the high levels of progesterone result in the stretching and softening of ligaments in the pelvic area and the spine in preparation for birth which puts extra strain on the back and hips causing backache. Suggested Remedy to help Backache: Kali Carb and Reus Tox

Insomnia: Insomnia or disturbed sleep is common during pregnancy and can start at any time from conception onwards. It may be due to anxiety, depression, indigestion, over stimulation, discomfort, pain, the need to urinate more often at night, with a cycle of sleeplessness and worry. Suggested Remedy to help Insomnia: Coffea

NOTE: The above suggestions vary from person to person and should only be taken after a full consultation with your homeopath.

Birthing Kits

Homeopathic birthing kits during pregnancy can be tailor made for each individual pregnant woman. Homeopathy can be exceptionally helpful during labour and delivery. The Homeopathic medicines help in diminishing pain and discomfort of pregnancy greatly lessening the need for analgesics and anaesthesia, it also helps prepare the cervix for the process of labour by facilitating, softening, and dilating the cervix prior to onset of labour. A properly indicated Homeopathic medicine can also turn a breech baby and change a high risk pregnancy into a normal one. Even if you need a Caesarean section Homeopathy can be an important part of a speedy recovery after surgery.

Most birthing kits would contain the following depending on the requirements of the pregnant woman: Aconite, Arnica, Bellis perennis, Calendula., Caulophyllum, Chamomilla, Cimicifuga, Gelsemium, Hypericum, Ipecac., Phytolacca, Pulsatilla, Secale, Sepia, and Staphisagria.