subject: Labour Problems [print this page] Caulophyllum is extremely useful in childbirth. Period pains and pains in the small joints are also strongly represented in its picture. A general lack of muscular tone is characteristic. It will be useful when it is difficult to establish labour, when the contractions are short and irregular, or when they stop altogether. The cervix will be rigid and will not dilate. The pains will be spasmodic and flit around; the woman will feel chilly. In general it may be particularly helpful at the contractions stage: dissolve a tablet in a glass of water and sip from the glass from time to time, or whenever you feel a contraction to be imminent.
Some homoeopaths suggest taking one tablet daily for the last few days before the labour starts, but it seems preferable to wait for the symptoms to appear, Kati carb may be helpful if the characteristic stitching jerking pains are present and if the difficulty is due to weakness. Pulsatitia and Cimicifuga may also be useful. After the Birth Arnica is invaluable for the bruising and soreness inevitable after childbirth. Staphysagria will be particularly important if the birth has been difficult and has required a lot of intervention, especially after an episiotomy, or if the woman feels humiliated that she has not been allowed to have the baby 'naturally'. Kali carb is one of the best remedies for the after-effects of childbirth, especially where there is great weakness and stitching after pains flitting around the body. Breastfeeding
If there is not enough milk to iced the baby, consider Agnus castus. This is indicated when the milk supply has eased as soon as it has started, and the woman becomes weak and exhausted. Phytolacca will also be strongly indicated in such cases. If these fail then consider Pulsatilla or CAUSTICUM. (Certain Irish brands of stout are said to be wonderful, as well as fennel tea.) Urtica is indicated where there is a complete absence of milk along with stinging nettle-like pains. If there is a complete aversion to breastfeeding, then consider Sepia. Sore Cracked Nipples Calendula ointment applied externally will bring considerable relief. Calendula tablets may also be taken internally to help prevent infection.
Possible complications following damage to the nipples are mastitis and even breast abscesses. not blame yourself. At the time of birth there is a huge drop in the hormone level, which in itself can cause depression. You have also just been through a long period of hard physical work; you may have had a difficult labour. Some degree of hormonal and emotional let down is to be expected, even if the baby is the best thing that ever happened to you. Through the first year after the birth the hormones remain out of kilter, and your energy may be depleted by breast-feeding, broken nights and the generally very tiring procedure of being responsible for a demanding and helpless human being for 24 hours a day. It is quite natural to feel stressed, depressed and unable to cope. You will be more likely to feel like that if you are deficient in vitamins, especially the B range.
Make sure you keep up your intake. Major remedies to consider are, Ignatia and Pulsatilla where there is mild depression with outbursts of weeping, soon after and probably in reaction to the birch. If a more profoundly depressed state develops then consider Sepia whose picture of aversion to loved ones and total loss of interest in anything at all is very like that of post-natal depression. It has even been given successfully to sheep who abandon their lambs.
The mother will be weak, sad and tired. Everything will be too much for her, and she will be angry and aggressive to those around her as well as depressed and tearful. If there is a very deep gloom, incessant talking and a very real desire to harm the baby, the remedy is Cimicifuga Do not delay in consulting a professional homoeopath if postnatal depression develops. It is easier to treat in its early stages. A leaflet offering farther information on the use of homoeopathy in pregnancy is available from the Society of Homoeopaths Aconite taken at the first sign of trouble may help, but if the condition develops then Phytolacca is the first remedy to consider.
Here the breast is usually very hard but tender and inflamed. There is a combination of backache, shivering and a raised temperature. Often the left breast is worse. Bryonia and Belladonna may also be useful. Hot and cold compresses may be applied. If these measures do not bring relief, consult a practitioner.
