Homeopathy had been used by women, moms and babies for centuries. It can enhance the overall wellbeing of women and be used for specific problems that arise during pregnancy, childbirth, and after delivery. Homeopathy is safe and gentle, derived from natural substances, and approved by the FDA.
My pregnancies
For my first pregnancy, I chose conventional care and a hospital delivery, mainly because I was unaware of other options. It was the path that my mom chose, what is featured on television and in movies, and what many other women I knew had chosen, so I walked the same path.
A few years later, I experienced my own chronic health problems alongside secondary infertility. I sought care from a qualified classical homeopath, and my health problems began to resolve and I soon became pregnant. Of course, I chose to continue homeopathic care during my pregnancy in conjunction with care from my midwife and I had a successful home birth delivery. Every woman is unique and every pregnancy is different, but homeopathy played an important and special role in my journey to motherhood a second time.
When I compare my two pregnancies and deliveries, they were vastly different in terms of my physical comfort, sense of support and empowerment. You should feel empowered to choose your care too and how you want to help yourself and your baby. Although homeopathic care is not a replacement for a midwife or doctor, it can be supportive and effective during pregnancy and delivery regardless of what you plan for your delivery or where the journey takes you.
Using homeopathy appropriately
You can usually support acute symptoms, such as morning sickness or painful breastfeeding, on your own with homeopathy. When in doubt, seek care from your medical provider or a homeopath. Other symptoms or conditions occurring during pregnancy, such as threatened miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and cholestasis of pregnancy are best handled by a homeopath in conjunction with your midwife or doctor.
Pregnancy symptoms
Below are common problems that occur during pregnancy, delivery and post-partum along with homeopathic remedies that may be indicated. Remember, homeopathy is individualized and remedies are given based on your specific symptoms. Pay attention to your symptoms, including what it feels like, what makes it better or worse, and any changes in your mood or emotional symptoms.
Morning sickness
Morning sickness occurs primarily in the first trimester and is the result of hormonal changes during pregnancy, primarily increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen. With morning sickness, you may experience nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity to smells, and loss of appetite. If you cannot keep food down consistently, experience dehydration or rapid weight loss, seek medical attention immediately.
Nux vomica – Nausea that is intense, especially in bed or on waking, but you are unable to vomit. You feel worse after eating and the nausea may be accompanied by indigestion and cramping. You feel better lying down and may be irritable, peevish and oversensitive to noise and light.
Sepia – Horrible nausea accompanied by an empty or sinking sensation in the stomach. You feel worse in the morning and the thought or smell of food brings on nausea, but you feel better eating. You may feel indifferent to your loved ones and exhausted, but physical exercise makes you feel better overall.
Ipecacuanha – Constant nausea that is not relieved by vomiting. Nothing gives the slightest relief. There is excessive salivation and you may need to spit frequently. You may have offensive breath with the nausea and vomiting.
Constipation and hemorrhoids
Constipation during pregnancy can occur as a result of hormonal changes that slow digestion and increased pressure on the intestines because your uterus is growing. Hemorrhoids can accompany constipation because of straining during bowel movements as well as increased blood flow and pressure in the rectum during pregnancy. If your constipation is severe and is not improving, seek care from your midwife or doctor.
Hamamelis – Hemorrhoids protrude, pulsate, itch and bleed. Varicose veins may appear on the abdomen and legs along with ankle swelling after being on your feet all day. The varicose veins are especially worse with heat and make it difficult to walk.
Lycopodium – Hemorrhoids that are inflamed, aching and painful when touched. Stool is large, hard and difficult to pass and the hemorrhoids may bleed. Hemorrhoids may be the result of constipation or aggravated by constipation with a burning sensation after passing stool. You may be generally mind mannered but bossy and domineering at home.
Sepia – Congested and protruding hemorrhoids with pelvic weakness. They are worse motion or sitting and better with heat. You feel bloated and full with straining to pass stool. There may be terrible rectal itching and moisture with excoriation of the perineum and anus. You may feel worn out from the demands of the household and indifferent to your loved ones.
Heartburn
Heartburn is characterized as a burning sensation in the chest or throat often accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth, regurgitation of food, and bloating. It may develop during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes that cause the valve between the stomach and esophagus to relax. It may also occur later in pregnancy because your uterus is growing and putting pressure on your stomach.
Carbo vegetabilis – Bitter, sour, rancid burping along with nausea and a bloated abdomen. You may be worse after rich, fatty foods and lying down, but only temporarily better from burping. You crave fresh air and want the windows open or fans turned on. You may feel exhausted, faint.
Pulsatilla – Bitter, sour burping with an empty feeling in the stomach. There may be gurgling or rumbling in the abdomen. The heartburn comes on at different times of the day and after eating various kinds of food. You feel better in open air and may be weepy and better for consolation.
Backache and ligament pain
Body aches and ligament pain are typical throughout pregnancy as your ligaments stretch and thicken to support your growing uterus. This occurs primarily due to pregnancy hormones that soften the ligaments and joints, weight gain during pregnancy, and a growing uterus that shifts your center of gravity, putting extra pressure on your back and muscles.
Bellis perennis – Useful in sciatica of pregnancy or any pain in the groin extending down the legs that makes walking difficult. The pain may be the result of an injury to the back.
Sepia – Low back pain with a draining, weak, dragging feeling in the back. The pain is worse stooping and better for hard pressure applied to the area as well as walking or even heavy exertion. You may feel drained by household duties and prefer to be alone.
Rhus toxicodendron – Low back pain and sciatica accompanied by stiffness. You have a restless feeling with the pain and have an urge to move or stretch. The pain is worse in the morning on waking when you first get out of bed and better for heat, hot bathing and motion.
Healing after birth
Pain is common after childbirth. As your uterus shrinks back to its original size, you may experience menstrual cramping. The location and type of pain you experience will vary depending on whether you have a vaginal delivery or cesarean section, or you have a perineal tear or episiotomy. If your pain is not being managed with home interventions, is accompanied by fever, foul discharge, tingling in the legs or feet, or difficulty urinating or passing stool, seek immediate medical attention.
Arnica – Pain after delivery, especially if you feel bruised all over. Delivery may have involved surgical trauma. Pain may be accompanied by bleeding and bruising. You may feel in a state of shock, confused, and irritable and everything feels hard, even the pillow and bed.
Bellis perennis – Pain after delivery, especially following a Cesarean section, forceps delivery, or similar trauma, particularly if Arnica does not help. The pain is deep and aching and there may be visible bruising and soreness of the abdomen.
Hypericum – Useful for pain associated with injuries to the nerves or spine, such as an epidural or episiotomy. The pain is sharp and shooting, worse for any movement and urination. There may be pain in the tailbone or perineum.
Breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural bonding experience between mom and baby, but it can cause pain and discomfort, such as cracked nipples, engorgement, mastitis, and thrush. If you are experiencing challenges with breastfeeding or are concerned about latching, the transfer of milk, or weight gain in your baby, seek care from a lactation consultant or speak with your midwife or doctor.
Calendula – Useful for sore, cracked nipples. The skin may be broken and bleed freely. It can also be useful for diaper rash. This is available as a cream or ointment that can be used topically.
Phytolacca – This is useful in cases of mastitis where the pain radiates from your nipple to the whole body. The nipples may be cracked and the breasts tender, inflamed and painful. You feel exhausted, may have aching joints and feel worse at night.
Jill Page, CCH, CHP is a certified classical homeopath based in Kentucky offering virtual consultations. To learn more, visit Hope and Healing Homeopathy