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Mother and Baby
Remedies for Labour and After the Birth
Most women are fortunate these days in that we have a greater say about
how and where we would like to give birth to our children. Whichever way
you choose to give birth, in hospital or at home; in a birth pool or on
dry land; with or without pain relief - natural remedies can be of great
assistance. The remedies mentioned here are safe, simple and gently supportive;
they may be used by breastfeeding mothers and in conjunction with any
medication that might be given at the hospital.
| IMPORTANT NOTE: there are many herbs
that should not be taken by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
Ask for professional advice if you are at all unsure. See also
Disclaimer
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Now is the time to really relax and take care of yourself. If you are
working, try to have at least a couple of weeks off before your EDD. If
you have been active throughout your pregnancy, slow down. Listen to your
body; try gentle stretching and breathing exercises. Accept as much help
as you are offered and try to sleep as much as you can.
Gentle Remedies for Relaxation
A relaxing aromatherapy massage with appropriate oils in low concentration
can be of great benefit, try Neroli or Pettigrain.
White Chestnut Bach flower remedy may help with insomnia due to circling
thoughts and worrying; Impatiens for frustration if you are overdue.
Chamomile tea and Lemon Balm tea will also help to calm
and relax. If insomnia persists see a homeopath for advice.
Homeopathic Preparation for the Birth
Recent research has indicated that, although of great benefit after the
birth, taking Arnica prior to labour may lead to increased bleeding
and bruising. Most homeopaths would agree that it is best to give
remedies in response to an exsisting imbalance so take the Arnica
30 after the birth. When pregnant it is best to stick to short courses
of low potency (i.e. 6c and 30c) homepathic remedies for minor ailments.
Alternatively you might like to consult a homepath for constitutional
treatment, although this is best undertaken before you become pregnant.
If you wish to take potencies higher than 6c during your pregnancy,
you should consult a homepath.
Helios Childbirth Kit
The Helios Childbirth kit consists of a set of homeopathic remedies suitable
for childbirth alongside a detailed booklet to help to choose which ones
are suitable. It is best to ask your birth partner, or whoever will be
administering the remedies, to familiarize themselves with the kit and
the booklet thoroughly well before the due date.
In the first stage of labour it is important to keep as relaxed as possible.
The same is true for your birthing partner(s). In the earlier part: try
to sleep; have a bath; do gentle stretches through the contractions; listen
to music and generally try to keep calm. It might be helpful look at the
contractions in a different way, rather than as a painful experience,
look at them as "an interesting sensation that demands your full attention."
Five Flower Remedy, more commonly known as Rescue Remedy, is an
ideal remedy to take during labour and after the birth. Add twenty drops
to a bottle of spring water and drink frequently. The drops can also be
added to herbal teas or diluted apple juice (four drops per cup). Four
drops may be added to baby's first bath.
You might like to take an aromatic spray in with you (especially if the
labour ward does not smell particularly nice). A spray made with a base
of flower water (choose from Fleur's lavender, rose or chamomile
water) will cool you down, calm and relax you and perfume and purify
the air. If you wish, add four drops each of Five-flower remedy,
crab apple and walnut. Alternatively we have ready made
up flower remedy and aromatherapy room sprays, the Serentiy Spray
(made with Chalice Well Water) would be particularly appropriate for labour.
Clary sage has been used during labour to stimulate contractions -
use in a massage oil. Use one drop of clary sage per five ml of base oil.
By this time in the proceedings, you will probably not be thinking about
remedies at all! During transition your whole being is focused on the
rhythm of the contractions, your breathing and the movements of the baby
inside you. As the second stage begins you are completely absorbed in
pushing and breathing. This is as it should be. Perhaps the best method
of pain relief is to focus on the breath, try not to let anything take
you away from this focus. If you wish, a birthing partner may add flower
remedies to your drinks at this stage. Olive, if the labour has
been long and you are very tired; Larch for loss of confidence;
Mimulus for fear. These are to be given in addition to Walnut
and Five-flower remedy.
Once your baby is born, it is good for you and the baby to cuddle and
be close until the cord stops pulsating, if this is possible. Once the
cord is cut or if the contractions start, it is time to direct your attention
to the expulsion of the placenta. It does seem rather tiresome to get
back into having contractions again, when you would much rather be holding
and gazing at your little one. Caulophyllum 30 is an
invaluable homeopathic remedy for stimulating contractions, and may be
taken instead of the injection offered for the same purpose. This remedy
is available from homeopaths or our homeopathic pharmacy.
Arnica 30 taken once your labour is over can dramatically speed
up the healing process. Arnica helps alleviate bruising, dull pain and
shock. Additionally, Hypericum 30 helps to reduce the sharper pain
associated with tears and cuts that occur during the birth. Take Arnica
30 and Hypericum 30 until you can move around freely without
pain, but remember not to do too much too soon. You will probably know
in yourself when to stop these remedies, if you stop too early you feel
markedly more uncomfortable than when you were taking the medicine.
Continue to take Five Flower and Walnut flower remedies
they will help you to adjust, particularly if you are a first time mother.
Aromatherapists recommend Jasmine essential oil to help to alleviate
the baby blues. It is available as a 5% dilution to use as perfume oil
- it makes a lovely present for a new mother.
| IMPORTANT NOTE: it is especially important
now to keep up the good nutritional habits that you hopefully established
during pregnancy. Please refer to the pregnancy
article for detailed nutritional information; the same guidelines
continue to apply. |
| Remedy |
Indications |
| Cerato |
For first time mums - this remedy can help you trust
your innate wisdom on how to best care for your new baby. |
| Elm |
For those who may feel overwhelmed at the responsibility
of looking after a new baby, helps you to get a good perspective and
look after your own needs as well as the baby's. |
| Gentian |
May be of help for those whose birthing experience was
difficult, or those who feel discouraged or depressed |
| Holly |
For those who might feel threatened by the new arrival
to the family, e.g. jealous siblings or a partner who feels "left
out." |
| Olive |
A classic remedy for new parents! Helps to address the
tiredness and exhaustion that can occur after a long labour followed
by sleep-deprived nights. |
| Oak |
For those who normally very capable but are struggling,
with lack of sleep and work during the day e.g. mothers with other
children. |
| Pine |
The remedy for guilt, many mothers experience this emotion,
if they cannot give their absolute best all the time. Pine helps us
to accept responsibility without self-condemnation. |
| Red Chestnut |
For selfless concern and worry for others. A good remedy
for those who are continually checking that their newborn is still
breathing! |
| Star of Bethlehem |
This remedy helps to rebalance energy after the shock
of birth, ideal for both mother and child. It is an ingredient of
Five Flower / Rescue Remedy |
| Walnut |
An invaluable for first time mothers to help them adapt
to their new role. It also helps the newborn to adapt to life outside
the womb. |
Add two drops of the chosen remedies to a 30ml bottle of spring water
(special dropper bottles are available). Both mother and baby may take
these diluted drops internally, but if you prefer, four drops of the mixture
can be added to baby's bath or rubbed behind the ears. Discard the mixture
after one week and make up another bottle with fresh water. Wash and sterilise
the bottle and dropper before re-using.
| Tea |
Indications |
| Fennel Tea |
a traditional tea for helping to stimulate the supply
of breast milk and to soothe windy babies. After four months, if you
are not breast-feeding, you can prepare weak tea to make up the formula
with |
| Chamomile tea |
can also help colicy babies see note
on Cranio-Sacral therapy |
| Vervain tea |
a useful tea for calming and strengthening the nerves
of the new mother. It is also useful for stimulating supply of breast
milk, particularly where it is diminished due to stress. |
| Raspberry leaf tea |
is still of use as it is nourishing and helps to uterus
to contract. |
A herbal infusion of equal parts Marigold flowers, Yarrow and St John's
Wort can also be added to the bath to speed healing of the perineum.
Make a strong pot of tea and add to the bath. If you have been advised
not to bath, put the mixture in a clean spray bottle and spray after
you use the toilet. Make up a new spray every other day.
It is best to keep use of baby products to a minimum in the first weeks.
Certainly avoid all the commercial baby products, but even the more natural
one's may contain essential oils which can irritate brand new skin. Clean
baby using plain, warm water, finish with a wipe of baby oil before you
pop on the nappy.
Weleda's Baby Oil is versatile and gentle - suitable for moisturising,
soothing dry/sore skin, cleaning, and protecting against nappy rash. Weleda
Nappy Change Cream for more advanced cases of nappy rash.
Green Baby Cradle Cap Oil is a gentle natural mixture, ideal for
treating cradle cap.
Urtekram Factor 28 sun cream is ideal for babies as it contains
the minimum amount of ingredients, yet works very well.
The Haelan Centre sells Moltex Eco (Oko) nappies. We have assessed a number
of "environmentally friendly" nappies and believe these are
the best available.
Motex nappies are better for baby's skin because they are free from harsh
chemicals (bactericides, deodorants, and other chemicals) found in conventional
disposable nappies. These chemicals can cause rashes and allergic reactions.
Moltex Oko uses tea extracts in the core which helps to prevent nappy
rashes and control odour.
Moltex nappies are also proven to be biodegradable to a high degree in
an earth worm composter (for further information on worm composting these
nappies please see http://www.ecobaby.ie/composting/vermicompost01.htm).
We don't expect that all of our customers will use a worm composter.
To avoid filling our overflowing landfill sites, consider try the
washable nappy company a local independent business who are able to
give detailed advice on purchasing a range of reusable nappies to suit
you and your baby. Washable nappies are the cheapest, most sustainable
choice.
Craniosacral therapy is
an ideal therapy for newborn babies and their mothers. By making very
subtle adjustments, the therapist may treat any imbalances resulting from
the traumatic experience of birth. It can help many common problems such
as unexplained crying, colic, digestion problems and breastfeeding problems.
It is invaluable for helping babies to settle into life outside the womb.
Spiritual midwifery by Ina May Gaskin
I found this a very useful read in preparation for birth as it give numerous
personal accounts of different kinds of birth. Be warned of the '60s style
of writing and some outdated midwifery techniques.
Breast is Best by Penny and Andrew Stanway
This is the breast feeding bible, invaluable for mums new to breastfeeding.
It provides an answer to all questions and dilemmas that you may come
across.
Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth
Invaluable information for sleep deprived parents! Gives information on
natural sleep patterns and how to get your child into a sleeping routine.
The Organic Baby Book by Tanyia Maxted-Frost
A useful guide for parents new to organic and wholefood ideas.
Other Pages of Interest to Mothers to Be
BirthingMatters Ante-Natal
Classes at the Haelan Centre
Pre-Birth
Support with Acupuncture
Pregnancy Yoga at the Haelan
Centre
Natural Health during Pregnancy
Cranio Sacral
Therapy for Babies
Homoepathy for the
Family
Washable Nappy Company
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