Spring is a time for renewal, growth, expansion, and birth.
There is a sense of freshness in the air and the familiar uplifting feeling of hope. Walking through the woods, is a “forest bath” for the body, mind and spirit, encouraging happiness and wellbeing.
Tree buds are a clear sign that spring has arrived. A plant’s buds act as a shield for the delicate leaves and flowers waiting to emerge. Flowers of different shapes, sizes and forms come with individual and distinct protection, harbouring the fruits and seeds of propagation.
This is also the season when many animals and birds produce offspring. The warmer days and regular rainfall mean there is an ever-increasing food supply. Plant-life filled with nourishment ensure healthy provisions for their offspring, all of which makes raising young much easier.
In homeopathy we are involved with the manipulation of natural forces in order to improve the functions of the mind and body of nature and humanity, in a living world of incredible diversity and profusion.
All organisms are transient: they are born, they live and then die. There is an essential aspect to this: we are all mortal. Peter Morrel defines the vital force as a ‘nothingness’, an invisible and intangible entity that manipulates the substance of the body and thus produces the gross and observable phenomenon we call life.
The vital force is the mover and organiser of molecules. It is present in every living organism and is manifestly absent from the deceased. In death, the molecules lose their organisation and their speed of motion. There is no longer a force moving them in meaningful patterns or binding them together in a harmonious and co-coordinated way. The vessel corpse has no perception or willpower even though it still possesses a sophisticated vet stationary biochemistry.
In Homeopathy we wish to modify undesirable traits and amend the functioning of the organism so that greater harmony prevails, and a state of equanimity pervades the mental and physical processes. That is the nature of Homeopathic medicine.
Thus, our work consists entirely of finding a means by which to influence beneficially the control that the vital force has over the chemical machinery of the body.
Homeopathic remedies can help enormously in the prenatal period, benefiting both mother and foetus with the birth, by reducing problems associated with labour, as well as in dealing with postnatal symptoms.
During labour, homeopathy may help with the process, by relaxing the mother and relieving physical tensions, or by giving a mental and emotional boost when the going gets tough. It can also assist with pain relief, inflammation and a variety of issues that arise.
There are remedies to assist with stalled contractions, relieve pressure, combat dizziness, reassure and calm, re-energize and so on. There are also several set remedies typically used during labour, which we can explain and go over with you in detail.
For a difficult labour, it is best to consult an experienced homeopath. Often there is a need to change remedies, as the labour progresses, addressing new situations, physical pains, and emotions.
However, if you’re skilled, you can often address your animal’s issues with well selected homeopathic remedies during their time of need.
Birth itself is such a high energy process that it is often possible to offer a few acute remedies with clear indications for their use in situations, providing a level of ease for the mother. Refer to examples below:
- to assist with the delivery
- baby not coming out / stalled contractions
- retained placenta / not coming out
- excessive bleeding / haemorrhaging
- perineum tearing
and then afterwards with:
- healing emotionally; transition, shock/trauma/bonding
- healing bruising, episiotomy wounds, tears
- breast feeding; sore nipples, milk flow, mastitis
We have put together an e-book with instructions for owners and a webinar on the book is coming soon. Additionally, we offer telemedicine/phone services when you require additional support.
Below are some examples of Commonly used Remedies and their indications. This is just a sample of the full kit and course to follow;
Aconite – The mother is severely frightened, distressed and anxious before or during labour. She has a Fear of death, either she thinks she is going to die or the baby can die. Restlessness and tossing in agony. Symptoms come quickly, suddenly. The fear may be coupled with extreme pain and she may scream out. In other words, the pains are extreme and violent and the mother is terrified, despairing.
Her skin feels hot and dry and she feels better for fresh air.
This remedy applies in situations of:
- Threatened miscarriage
- Labour too early or too quick.
- Shock of the new-born, including c-section babies.
Arnica – This is the number one trauma remedy. All women benefit from it; hence it should be given routinely before/during/after labour. It reduces exhaustion, gives a renewed strength particularly during long, slow, painful labour. It should be taken immediately after birth to speed recovery and alleviate the bruised and battered feeling.
Used for shock when mother says “I am alright, I am OK” but clearly she isn’t. Reduces excessive bleeding when birth was traumatic. The mother has an aversion to being touched and the bed may feel too hard. (Please note: Arnica should not be given to mothers on blood thinner medications)
Bellis perennis – Is a remedy similar to Arnica but has a special affinity to bruising and injury of the internal organs, especially in the pelvic area. It follows well after Arnica and should be given routinely after birth (3 hours after Arnica) to help with toning of the uterus and over stretched ligaments. Particularly useful after abdominal surgery (c-section) or forceps delivery. Better to give before 6 pm as it may cause early waking in the morning.
Calendula – Speeds the healing of cuts, tearing, lacerations, wounds. Prevents scar tissue, very useful for episiotomy or tears. Use both in herbal tincture and homeopathic potency. Take internally in potency if there is a lot of pain or pus formation. Mother tincture: very comforting to apply a hot compress to the wounded part. Add 20 drops of tincture to a cup of water. Soak a wad or lint and apply.
It can be taken in alternation with Bellis perennis, every 2 hours until pain subsides.
Carbo vegetabilis – Is called the homeopathic “corpse reviver”. Collapsed state due to lack of oxygen. Body feels cold and pale, but the mother wants cold air or desires to be fanned. Very useful for fetal distress due to oxygen starvation, e.g. umbilical cord wrapped around the baby’s neck. If given to the mother, it will help to reduce the risk of asphyxia of the baby. Also, excellent remedy for a lot of pain due to trapped wind, especially after Caesarean.
About the Author
PRACTICING CLASSICAL HOMEOPATH AND DOCTOR OF MICROBIOLOGY
ALEXANDRA CARNEIRO DE MELO, PhD MSc, PhD (London), DIHom (Pract), FBIH, RSHom
Education Personal
Accreditations:
- BSc – Food Engineering, 1989 – Porto University, Portugal (High Class Honors)
- MSc – Food Microbiology, 1991 – University of Reading in the UK
- PhD – Applied Microbiology, 1997 – King’s College, London
- DIHom(Pract) – Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine, Practitioner Level British Institute of Homeopathy
- FBIH – Fellowship for life, British Institute of Homeopathy
- RSHom – Member of The Society of Homeopaths
As a homeopath, my ultimate goal is to help you live to your fullest capacity, where the entire spiritual, mental, emotional, social and physical being is restored to the natural state it was created in. Please do get in touch if you are ready to begin your healing journey.
Website: www.alexcmelo.com
Alexandra Melo