For after
After childbirth or a caesarean section, one would first think of Arnica, which involves a sensation of being bruised from within. If Arnica fails to relieve the bruised soreness, think of Bellis perennis that like Ruta also aids stretched ligaments.
Staphysagria should always be considered as a remedy if a woman has had to have a caesar and had her heart set on having a natural birth. Staphysagria involves suffering from repressed anger and resentment from surgical cuts, and perceived injuries and injustices. This is different from the ‘baby blues’ that is a result of the drop of hormones after delivery and before the milk comes in. Sepia is the most indicated remedy to restore balance and harmony.
Phytolacca can help cracked sore nipples with pain radiating from the breast to other parts of the body while nursing. Urtica urens can help establish the flow of milk and help sore nipples.
As can be seen there is a vast body of homeopathic knowledge that will aid and strengthen pregnancy, labour and child rearing, turning it into a labour of love.
Further reading
1. Bloch R, Lewis B. Homoeopathy for the Home. Cape Town: Struik, 2003.
2. Idarius B. The Homeopathic Childbirth Manual. Oaklands, California: Idarius Press, 1996.
3. Geraghty B. Homeopathy for Midwives. London: Churchill Livingstone, 1997.
4. Castro M. Homoeopathy for Pregnancy, Birth and Your Baby’s First Year. New York: St Martins Press, 1993.
Dr Barbara Lewis, BSc, DHom, DHerb, MNIMH, is a registered herbalist and homeopath in practice for the past 24 years. She has taught homeopathy at the Durban Technicon, and has recently co-authored a self-help book on homeopathy. Dr Lewis practices at the Refuah Healing Centre in Sea Point and in Rondebosch, Cape Town.
