Homeopathy for labour and birth
Find out about homeopathy, how it works and when you can use it during labour
Homeopathy, an alternative medicine that's been around of 100s of years, can be used as a complementary therapy for labour.
So, what is it, how does it work and how can homeopathy making an impact during your child's birth?
Everything you need to know about homeopathy for labour...
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a 200-year-old practice is based on the concept of ‘like cures like’, using very diluted plant extracts to prompt the body's own healing processes into action and accelerate recovery.
It has a real mixed reception in UK medical circles: some doctors see homeopathy as complementary to traditional medicine and may even practise themselves; others dismiss it out of hand as having no evidence base in science.
So, while it might be something to explore as part of your birth plan, it certainly shouldn’t replace traditional medicine in emergency situations, and we’d definitely suggest discussing it with your midwife beforehand.
How is homeopathy used in labour?
During labour, homeopathy fans would say that it can help you progress by relaxing you and relieving physical tensions, or by giving you a mental and emotional boost when the going gets tough.
It’s not likely it’ll help loads with pain relief – so you may want to consider all of the other pain relief options available to you, as well.
To use it in labour, you should really consult a (properly accredited) holistic practitioner.
Practitioners typically assess you and take into account the physical symptoms, but also your physical and emotional well-being to produce an overall picture of symptoms.
There are also several set remedies typically used during labour, which they can explain and go over with you in detail.
When can I use homeopathy?
You can use homeopathy at any stage during labour and birth.
You might find you want to change remedies to deal with new situations, physical pains and emotions as your labour progresses.
There are remedies that are said to help speed up contractions, relieve pressure, combat dizziness, reassure and calm, re-energise and so on.
Is homeopathy safe to try during labour?
Homeopathy is thought to be safe to use during pregnancy and labour as it uses low potency remedies with no side-effects.
If you're already experienced in self-prescribing by the time labour comes along and have consulted a practitioner specifically on remedies for labour, then in theory, you will be able to self-prescribe on the day.
In practice, you may need to delegate responsibility for this to your birth partner as you'll likely have other things on your mind during the labour itself. So, keep in mind that your birth partner needs to be clued up, too.
It may be the case that your medical team or midwife has experience of homeopathy, in which case they may be very supportive of your decision to use homeopathy – or it might be the case they know little about it at all.
That said: we really think that, to be on the safe side, you should tell your midwife about any remedies you’ve used, or plan to use.
Where can I find a homeopath?
As we’ve noted above, you should always speak to a pro when trying complementary therapies for your labour – and make sure your pro really is a pro.
The British Homeopathic Association can provide you with contact details for your local practitioners so that you can have an initial consultation.
When you're comfortable with self-prescribing, there are several books with specific recommendations for pregnancy and birth including:
- Dr. Richard Moskowitz's Homeopathic Medicines for Pregnancy and Childbirth, North Atlantic Books (1992)
- Birth and Beyond by obstetrician Dr. Yehudi Gordon.
Images: Getty Images
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