Birth & Breastfeeding Resources As one whom his mother
comforts so shall I (God) comfort you in Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:11 Along the bank of the of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither nor will their fruit fail. They will bear fruit every month, because water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for medicine. Ezekiel 47:12
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 Homeopathy
I love homeopathy for the pregnant and
breastfeeding mother. As I learn and use it more and more, it becomes my
favorite and it works very well, in combination with herbs and even conventional
medicines.
Some homeopathic purists may flame me for the statement on working well with conventional medicines as most that use homeopathy want an alternative to or avoid conventional medicines. But as one who has broken bones (and had to have them set with external and internal pins) homeopathic medicines worked great for pain management post surgery. It leaves one feeling in control, functional and not high or "hung-over". Most homeopathic practitioners will take about 1-2 hours or so to do a "constitutional" remedy for each person depending on lifestyle, symptoms, personality and a host of other things. The remedies that are mentioned here are for acute treatment. Acute meaning a remedy that can be used immediately depending on symptoms only. Homeopathic remedies can be taken long term or short term, and if long term the dose cuts down after time. Used properly treatment is safe for expectant or breastfeeding mothers and babies. Cautions and Precautions My main caution is if you are pregnant seek out someone knowledgeable in pregnancy conditions- the homeopath and Healthcare practitioner can work together. The other is if you are breastfeeding seek out and International Board Certified Lactation consultant (IBCLC) to work with. If one is in your area- get a friends recommendation, if no one is available Seek out La Leche league leader or an equivalent in your area. Homeopathy can help, but if the underlying problem is not solved I believe that the remedies take longer to work if they work at all. For example, Lactuca Virosa is great for boosting supply, but if you do not allow the infant to nurse often or long enough, or improve latch and milk transfer, a larger supply has no where to go. Nor can a baby gain weight without the milk going into his stomach.
Supplementation of baby. This should be done with the direction of the lactation consultant and the healthcare provider. If you milk supply is very low, do supplement so the baby does not lose weight or fail to grow. Human milk supplementation is preferred. Human milk banks are available in the US and other places. Human milk is screened and processed. Formulas need to be prescribed by the pediatrician. Cup, pallidai, spoon or a cup can accomplish supplementation. Bottles may be needed but you and the LC can decide.
History of homeopathy. Homeopathy has been around for centuries. It was given the name by physician Samuel Hanneman 200 years ago. The principle used of the "Law of similars" has been around even longer. Using a little of the plant or other element of the remedy to cure the ailment or symptoms of the illness. If you use a little quinine you cure malaria or at least relieve the symptoms. If you use a lot you actually get the symptoms of malaria. This is called "proving" the remedy. Actually many items that are in the body to work are in extremely small amounts but an imbalance or absence of theses can cause havoc. These trace minerals, elements are actually necessary to function. Example, low zinc can cause weakened immune response. If you say hogwash--- well (I am not advocating use of or discouraging the use of, because this is not the forum for this) if. you have vaccinated your children you have used the basic principle of homeopathy. Homeopathy can actually offer an alternative to vaccines, by vaccinating homeopathically. Digitalis – an allopathic medicine- is an herb that has been synthesized and then triturated down to a dose to aid with heart rhythm. Too much is toxic; then right amount will slow the heart, even further dilution will speed the heart output. You now understand. A little more of how homeopathy works: Homeopathy uses the body’s own ability to heal itself. It recognizes the body’s own efforts to heal itself and defend itself against disease. The remedies DO NOT treat the symptoms but initiate the healing of the underlying disease or problem. The homeopathic doctor assesses the symptoms and applies only a single remedy. Sometimes the remedy may change as healing takes place. Homeopathy recognizes that proper medicine boots the body’s natural defenses and immune system. You may notice that the remedies are in Latin – yes that is so they are consistent world- wide. You may also notice that the remedies are from known toxic substances, but because of the infinitesimally small amount used, they are perfectly safe. Purchasing, storing and other precautions for Remedies: Most of these items are available at health food stores, herb shops, practitioners offices, and here on this web site. Homeopaths dispense the medicines directly.
The Remedies and how to use them. Remedies come in many forms. A Mother tincture: alcohol- based form of the remedy- they strongest form of remedy. Ointments usually commercially prepared apply directly to wounds or to dressings. Suppositories are commercially made- follow label directions. Pills or tablets. These are lactose pellets with the remedy or the mother tincture on the outside. These are placed on or under a clean tongue and allowed to dissolve. Using the mucous membrane gets the remedy in faster and it works very quickly as well.
Remedy strengths usually come in (from weakest to strongest) 6x, 30x, 6c, 30c, 200c, L, M strengths. The 200c and up are usually given only by practitioners and may not be available over the counter. |
