Hi all. I'd like to go through the second group of remedies to speed your healing post-labour. As I wrote in the first part, I can't say strongly enough how important it is to share the information below with the person who is going to be closest to you in the days following labour, if you are fortunate enough to have such a person. It is tricky to prescribe for oneself at the best of times, and nigh on impossible when there are so many things to consider already, not to mention tumultuous hormones and loss of sleep.
After pains - Magnsesia Phosphorica
The contraction of the uterus, which takes up to a couple of months after labour, can go unnoticed, especially after first-time delivery. However, in subsequent deliveries or after multiple births, the body has significantly more work to do and thus the pains can be much more of an issue. Lasting for around a week after the birth, they can often feel like period pains, and will be worse during breastfeeding as the suckling acts to stimulate the contractions. Take a dose of Magnesia Phosphorica 6 before and after breastfeeding while the pains continue. If you aren't breastfeeding, then take Magnesia Phosphorica 30 3 times per day during the early days when the pain is experienced.
Exhaustion - Phosphoric Acid
It goes without saying that tiredness is part and parcel of parenting, especially in the early days when there is so much going on. Exhaustion, however, is not something that you have to live with, and homeopathic remedies can help to lift the heavy blanket of exhaustion and speed recovery.
The person who would benefit from Phosphoric Acid will be very weak and utterly lacking in energy. They will be so tired that they may appear indifferent to everything. This remedy will be particularly applicable after a labour which was difficult, even shocking, and not at all what you had expected. In such a situation take this remedy in the 30th potency 3 times a day for up to a week.
Cracked and sensitive nipples - Phytolacca (Poke root)
This remedy is specifically indicated for sore and cracked nipples, especially when the pain goes through your whole body. Apply the tincture neat to your nipples after every feed.
After pains, exhaustion and feeling constantly tearful - Pulsatilla (Windflower)
The remedy Pulsatilla acts on many different symptoms, but in each case the person will be tearful, needy and thirstless. If this fits your state in the first days after you have given birth, take Pulsatilla 30 3 times daily until the feelings lift or for up to 3 days.
Severe pains in tears, episiotomy or Caesarean Section scars - Staphisagria (Palmated Larkspur)
The person whom this remedy would help is sensitive both physically and emotionally. Pains in tears, episiotomies or Caesarean Section scars seem unusually acute. This remedy will apply particularly to women whose labour has involved intervention when none was expected, and there are consequent feelings of resentment, humiliation, or perhaps a feeling of having been assaulted or violated. Take Staphisagria 303 times daily for three days to help lift those feelings and to ease the pain.
Please make sure that if any of the symptoms detailed above and in last week's entry last longer than you would reasonably expect, seek professional advice.
Don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like any further information about anything above. All homeopathic remedies are easily obtainable from www.helios.co.uk.
Many thanks and I wish you a very beautiful birth and baby.