Whilst there are several complications that can arise during childbirth, in most cases the key to avoiding such problems comes in the form of good preparation. There are many Homeopathic medicines that can be used before, during and after the birth process to eliminate complicated situations from arising or to alleviate them if they do. Many orthodox physicians these days see birth as a surgical solution to a nine- month disease. Of particular concern is are that statistics that show that one intervention inevitably leads to another, and at the same time increasing the health risks to Mothers and babies. Of course prompt medical care is needed in high-risk situations for the wellbeing of both Mother and baby, but the unnecessary interventions in the birthing process, in many cases, are turning normal deliveries into medical emergencies.
This has lead to the unfortunate situation where women are now opting for caesareans rather than a natural birth because of the fear that has been instilled in them. They have been lead to believe a natural birth is not only unavoidably painful but also risky and unhygienic – nothing could be further from the truth. The experience of childbirth is different from woman to woman, as individual as the individual herself. Homeopathic medicines can help with bruise and tear prevention, muscle tone, re-positioning of the fetus and anticipatory anxiety before birth. During labour, problems such as cervix rigidity and limited dilation, pain management, retained placenta and heavy bleeding can be addressed. After the birth, Homeopathy is very effective in cases of prolapse, infection (including mastitis) and wound healing. Homeopathic medicines help facilitate the delivery process. They can prevent problems during labour, decrease delivery time and increase pain threshold, all leading to a more satisfying birth experience.
During the third stage of labour, the delivery of the placenta, Homeopaths have several medicines to both prevent and treat the complication of a retained placenta. Once the baby is delivered, the uterus continues to contract, taking up to 3 hours for the placenta to separate from the wall of the uterus (on average it takes only 1⁄2 an hour to deliver itself). Attaching the infant to the breast and encouraging suckling enhances this process, especially if these contractions slow, stop or become weak. During this time there is amniotic fluid draining and some blood loss. This raw wound can take up to 6 weeks to heal – the flow of blood during this time is known as lochia. A retained placenta arises when in the initial stages of separation, a small piece of placenta, known as a succenturiate lobe, connected to the main part of the placenta by a blood vessel, is left behind in the uterus, leading to hemorrhage. The longer the placenta adheres to the uterine wall, the more likely hemorrhage is to occur. Sometimes a part of the placenta may adhere to a fibroid, or a scar from a previous caesarean section. Another cause of a retained placenta is known as placenta acreta. This occurs in approximately 1 in 2500 births, where there is an abnormally firm adherence of the placenta to the wall of the uterus. Occasionally too, small portions of the placenta may not detach. The conventional approach is to a retained placenta is to administer Syntocin (some hospitals do this routinely, regardless of any problems). This causes the uterus to contact very quickly. It can however ruin the peaceful, calm few hours post-birth and well as causing the complications previously mentioned. Listed below are some of the homeopathic medicines used for a retained placenta. Secale is the most renowned, and can be taken immediately after second stage labour to assist with a problem free 3rd stage. This “mandatory” dose is highly recommended if you have encountered a retained placenta during previous births.
Homeopathic Medicines For Retained Placenta
ARNICA: Retained placenta after a long, exhausting labour. Reduces the likelihood of uterine bleeding.
CAULOPHYLLUM: It can be used when there is lack of expulsive power to deliver the placenta thus it is retained. Retained placenta with shaking.
PULSATILLA: Retained placenta with ineffective, spasmodic contractions accompanied by weeping. Contractions are weak or non-existent.
SABINA: Retained placenta with intense afterpains. Sabina can be given as a one off dose after delivery to help the normal expulsion of the placenta. This would then make manual extraction of the placenta unlikely and unnecessary.
SECALE: Retained placenta with a bearing down sensation. Muscles feel weak and exhausted. Septic placenta. If Syntocin is given, Secale can be taken immediately to counteract the ill-effects. If previous births have been complicated by a retained placenta, one dose of secale can be take routinely at the onset of third stage as a precautionary measure.
SEPIA: Retained placenta, with a bearing down sensation. Sensation of prolapse – as if uterine contents were “falling out”
Placenta humanum – The Perfect Medicine For You And Your Baby.
Using placenta’s for medicinal purposes is not new. It has been around for thousands of years, including in our own Australian Indigenous culture and in Traditional Chinese medicine. It can be prepared and used in a variety of ways to benefit both mother and child, and as a Homeopath, I would like to share the preparation and uses of this valuable medicine as a homeopathic remedy. Several clients have asked me the procedure for doing this, and until recently I have referred them to various Homeopathic pharmacies within Australia or, if the timing was right, made the medicine during lab sessions with my students. Recently however, I have found a “novice friendly”, recipe you can make at home.
Placenta humanum, as the medicine is known, was homoeopathically proven (or tested) in Wales by Biggs and Gwillum in 2000 in order to identify its therapeutic actions and indications for clinical use. Further research, initiated by Australia's Aurum Project (a foundation for Australian homeopaths to support research projects), is being conducted to expand on the current knowledge base, particularly by Homoeopath Linlee Jordan and Midwife Jane Collings. The original research into the placental remedy, Placenta humanum, has indicated its benefit in the treatment of conditions where the child's immune system has failed to respond effectively to a challenge or illness. Examples include birth trauma, vaccine reactions, feeding and bonding difficulties etc. If the medicine is prepared from the infant's own placenta, it provides an added individualised boost to overcome the child's specific inherited tendencies. It is also a wonderful boost for new mum’s to regain energy, balance hormones and to facilitate bonding with her newborn. On the whole, it is beneficial for both mother and child in times of illness, shock, transition or change, especially when these situations impact on the immune system, as the placenta contains stem cells, making this medicine a very good immune boost. The energy of the placenta contains all one's strengths and weakness, so treating the individual with this medicine will bring about balance in times of imbalance.
Whilst the recipe outlines the steps in order for you to make this medicine yourself, the creation of the medicine may be done in consultation with your Homoeopath or even by your Homoeopath – just ask!
Antic dotal experiences of this medicine, including case studies can be found at www.placentalremedy.com
Placenta Humanum Recipe
Method
1. Use a small portion of freeze-dry, pulp (blended) placenta or just use a selected piece from the placenta whole.
2. Add 1 part placenta to 9 parts brandy, E.g. a piece of placenta the size of a walnut to 90 mls of Brandy, or 1 teaspoon placenta plus 9 teaspoons brandy (Alternatives to brandy include whisky, vodka, ethanol etc)
3. Sit for 3 days, or longer (in a amber glass bottle or a covered bottle/jar in a cool, dark place)
4. Use1 part of this mixture and add to 99 parts brandy E.g.1ml mixture plus 99mls brandy (double or triple this for larger quantities). The original mixture can then be discarded or frozen for future use.
5. Succuss100times.Succussionmeansvigorousshaking,soforexample,putthemixturein a well sealed glass bottle and bang firmly against a phonebook or the palm of your hand 100 times. This will make a 1C mother tincture. Store this in a brown glass bottle in a cool dark place.
Higher potencies can now be made from this 1C mother tincture
6. To prepare 2C from 1C by using 1 part of 1C and add to 99 parts brandy Succuss 100 times = 2C
7. Use 1 part of 2C and add to 99 parts brandy. Succuss 100 times = 3C 8. Use 1 part of 3C and add to 99 parts brandy Succuss 100 times = 4C 9. Use 1 part of 4C and add to 99 parts brandy Succuss100 times = 5C 10. Use 1 part of 5C and add to 99 parts brandy Succuss100 times = 6C
Dosage and Administration
A 6C potency is the most ideal to use medicinally. Like the 1C Mother tincture, store in a cool dark place, away from light, odours and anything electro-magnetic e.g. fridges, microwaves, TV, mobile phones.
Dosage repetition depends on the condition being treated and the severity of it. A good guide would be 3 x a day for 2 days, increase doses to 4 hourly for more acute situations. If symptoms fail to improve or the condition is beyond the realms of home prescribing, please consult a qualified, classical Homeopath.
The creation, administration and dosage of the Homoeopathic Placental Remedy is something that each family must take complete responsibility for. As a parent choosing to create the medicine, you must do so at your own risk, in other words, take full responsibility for your actions. In preparing the medicine you must use sterile techniques in a clean environment and follow each direction fully. Any deviation from the recipe, may not produce the medicine described and therefore not provide the benefits outlined.
It is possible to have a Lotus Birth and still make a medicine from your placenta. You just need to take a little bit of the placenta before you salt it or before it starts to decompose. For some people this may discount the effects of the Lotus Birth as the placenta is not totally complete, but for others they way up the benefits of each 'procedure' and choose to do both.
References
Castro, M. “Homeopathic Guides – Mother and Baby” Pan Books, London, 1996.
Cummings, M.D., Stephen, and Dana Ullman, M.P.H. “Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines”. New York, NY: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam, 1997.
Kent, James Tyler. “Lectures on Materia Medica”. Delhi, India: B. Jain Publishers, 1996.
Kulkarni, Dr. S. “Gynaecologic and Obstetric Therapeutics” Delhi, India: B. Jain Publishers, 2006.
Lockie, Andrew, and Nicola Geddes. “The Complete Guide to Homeopathy: The Principles and Practice of Treatment with a Comprehensive Range of Self-Help Remedies for Common Ailments”. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
Patil, Dr. J.D. and Deshpande, Dr. A. “Gems of Obstetrics and Gynaecology With Homeopathic Therapeutics”. Delhi, India: B. Jain Publishers, 2004.
Ram, Dr. C. “Mother and Child Homeopathic Care”. Delhi, India: B. Jain Publishers, 1998.
Webb, Dr. Peter., “The Family Encyclopaedia of Homeopathic Remedies” The Book Company, Sydney 1997 www.placentalremedy.com
