Homeopathy in Pregnancy & Childbirth

Harnessing the power of nature is Pregnancy, Childbirth & Postpartum.

Earlier this week I didn’t a little course for Birth Workers in the use of Homeopathy and it’s used for pregnancy, birth and post partum.

I love exploring alternative ways to support my clients. Having an overview of any considerations clients wants to explore is a useful tool. It’s also useful on a personal level for my health and that of my families.

I am very interested in a more gentle and natural approach. I love seeing how different methods work for different people. Because that’s the point isn’t it. We are all different and it’s not a one size fits all!

Homeopathy treats each person as a unique individual with the aim of stimulating their own natural healing ability. Medicine is selected with the aim of triggering the body’s natural system of healing.

Did you know?!

Homeopathy is the second largest system of medicine in the world today, as recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Two hundred  years of practice, research and trials means Homeopathy is perfectly safe. Unlike  some conventional drugs, homeopathic medicines are non-addictive and have no dangerous side-effects making it safe to use for babies,  children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Homeopathy doesn’t interfere with conventional medicine and should be seen as a complementary treatment, not as an alternative. For me, it is something I am going to utilise for my family as a first line treatment before turning to more traditional medicine from the GP.

Homeopathy can be a useful tool in pregnancy, labour and post partum.

Some examples include.

Pregnancy:

Nausea & Vomiting

Cramps

Headaches

Sciatica

Labour:

Fear/Anxiety

Can give you a little nudge into labour post 40 weeks

Can support physiological 3rd stage of labour

Post Partum

Emotional Trauma/Shock

Soft Tissue Healing

Hormone balancing

Wound Healing

Nerve pains

Physical Exhaustion

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss with me how homeopathy can help you. I use Helios Childbirth Kit linked here.

*remember to notify your health care provider of any alternative medicines you wish to explore* not medical advice*

A Safe Space

It is important to know Doula Diary is a safe and non judgemental space!

This comes from me, being a human being and learning everyday about challenges we all face. This is a very open, wearing my heart on my sleeve kind of post. One I feel some of you will relate to and understand, and why I want to share.

I love my life, everything I have dreamed of has come true…is true. I’m living my dream. It’s not perfect but it’s what makes me happy. It’s a balancing act to juggle happiness, finance, home, work, family, life and as I grow and learn more about myself I understand more.

I have a roof over my head, a healthy body (granted I could do with more sleep and my body aches from time to time) a healthy family, supportive friends, an understanding husband, 2 wonderful dogs and the best clients who really make my work fulfilling.

So when it comes to that time of the month where as a women I bleed. Things get a little foggy. I get irritable, lack motivation and need space and time away from my family. The balancing act becomes overwhelming.

Did you know this is perfectly normal and valid for so many. Now my husband always worries as I naturally become distant. I’m reserving my energy. It’s hard work raising a spirited toddler who’s navigating her own emotions. To support my daughter with this it all starts and ends with me. Now I find it so so difficult to maintain this patience at this time of the month. I have to breathe and collect myself. Easier to do if I’ve had some headspace and filled my cup.

My husband asked me what he can do to help as he isn’t ‘Intuitive’ when it comes to stuff like this. I could have cried. I try to explain that it’s not him , our daughter or our life together. It’s my hormones, it’s my emotions, it’s who I am and always have been. Once upon a time it would have manifested so differently but now I have people who depend on me. But I still need space, and that is what he can do to help. Take our daughter and give me some space.

I may seem like a little bit of an ‘expert’ around birth. I’m not, I’m always learning, same with parenting. It’s a learning journey which we do better when we do it together and share. We have highs, we have lows.

Each Parent, baby and child is different and so is the journey. It will never be the same. So I want you to know that my inbox is always open if you need to splurge into a message how you are feeling. Do not worry about any typos, auto corrections (these can be quite funny and humour is powerful) or grammar. I don’t, it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.

Pop me a little heart in the comments if you ever feel the same, or have anything to add. I would like to show my husband it’s not just me. I appreciate those of you who are pregnant won’t have a cycle right now but that feeling of being overwhelmed may still speak to you.

Lots of love

Leanne x

Nutrition, Wound Healing & Recovery

Nutrition plays an essential role in wound healing and care, and nutritional support needs to be considered a fundamental part of wound management. Poor nutrition before or during the healing process can delay healing and impair wound strength, making the wound more prone to breakdown.

For an adequate immune response, collagen synthesis and to transport oxygen to the wound, certain micronutrients are particularly important for wound healing (Munoz et al, 2020; Tuz and Mitchell, 2021).

These micronutrients include:

Vitamin C: fundamental for collagen formation and subsequent cross-linking, as well as the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Adequate Vitamin C levels will help strengthen the healing wound. Vitamin C deficiency has been found to impair wound healing and has also been associated with an increased risk of wound infection. Also helps Iron absorption.

Vitamin C is found mostly in fruit and vegetables, especially oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, and leafy vegetables.

Zinc and copper: Found in small amounts in the body, it plays a role in wound healing. Zinc is involved in protein and collagen synthesis, and in tissue growth and healing. Zinc deficiency has been associated with delayed wound healing, reduced skin cell production and reduced wound strength.

Dietary zinc sources include red meat, fish and shellfish, milk products, poultry and eggs. Copper is found in highest amounts in protein foods like organ meats, shellfish, fish, nuts, and seeds as well as whole grains and chocolate.

Vitamin E: essential for optimal immune function and assists with healthy tissue formation

Vitamin E is found in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

Vitamin A: Increases the inflammatory response in wounds, stimulating collagen synthesis. Low vitamin A levels can result in delayed wound healing and susceptibility to infection. Serious stress or injury can cause an increase in vitamin A requirements. While the mechanisms of vitamin A in wound healing are still not well understood, it is clear that it plays an important role.

Vitamin A is found in milk, cheese, eggs, fish, dark green vegetables, oranges, red fruits and vegetables

Iron: is a mineral that provides oxygen to the site of the wound; therefore iron (haemoglobin) deficiency can impair healing. Iron deficiency can also result in impaired collagen production and strength of the wound.

The best sources of iron in the diet are red meat, offal, fish, eggs, wholemeal bread, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, nuts and yeast extracts.

Protein: is essential for the maintenance and repair of body tissue. Low protein levels will cause a decrease in collagen development, slowing the wound healing process. Adequate protein levels will help achieve optimal wound healing rates. Overall energy intake is also important, because if energy needs aren’t met the body will use protein for energy rather than for wound healing.

Sources of protein include red and white meats, fish, eggs, liver, dairy products (milk, cheese, and yoghurt), soy beans, legumes, nuts and seeds