As I shared in a previous blog, homeopathy is a major go-to in our home. As a quick review for those who may not know, homeopathy is an alternative form of treatment that takes natural substances like plants, minerals, and sometimes animal products that are precisely matched to a person’s individual characteristics and the symptoms they are experiencing. The substances are diluted over and over to create “pellets” (also referred to as remedies). These pellets stimulate the body’s healing process. If you are new to this subject, the concept may seem “out there” but I can assure you, it's medicine, and it WORKS!
We reach for homeopathic remedies in our home in most acute situations such as when we’ve got bumps and bruises, fevers, sinus issues, ear pain, and more. Today, however, I plan to focus on homeopathy for a variety of breastfeeding maladies.
Common breastfeeding ailments and corresponding remedies
As any breastfeeding mama can attest, even “good” or “easy” breastfeeding relationships have occasional bumps on the road. The nursing journeys for my three boys have included a whole lot of bumps, so for me, homeopathy has truly been a life saver. I’m eager to share some of the ways it can be utilized.
The easiest way to determine an appropriate remedy is to find descriptions that closely match one’s symptoms. Here are some common issues and some remedies to consider:
Engorgement: When experiencing breast engorgement AKA swelling, tightness, pain, increased temperature, and an increase in size of the breasts as they are overly filled with milk, it can be uncomfortable to say the least. (Note that this is common in the early days of breastfeeding!) Remedies such as Belladonna 30C or Phytolacca 30C may be useful. These remedies aim to reduce inflammation and pain. See the next section for more detailed descriptions.
Mastitis/Clogged ducts/Breast pain: Homeopathy may be used as a complementary treatment for mastitis, a painful condition caused by inflammation of the breast tissue. While there are many options, here are three of my favorites:
Belladonna 30C: Useful at the first signs of inflammation. Mastitis that comes on suddenly and quickly becomes intense. Red, hot, swollen, throbbing breast. Can be marked by red streaks. Pain is worse for jarring. Ideal remedy if mama is very uncomfortable being touched or jarred.
Bryonia 30C: Sore and hard breasts. (While the breasts are hot, hard, and painful, they are not as red as with Belladonna.) Mama wants to stay still, is worse from any motion, and feels better with pressure to the breast. She feels irritable and cranky. Headache may accompany and/or pains and aches all over. Mama tends to be very thirsty.
Phytolacca 30C: Arguably the best remedy for mastitis (and most commonly used, especially where the pains radiate from the affected area and the breast is hard and lumpy) and for the health of the breasts in general – pain, discharge. Sharp, shooting pains that radiate into the chest, arms and throughout the whole body. Better for emptying the breast and warm applications. Mama may feel heavy with flu-like symptoms, or may have a breast abscess threatening.
Low milk supply: The following remedies aim to help stimulate milk production:
Pulsatilla 30C: Breast milk can be thin, watery, suppressed or blocked, or flow profusely. The flow may also be quite variable. Swelling of breast may be present. Mamas needing it may have a mild, sensitive nature with weeping tendencies. They can cry while nursing the baby. Mama is worse in a warm room and much better in open air. They are also thirstless.
Urtica urens 30C: No breast milk is produced at all and there does not seem to be a cause for the problem. Breasts can be swollen with stinging pains like the sting of a bee. The breasts may also itch. Mama can also experience a stinging or itching rash. There is an aggravation from cold and cold bathing.
Oversupply: Calcarea carbonica 30C often helps if you have too much milk and breasts feel large and uncomfortable.
Cracked/sore nipples:
Graphites 30C: Effective when nipples are cracked, painful, and sore. In some cases, small blisters (fluid-filled eruptions) may be present on the nipples. They may ooze a thin fluid discharge or thick honey-like fluid which may be followed by formation of a crust.
Phytolacca 30C: For sore, sensitive, cracked nipples, which hurt when the baby nurses. Pain may emanate from the nipple and go to the entire body.
Homeopathic creams or ointments containing Calendula may also be used to soothe and heal cracked nipples.
Emotional support: Homeopathy takes into account not just physical symptoms but also emotional well-being. Remedies such Pulsatilla 30C may be recommended for mothers experiencing emotional distress related to breastfeeding difficulties, such as anxiety or guilt. These mamas may feel needy and insecure, wanting constant affection, reassurance, and nurturing.
Weaning: Weaning can be easier and less painful if you take homeopathic medicines. They decrease the milk supply, thus relieving the swelling of the breasts and the pain. The most commonly used homeopathic medicines for weaning include Lac caninum 30C, Pulsatilla 30C, or Ricinus communis 30C.
How does one acquire homeopathy?
Homeopathic remedies can be found at most health food stores, pharmacies, as well stores such as Amazon, Walmart, and Vitacost. Remedies can be purchased individually or in kits.
How does dosing work?
Without getting too detailed, there are different potencies available. 30C is generally considered a low potency and has been recommended for all remedies discussed today.
Lower potencies are often repeated more frequently (such as one dose every few hours until symptoms subside). In acute or crisis situations, dosing can be more frequent. Dosage can be found on the product’s label and it is important to follow the dosing instructions on the label, unless directed otherwise by your healthcare practitioner.
A word of caution for those new to homeopathy
While it becomes fairly simple once one is familiarized with why/how homeopathy works, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. For this reason, I recommend consulting with a qualified homeopathic practitioner or a healthcare provider familiar with homeopathy before using any remedies, particularly during breastfeeding.
It's vital to ensure that breastfeeding problems are properly evaluated and managed by knowledgeable professionals to prevent complications and to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby. Typically, once mamas become more familiar with what’s “normal” and what’s not, or if they tend to experience the same problems repeatedly, this is when homeopathy will prove to be helpful and useful.
Few all recommended products mentioned in this blog:
At Latch on to Language, I specialize in working with moms, moms-to-be, and babies. I offer in-home services to clients in Cecil County, MD, and nearby towns/cities in MD, PA, and DE. Additional travel fees apply to locations beyond this area. Virtual sessions are also effective and can be provided to address many lactation concerns.
If you'd like more information, please reach out to see if Latch on to Language may be a good fit! I look forward to working with you! 🌟
The content on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice without delay regardless of anything read on this website.
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