For our children, we want nothing less than the best. And when it comes to seeking medical treatment, utmost care is taken in choosing good consultancy and effective medicines. Homoeopathy is just the right solution for its efficacy, ease of use, and excellent safety for the patients of any age.
The cycle of motherhood is pleasant, but it goes through a lot of crests and troughs. And in the nourishing period of first six months of breastfeeding, diseases related to lactation and breastfeeding may emerge. While 79% of mothers breastfeed their baby right after the childbirth, only 46% of them do for the required period of 6 months for the lack of health of the mother or other minor healthcare issues. Homoeopathy promises to resolve the significant and insignificant problems with its set of medicines that can be consumed even during the most delicate period of the life of a mother and her child, causing zero harm to them, especially the little one.
Relief from the pain that kept the baby away from mother
She became mother last August, and after the usual span of six months of breastfeeding her right breast started to feel a sharp pain. She could not feed her baby from that side and so started breastfeeding exclusively from the left side. The pain did not reduce with time.
The distressed mother consulted me. I advised her to breastfeed from the right breast to release the blocked ducts to start the healing process. I prescribed Belladonna 200 CH, 6 pills, twice a day for three days. During the follow up after three days of medication the patient told me that the pain had reduced, but the redness on the skin worried her. I advised five more days of the same medicine. In less than 10 days, the patient had regained her health and was able to breastfeed her child without pain.
Timely counselling, some medication, and lots of support
She became a mother in June this year. Her baby boy had to be supported with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for the first five days of his life; he was unable to gain the expected 30 grams weight each day. The mother was also advised a formula feed, and it benefited her baby; he gained 1.8 kgs after the initial 3 kg. Everything was fine until the mother realised that the baby was unable to suck the nipple. She approached me with concerns if baby's inability to suck the nipple and breastfeed would lead to insufficient milk supply to the baby.
I explained the first-time-mother every little thing, from a proper latch to the ideal breastfeeding position. I also prescribed the patient Agnus Castus 6CH, 6 pills, three times a day. After 10 days the dose was reduced to once a day for a fortnight and continued it for further 30 days.
Timely counselling to the mother ensure she was educated about giving the best care to her baby, the medication helped in restoring her physical health, and my support as a family physician helped her feel confident in loving and caring for her baby.
Support the latch; treat the itchy nipples
The young, first-time mothers are seldom aware of proper breastfeeding positions and the significance of correctly latching the baby while breastfeeding. Soon after her delivery in December 2017, she and her baby faced no issues. A few days later, however, she walked into my clinic with the complaints about itchy, cracked right nipple. Breastfeeding her became a painful experience for the mother.
After examining the patient, I told her that incorrect latching was the root cause of her misery. I suggested her to moisturise the tender, right nipple with breast milk. Besides, I also prescribed Graphite 30 CH, 6 pills, thrice a day, for eight days. The cracks healed in six days, and the itching reduced to a great extent. After the initial improvement, I advised the mother to support and position the baby correctly for breastfeeding and heal the part by applying breast milk. The patient was symptom-free in 15 days, upon the next follow up.
Some common breastfeeding issues and solutions
|
SYMPTOMS |
CAUSES |
SOLUTIONS |
MEDICINES |
|
Sore and cracked nipples |
Incorrect breastfeeding Deficiency in milk, forcing the baby to suck harder Oral infection to the baby Bacterial infection of the nipples |
Make sure that the baby opens its mouth wide enough while latching Cleaning and drying the nipples before and after each feed Checking for oral sores in the baby |
For cracked nipples: Graphites 30CH, 6 pills, thrice a day and Ratahnia 30 CH, 6 pills, thrice a day For nipple-infection: Petroleum 30 CH, 6 pills, twice a day for 8 days |
|
Painful breast due to engorgement |
If the baby is being fed regularly, the breast ducts may get clogged obstructing the flow of milk Painful breasts with swelling and a mild redness of skin overlying the blocked duct |
Continue to breastfeed from the affected side Gently massage the troubled area and use a warm pad Extract the milk manually from the affected side |
For swelling of the breast: Phytolacca decandra 200CH, 6 pills, twice a day for three days For intense redness and possible breast abscess: Belladonna 200CH, 6 pills, twice a day |
|
Mastitis: a bacterial infection of the breast causing redness and pain to the breast, along with fever |
When the breast is not emptied completely, leading to blocked ducts Lack of disinfection Infection in baby’s mouth |
Do not feed your baby from the infected breast Extract milk manually from the affected breast and throw away Take ample amount of rest |
For mastitis that develops due to blocked ducts: Lac Can 30CH, 6 pills, twice a day For mastitis leading to abscess formation: Silicea 200 CH, 6 pills, twice a day |
|
Deficient lactation |
Inadequate supply of milk in the breast due to deficiency of hormones required for milk generation Dietary deficiencies in the mother due to lack of essential micro- and macro-nutrients |
Including a sizeable amount of vegetables, fruits, grains and proteins in your diet to restore milk production |
To improve lactation: Agnus Castus 6CH, 6 pills, thrice a day for 15 days To cure deficient lactation: Asafetida 6CH. 6 pills, four times a day |
Note: CH dilutions are centesimal(C) dilutions, using Hahnemann’s (H) dilution method. They indicate the potency of the medicines.