Daniela Karsten Homeopathy is "selected practioner" for Cambridge University Hospital Trust, which includes Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Maternity Unit.

PREGNANCY & LABOUR

Although, pregnancy and childbirth are such a special time, it can also be a challenging experience for many women. From start to finish homeopathy offers a safe and natural support to mother and baby (and partner), working towards the best outcome for all. From morning sickness to mastitis, cradle cap to colic, homeopathy offers a natural alternative for you and your baby. Read Esther's story below......

"A 1983 study linked homeopathic remedies to reduced labour lengths and fewer birthing complications for 93 expectant mothers"

POSTNATAL CARE

Are You Suffering With?

Is Your Baby Suffering With?

Esther's Story - Conception to Birth

"For me homeopathy was a fantastic holistic approach for the whole of my pregnancy. At the beginning when my hormones and emotions were all over the place, Daniela prescribed a remedy that settled me down and kept my perspective. Then as my pregnancy progressed I had sciatica, which again she found a suitable remedy for, that practically stopped it over night. I found the 6 weekly discussions really affirming and a great way to deal with my fears and thoughts.

Throughout I felt safe and in good hands, which I think had a massive impact on my mindset for the birth and in the hectic rollercoaster after my daughter was born. I didn't suffer with morning sickness or many of the other prevalent conditions associated with pregnancy, and I am sure this was due to the holistic nature of my treatment for the whole 9 months.

My baby is a very happy, contented and healthy bundle of joy (and consequently so am I!) and I genuinely feel that Daniela and homeopathy played a vital role in her development and subsequent character. "

HEALTHY EATING FOR FERTILITY & PREGNANCY

As a natural therapist it is one of my greatest professional pleasures to work with women to maximise fertility and support pregnancy. My aim with all prospective and pregnant mums is always to work towards optimum mental and physical health and wellbeing to ensure that we create the best environment for mothers to fertilise, carry and nurture their foetus.

Healthy eating is always advisable. However, eating a nutritious and balanced diet is especially important if you're pregnant, or planning a pregnancy. Your baby is in partnership with you and relies on you to provide the right balance of nutrients to help them grow and develop properly. Lack of proper nutrition during pregnancy can result in poor foetal development and a range of potential health problems for the mother. When one considers that your gut contains around 70% of your immune cells, it is a no brainer that looking after your gut means good health for you both.

Dietary recommendations for fertility and pregnancy are aimed at supporting healthy hormonal function, dna replication and cell formation. It is generally recommended that the unhealthy fats, sugars and salts found in processed foods are avoided and replaced with natural versions of the same, such as butter, vegetable oils, dried fruit and sea salt. Omega fats found in eggs and fish are particularly important for the development of the baby’s brain and central nervous system. Fruit, vegetables and wholegrains not only contain important vitamins, minerals and trace elements but contribute to creating a balanced and inviting environment for fertilisation and foetal growth to take place. Organic foods are known to offer up to 50% more nutritional value whilst also managing the bodies’ toxic load. Important vitamins to include in your nutritional intake are the B Vitamins found in good quality meat, fish, eggs and wholegrains. They are specifically important for cell replication and hormonal balance. Vitamin D known as the sunshine vitamin is needed for bone formation and good immunity. Vitamin C found in many fruits and vegetables has been linked with a reduced risk of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy). As the body does not store this vitamin, it should be taken every day. Pregnant mothers can often be prone to low iron levels(anaemia). Foods rich in iron such as red meat, fish, green leafy vegetables, beans and whole grains, and off the shelf products such as Flouradix, Spatone and Molasses are all useful iron supplements. Despite being important, Vitamin A is the vitamin to be taken with caution as recommended.

It is also worth noting that being underweight is as problematic as being overweight for fertility and pregnancy. Being underweight could deprive your growing foetus of essential nutrients for healthy development and compromise your ability to breastfeed. Being overweight puts you at increased risk of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Both states of health negatively affect hormonal balance. It is also worth saying that despite the fact that you are feeding two there is no need to “eat for two”, even if expecting twins or triplets! If you are feeling more hungry just eat a little more of what is good for you. Slow release carbohydrates found in bananas, porridge and pulses can keep you full for longer.

There are some foods that are generally not recommended during pregnancy. These include soft and blue cheeses to avoid listeria, raw eggs to avoid salmonella and uncooked meats.

Our bodies and those of our developing foetus are also dependent on a variety of naturally occurring cell salts, and a “Tissue Salt Programme” can be a useful additional support, to ensure that mother and baby are getting all the help they need for a healthy pregnancy and birth. Ferrum Phos. helps to oxygenate the blood and reduce effects of anaemia; Silicea supports strong bone growth and prevents stretch marks; Mag. Phos. helps with nerve development and heart burn/indigestion, and Natrum Mur controls fluid retention and can prevent swollen ankles. Take Calc. Flour. if you want to prepare the cervix for dilation and prevent stretch marks.

Last but not least let’s not forget that good nutrition is not only essential for physical health but also mental health. If you eat a balanced diet including healthy fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, you will benefit from more balanced mood, reduced anxiety and calmness - as will your baby. Eat the best you can get and nature should take care of the rest!

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR BREASTFEEDING ISSUES

World Breastfeeding Week, held during the first week of August, aims to highlight the huge benefits that breastfeeding can bring to the health and welfare of babies and their mothers. Benefits that include the right balance of nutrients and immune-boosting antibodies at the right temperature, any time, any place, anywhere. Breastmilk is also naturally sterile and for most babies, easily digested.

Despite the perceived wisdom that “breast is best”, it is very important that you are happy with how you feed you baby, whether that be by breast or bottle. Added to which breastfeeding can have its’ challenges. I have highlighted some of the difficulties breastfeeding mothers face, with tips and advice on how to treat this natural process naturally. All remedies are safe for breastfeeding mothers and babies.

BREAST PAIN – Sore breasts are common as hormonal changes are preparing them to feed your baby. Your breasts may significantly increase in size. If the soreness is accompanied by fever you may have an infection (mastitis). Some women find wrapping cool cabbage leaves around their breasts soothing, as it gentle massage. Otherwise homeopathic Belladonna can effectively relieve the pain, inflammation, heat and fever of mastitis. Graphites can similarly be used of the breasts are swollen and hard.

SORE NIPPLES – Sore nipples can make breastfeeding very uncomfortable, especially as babies latch on. Calendula or Graphites cream can soothe the nipples and promote healing. Homeopathic Hypericum or Graphites taken internally can also support the healing of dry, cracked and blistered nipples.

TOO LITTLE MILK – Getting the hang of breastfeeding can take a little time and patience initially, but if your baby is not gaining weight satisfactorily, or you know your milk supply is down, the natural remedies Urtica Urens or Licinis Communis encourage the body to lactate. Also make sure you are hydrated, consuming enough calories, and as relaxed and rested as possible. Bottle feed if necessary.

TOO MUCH MILK – The hormone oxytocin is responsible for the supply of breast milk, and whereas some women can not keep up with their baby’s demands, other women have an abundance of milk “on tap”. This normally settles down within a few days, and in some women the milk supply evens itself out within eight weeks. You may wish to express a little milk before a feed; sit your baby upright to feed; change breasts from one feed to another or use cold compresses after a feed to slow down milk production.

Always seek the advice of a registered homeopath before using remedies.