Breastfeeding comes in every shape and size, just like everything to do with babies. Some people have little issue, whilst others really struggle. Breastfeeding is certainly a choice. If you do choose to breastfeed and things are hard, there is a lot you can do.
Outside of homeopathy, there is a lot of support around for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Lactations consultants often bring a wealth of experience, and can make all the difference. Le Leche League, and other support groups, can offer much needed support and advice too. Reach out for help – it is out there.
Below are some of the major homeopathic remedies used for breastfeeding issues, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Contact a homeopath if you can’t find a remedy that works for you.
Insufficient or Absent Milk Flow
Lac Caninum
- Milk decreases in one breast, and then the other.
- The breasts feel very full, with a constant pain and soreness, that is made worse by any movement at all.
- The breasts may feel like they are full of very hard lumps.
- Your nipples many be painful, and it won’t go away.
- You may feel a conflict between the sexuality of your breasts, and breastfeeding.
- You may be sensitive to light and noise, and your surroundings in general.
Urtica Urens
- No milk, with no apparent reason.
- Or very little milk, and no reason.
- The breasts may be swollen, with stinging and burning pains, they may be itchy.
- Lack or symptoms in general.
Chamomilla
- Milk dries up after anger.
- A strong outburst of anger or loss of self-control.
- A decreased flow starts after this.
Calcarea Carbonica
- Milk is watery, and possibly blue coloured.
- Stitching pain in the breasts when feeding.
- Breasts are full, heavy, hot and tender.
- Milk disagrees with the baby.
- Baby cries and refuses to nurse. Otherwise is a happy baby.
- Baby with a sweaty head.
Ignatia
- Recent emotional shock.
- Possibly hysterical. Or with extreme disappointment.
- To think of following birth trauma or unresolved emotions around the birth.
Agnus Castus
- The milk starts to come through, then quickly stops.
- Feelings of sadness, and depression.
- Anaemia with marked weakness.
Pulsatilla
- You may cry when the baby latches.
- Breasts are swollen and painful.
- Weak, changeable flow of milk.
- Fresh air makes you feel better.
- Generally tearful.
- No thirst.
Baby Refuses Milk, or Milk Disagrees with Them
Calcarea Phosphorica
- Wants to nurse a lot, but vomits very easily. Or refuses the milk. Or develops colic from nursing.
- Milk may be thin.
- Baby has cold hands and feet.
- Baby may stretch a lot.
Silica
- Diarrhoea and vomiting from nursing.
- Sour vomiting, and sour curds in the stool.
- Baby will clearly not want to nurse.
- Baby may nurse normally, and then symptoms develop.
Aethusa Cynapium
- Complete intolerance to milk.
- Projectile vomiting of greenish or yellowish curds, and significant diarrhoea.
- Fall fast asleep following vomiting, then appear hungry on waking.
Painful Breasts
Phytolacca
- Intense pain on starting to nurse.
- Pain radiates out from the nipple, under the arm and over the whole body.
- Sore and cracked nipples.
- Hard knots and lumps in the breasts.
Croton Tiglium
- Swollen, hard, inflamed breasts.
- Sucking from the baby causes excruciating pain from her nipple, right through to the back.
- Pain in the scapula on the side of feeding.
- Possibly with cracked nipples.
Belladonna
- Breasts very hot, swollen and heavy.
- Sudden onset of a fever, which may come and go.
- Pain is worse from jarring, like stepping down or walking.
Silica
- Cracked, very sensitive, swollen, hard and bleeding nipples. Possibly inverted.
- Constant burning pain in nipples, but worse on feeding.
- Sharp cutting or stitching pain in the breasts.
- Breasts inflamed and lumpy.
- Baby vomits and refuses to nurse, due to blood.
Castor Equorum
- Cracked, sore, ulcerated nipples.
- Areola and breasts red and swollen.
- Itchy breasts.
- Worse for the touch of clothing, and possibly on the left side.
If these remedies have not helped, and you would like support, to be a free 15 minute chat to see how I can help you click here.
