Finding homeopathic remedies for babies

I’ve known Tracey from Tracey Campbell Homeopathy for a long while now and always admired her calm approach and knowledge of her subject. Recently we were chatting and I asked her to write me a blog about how she works out what homeopathic remedies for babies to use, even though they can’t tell her what’s wrong. Here’s her fascinating article.

Janet’s photographs of babies always look so angelic and peaceful but she told me that it takes quite a lot of time and photos to capture that angelic look.  One photo in particular caught my eye, this is because the baby was sleeping with its bum in the air.  This is a common sleep position for many babies and can sometimes help me to decide what remedy to give to a baby for a certain condition if other symptoms match.

What is homeopathy?

If you have used homeopathy before you will know that it is a system of medicine that is individualised and a homeopath will work with the person and not the “disease” label for example eczema, allergies.    

I am often asked how I can help a baby especially as babies can’t talk.  You would be surprised at how much information I can glean from asking the mum questions and also observation of the baby. 

My first question is to ask about the pregnancy and how the birth was because this can have an impact on both the mum and baby.  I sometimes find that babies who were delivered by an emergency C-section or taken away from their mother at birth for emergency checks can sometimes be very anxious and clingy and might not settle.  I take all this information into consideration when working out a remedy for each individual baby that I see.   

Questions and observations I use

How the baby sleeps, especially the position, whether the baby likes to be wrapped up or do they kick off their covers.  Are they restless?  How long do they sleep for?

How does the baby feed?  Are they hungry and demanding or do they feed gently.  If breastfeeding do they prefer a certain side.  How often do they want to be fed?  Do they perspire when feeding or sleeping and if so where?  Does the baby pass wind, urine or stool during or after feeding?

How often do they cry.  What happens when they cry?  Are they angry, do they become red faced or do they just cry quietly. 

How is their skin?  Is it red, dry, flakey or itchy?

Do they like baths or will they resist going into water?

What are their nappies like?  Stool – texture and colour?

Do they appear constipated?

Are they alert or laidback?

I also take into account the colour of their eyes, hair and skin. 

As you can see there is so much information I can glean from both the mother and baby that it enables me to find a remedy perfectly suited to each baby.

For example, if they are laidback and sit and watch everything that is going on around them and are happy to amuse themselves Calc Carb might be a good remedy for them (if other symptoms fit).  If they cry a lot and don’t want to be left alone Pulsatilla might be better for them.    

Why use homeopathic remedies?

I help Mums and babies with numerous ailments ranging from silent reflux, constipation, colic, sleep, allergies, eczema, chesty coughs etc.   Many parents want to give their babies the best start in life and want to avoid medication wherever possible and this is when they might see a homeopath for the first time.   

If you would like to use homeopathy for your family but aren’t sure what it entails or if it’s right for you I offer a Free 20 minute call. 

I also run an on-line home prescribing course which comes with a free 18 remedy kit, a facebook support group with unlimited access to the course material and you can find out more here.  This is ideal to learn the basics to enable you to prescribe at home for all the family for common ailments such as cuts, bruises, bites, stings, upset tummies etc. 

I highly recommend contacting Tracey if you have any questions or want to learn more about the subject. If you’d like to book a newborn session with me then please contact me via my contact form here, I’d love to hear from you.