Thanks to the current baby boom, expecting Mothers are ringing me looking for safe treatments for pregnancy-related symptoms. It is here that homeopathy can provide a safe, gentle and effective alternative to conventional medicines and treatments, which often have potentially dangerous side-effects, for anything from morning sickness to heartburn.

I recently treated a newly expecting Mother who had horrific nausea; she was constantly sick or feeling as if she was going to be sick. During the consultation, I asked her when her nausea was worse or better, what types of things gave her any relief, including vomiting, and about her general appetite and thirst. The remedy that emerged was Colchicum, which is made from meadow saffron. After only a few doses over a few days, this remedy gave her enormous relief and restored her appetite.

Another case was of a woman expecting her baby in February, who felt exhausted, irritable, and constipated. During the consultation I asked when her energy was at its best and worst, what types of coping mechanisms she had for her irritability, and her overall digestion. I prescribed a homeopathic preparation of Sepia, made from the ink of a cuttlefish. This remedy restored her energy levels, lightened her mood, and greatly improved her bowels.

Remedies are readily available at many chemists, health food stores, or through Nelson’s Homeopathic Dispensary on Duke Street. They are relatively inexpensive, approximately €6 to €8 per remedy, and can be repeated as frequently as needed with no danger of addiction or side effects.

This is some of my favourite work as a homeopath because remedies ‘fill the gap’ where conventional medicines leave off. They provide an effective alternative without endangering the safety of an unborn child.