Arnica and sections - can someone tell me if I've got this right?!

[Twiga]

Have section booked for 18th Dec and busy trying to get organised - last two weren't great experiences so trying to make this as easy as poss.

Went into Holland and Barrett today and have come away with 30c arnica - it's nelsons and in a clikpak if that helps. Girl in the shop seemed reasonably sure that this was the right strength etc, though not sure enough that I'm feeling confident iyswim. Pack says 2 pills every 2 hours for first 6 doses then 4 times daily for up to 5 days.

Does this all look ok or will I need diff dose? Also, do you take the initial doses after the section or do I need to start before hand - pack reads like after event? Thanks!

[midnightexpress]

Hi there - yes 30c is the right strength, though I wouldn't like to hazard a guess about dosage. But it does work brilliantly. I only took it after the event (because nobody told me until afterwards) so not sure about that either.

Sorry,t hat was a bit useless wasn't it?

Hope it all goes well.

[Twiga]

Not useless at all Midnight - that's helped actually as have been a bit confused by chat on here re: strength so at least now I know I've got the right thing. Also great to hear first hand that it works - have to say always a bit sceptical about herbal stuff!

[Twiga]

Oh and just another quick question while i'm thinking about it;

Will I have to let someone at the hospital know that I'm taking arnica? Just thinking in case it doesn't mix well with pain killers etc that I might end up with.

[poshtottie]

I took a higher strength of around 200. I think its best (hearsay possible) to start taking it beforehand. Its harmless stuff so won't interefere with the rest of the drugs you are given after your cs.

[Flier]

always best to tell them you are taking it, perhpas your midwife could advise on strengths and dosages for you?

[Kathyis6incheshigh]

It is basically sugar pills which work via the placebo effect. It's not herbal, it's homeopathic - completely different. It won't do you any harm and won't interact with any other painkillers you take.

[Pontypine]

Hi there, i had my C Section on monday and i spoke to a proper homeopath about mine and he said that 30c is the correct strength and to take it 3 times a day from up to 3 days before and as long as you need to afterwards.

You can take them on the day of the section, i have felt FAB and not at all sore since my section 4 days ago and i credit the arnica for it. i am going to take it for 7 days.

The only thing he did say that is worth bearing in mind is you can not take peppermint with arnica as it neutralises it - i know a lot of people recommend peppermint for the gassiness/wind post section.

Hope that helps and good luck

x

[NellyTheElephant]

I took the higher doasage. I went to the Organic Pharmacy and asked them about it and they recommended taking a higher dose. In fact they have a specific mix for recovery post labour or sections - Arnica, Hypericum and Calendula 200c (if you look at their website www.theorganicpharmacy.com you'll find it under mother and baby care for £5.50). I took it after my 2nd section and had a fantastic recovery - much better than my first section when I didn't take it. Obviously I don't know whether it was the Arnica etc that helped (1st section was an emergency after long and hideous labour so not surprising that recovery was worse) but I can't see it did any harm. I'll definitely take it again for my next section. I did mention to midwife that I was taking it just so she knew.

Arnica definitely helps bruising - I use arnica cream on both my girls for bangs and bruises and there is no doubt in my mind that it helps - bruises always seem to be worse and last longer if I forget to put the cream on a bump.