Arnica tablets: advice on correct dosage please

[Bouviergirl]

I am 38 weeks + 5 pregnant and am interested in starting taking arnica tablets asap, to ease bruising and recovery from labour. My midwife said she didn't know the correct dosage and best to check with the pharmacist. I consequently spoke to two Boots' pharmacists, neither of whom knew much about them or dosages! Both referred me back to my midwife!

I thought I'd turn to Mumsnet for some sensible advice. Can anyone help please?

Thanks

According to a 'Helios Homeopathy in childbirth' booklet. They recommend doses of 200c during labour, 30c for 'every day' treatments.
If the remedy works, repeat only if the same symptoms return.

When I took arnica following birth, I took it when it felt necessary, for a few days. It worked wonders! Started immediately post birth or just prior to second stage.

(Found the birth kit invaluable during labour TBH but it really requires someone to familiarise themselves with it before the event for it to be of optimum use.)

Sorry, should eloaborate.... If the remedy works, repeat only if the same symptoms return ~ After the birth a number of different remedies may be needed. In non-emergencies, for best results, alternate them, leaving a 15 minute gap.

Hadn't wanted to confuse the issue, though homeopathy is highly complex (there are 18 remedies in the birth kit alone)! It's not necessary to delve further into the ins and outs of homeopathy if you don't wish to though ~ Arnica alone is bound to help. It's the number one first aid remedy and covers a multitude of the 'injuries' associated with labour.

I went to see a herbalist to ask about Arnica last week. I am 39 weeks. She advised the same. 200C dosage. Start when you go into labour and one a day for as long as necessary afterwards.

Thanks for both your replies. So the answer is 200c if you start during the actual labour - in which case i should pack some in my hospital bag, though whether i'll have the presence of mind to remember them..! - and 30c for 'everyday' treatments thereafter.

That's interesting, I was under the impression you can start in the weeks leading up to labour (like now) as a more preventative measure - and thought the dosages were 6c and 20c.

It's a confusing topic!

Thank you.

My homeopath has prescribed me 20c tablets, 2 at the onset of labour then 2 every half hour for 2 doses then 2, 3 times a day for 3-4 days post birth then as needed. The thing you can take from week 32 to soften the cervix is caulophyllum 30c, 2 pills on 2 days per week then 2 pills every half hour for 3 doses at onset of labour. Try lavender oil baths nightly for the week after the birth too, disperse in a little milk and get some me time healing!

What about for c sections? Same advice?

I took arnica for my second section. Healed faster than the first. I do recall you were supposed to start maybe a day before, which is a bit tricky since you can't eat from the night before when you go in for the section. I also remember that you couldn't really od on Arnica so I just ate loads of it. Like little guilt free mints.

I took arnica in 1m dosage after births. Haven't a clue if it helped though (would had to have stopped taking it and I couldn't face it...)

Oooh, oooh, catharsisitis, I've been looking for someone who used a homeopathy kit in labour.

OP, sorry for hijack, but catharsisitis, did you find it useful? Had you visited a homeopathic practitioner before, or did you just get the kit?