The Essential Remedies for Birth and Labour Support
Homeopathic remedies have been used for centuries to ease physical discomfort, calm emotional intensity, and support recovery—without interfering with the natural process of birth. Below are some of the best remedies often recommended for the different stages of labour and delivery.
It’s an intense time, so familiarising yourself with these remedies BEFORE labour is essential. Even better, get your support person to familiarise themselves with these, in case you’re too busy actually giving birth to figure out which remedy may be best.
Before and During Early Labour
Caulophyllum 200C
This is one of the most well-known remedies to help establish effective contractions, especially if labour is slow to start or feels irregular and unproductive. It’s often used when contractions are light or scattered but not progressing well. Only give when labour is starting.
When to use: Labour has started, but contractions are weak, irregular, or seem to stall.
Gelsemium 30C
This remedy is helpful when a woman feels tired, trembling, or nervous as labour begins—especially if there’s a fear of failing or anticipation anxiety. Think of this if mum-to-be looks drowsy, heavy-eyed, and lacking energy. Gelsemium has tried to keep things in control - so this might be the mum who has been making big plans for birth, and potentially nothing is going as she’d like it. The weakness, heaviness and tiredness will be the give-away to her anxious state.
When to use: Before or early in labour, with feelings of weakness and anxiety.
Active Labour
Arnica montana 200C
Arnica is a must-have remedy for physical trauma, exhaustion, and bruising. It’s used widely after labour, but it’s also very supportive during birth for women who feel battered or overly tired. Pop 2-3 pilules in a water bottle and sip as you go.
When to use: During or after birth when there’s muscle fatigue or any feeling of “I’m fine, don’t touch me.”
Kali Carb 200C
Great for posterior babies where there is immence lower back pain.
When to use: With lower back pain in labour.
Emotional Support
Aconite napellus 200C
This is an excellent remedy for panic, fear, or shock, especially when labour feels overwhelming or too fast. If the birthing person feels terrified or that something terrible is about to happen, Aconite can bring rapid relief.
When to use: Sudden panic, fear of dying, or very fast labour that feels overwhelming and actually sends you into shock. Can be given to a shocked baby too.
Narayani Calming Pills 30C
A lovely ‘Rescue Remedy’ type remedy for overwhelm, anxiety and fear. You can add to the water bottle with your Arnica to help calm and focus.
When to use: During labour if in any distress.
Pulsatilla 30C
This remedy suits women who are emotional, tearful, and want reassurance or company during labour. Pulsatilla types may feel unsure, seek cuddles or hand-holding, and are sensitive to changing conditions like temperature or position.
When to use: Emotional fragility, moodiness, or changing symptoms during labour. This remedy is also known for turning breach babies.
After Birth
Arnica 200C
As soon as possible after birth, if you haven’t already had it. This remedy will help you heal quickly.
When to use: After birth for healing support
Hypericum 30C
Another important remedy to have after birth for healing support. This one is known as the ‘Arnica of the Nerves’ and will help the vaginal and periosteum area to heal, or a caesarian section incision. Great when the wounds start getting itchy.
When to use: After birth or caesarian for healing support.
Staphysagria 200C
This is often used for post-surgical recovery, especially after a C-section or an episiotomy. It supports healing of clean surgical cuts and may also help with suppressed emotions like resentment or grief.
When to use: Recovery after surgical birth or when there is emotional suppression.
Sepia 30C
Sepia is helpful for women who feel emotionally flat or disconnected after birth. They may feel distant from their baby, overwhelmed by the responsibilities of motherhood, or simply feel like crying but don’t know why.
When to use: When there is a lack of joy, disconnection, or irritability postpartum. Can also be used during labour if you get really angry at your husband and want him to leave you alone!
Bellis perennis 200C
Sometimes called “the Arnica of the uterus,” this remedy supports the soft tissues of the pelvic area. It’s particularly good for deep internal soreness and bruising, especially if there has been a long labour or lots of internal examination.
When to use: During or after labour if soreness or internal bruising is suspected.
Nux Vomica
Very handy to have for baby and mum to help break down medications or drugs in the liver and system and expel them.
When to use: Where medications have been used.
Hypercal (Mother Tincture Spray)
A must have for Mums after birth for C-Sections and grazing and stitches. Spray before the toilet or shower to help with stinging and pain.
When to use: Before showers or changing or going to the toilet, or any time grazing or stitches are stinging.
Tips for Using Remedies in Labour
Potency: 30C or 200C are commonly used. In active labour, 200C is often chosen.
Dosing: One dose can be taken and repeated every 15–30 minutes if needed. Reduce frequency as symptoms improve.
Listen to the body: Use the remedy that best matches the emotional or physical state.
Keep it simple: You don’t need every remedy—just the ones most aligned with the person giving birth.
If you have any questions or would like to go through these before your birth, or even if you would like a kit made up ready, please do get in touch.
I can also help with pre-birth conditions or if these remedies are not helping with anxiety, and after birth if you need extra support for healing, trauma, post-natal depression or breastfeeding.
