resources for alternative therapies

[sister]

I am a believer in homeopathic, herbal remedies for pregnancy, birth and healthy living. I am not informed on reliable trustworthy books and websites covering this info. I would like to add some to my resource library to refer to but also to offer to clients.

How do you approach this topic with mothers without putting yourself at risk for giving medical advice?

[earthgirl]

A great resource is Susun Weed's Herbal for the Childbearing year, there is Rosemary Gladstar, and Demetria Clark ....of course!

We definitely need to be careful about what information we offer, because even if we are not directly giving medical advice it may be construed as such, unless you yourself are a trained in specific holistic therapies I wouldn't suggest any. However, IMO it is okay to suggest a client ask her CP about alternatives to whatever tx she is receiving including holistics....

Your best bet would be to have a network of professional naturopaths in your area that you can refer clients.

[Raven]

Another alternative is to look into Bach Flower Remedies. BFR work specifically on rebalancing negative emotional states to positive. They can be extremely useful, particularly Rescue Remedy, to help cope with the emotional effects of fear, pain, shock etc. You cannot overdose on them or give some one the wrong one, (if you do it simply has no effect), and they can be used alongside any other medication be it conventional or alternative. The only downside is that they are preserved in alcohol. However, we're talking measurements of 2 - 4 drops here so it's easy to get round this - you just put the drops in boiling water and that burns off the alcohol. You can then use drops of the BFR impregnated water in exactly the same way. This water must be stored in the fridge and replaced every 24 hrs as it has no preservative but this is no hardship. Another alternative is to rub the alcohol preserved drops onto the skin.
The website for anyone who wants more info : bachcentre.com

Sorry there's no proper link but I don't have 10 posts yet

HTH,

Kath

[doulamb]

I agree with Stacie.... Susun Weed's Herbal for the childbearing year is a great resource....you definetly need to be careful...I have a huge lending library and recommending books is definetly an option for you....I also have a network of holistic practices that I share with moms....they are great...you can email/speak directly to, different practices and ask them if you can add them to a list....keep the file and when you get a client with a specific question you can give her a copy of the list of practices and books and she can decide for herself...that way you are not held responsible...only for giving her the information, and thats ok....good luck!