This book review is reprinted with the permission of the International Foundation for Homeopathy
PO Box 7
Edmonds, WA 98020
(206) 776-4147

The Homeopathic Childbirth Manual
by Betty Idarius, LM, CHom
Idarius Press, 2B Lorraine St.,
Ukiah, CA 95482.
$14.95, plus shipping and handling.
reviewed by Christina Bautista, LM, CCE

The Homeopathic Childbirth Manual is a masterful blend of excellent childbirth sense and excellent homeopathy. Betty Idarius' loving dedication to classical homeopathy and to natural birth as a healthful process in the lifecycle of a family illuminates every page of the manuscript.

The book is a clear and easy-to-follow reference guide for pregnant women, homeopaths, midwives and other birth professionals. It is packed with beautifully presented practical homeopathic information.

Topics covered include:
* using homeopathy to prevent complications and to manage them if they occur; moving through emotional distress in order to give birth as calmly and confidently as possible
* inducing labor safely and naturally * changing the baby's presentation prior to labor
* managing preparatory or "false" labor
* managing prolonged, difficult or dysfunctional labor
* managing back labor and posterior position of the baby
* selecting homeopathic medicines for an individual birth kit
* routinely useful birth remedies
* routinely useful postpartum remedies
* preventing postpartum hemorrhage, retained placenta, postpartum infections; injuries to the coccyx and spine
* preventing tearing and episiotomies, and how to heal them if they occur
* healing physically and emotionally from a difficult delivery or cesarean section
* easing the newborn's transition into the world.

The Homeopathic Childbirth Manual is a must-have book for every birth professional. Seasoned homeopaths will revel in the chance to explore homeopathy from a birthing perspective. Anyone who attends births will find this book an indispensable resource for learning and mastering the applied art of homeopathy.

Newcomers to classical homeopathy or to natural childbirth will delight in easily-accessible, yet thorough, overviews of each. The information is useful and well-organized. There is a good table of contents, a remedy index, and a resource list of homeopathic and childbirth references, self-care homeopathic books, sources for homeopathic books and remedies, and homeopathic and midwifery organizations.

RESONANCE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1996