This book review is reprinted with the permission of the National Center for Homeopathy
801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 306
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-7790, Fax (703) 548-7792
E-mail address: nch@igc.apc.org (Internet and e-mail).

The Homeopathic Childbirth Manual
by Betty Idarius, LM, CHom
Idarius Press, 2-B Lorraine Street,
Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 463-3739,
176 pages $14.95
Reviewed by Miranda Castro, RSHom

Betty is a midwife and classical homeopath whose dedication shines through loud and clear in her labor of love on the use of homeopathy during the birthing process. This beautiful little manual will be of interest to pregnant women and birthing partners, as well as homeopaths, midwives and doctors.

The information is presented in a practical way that is easy to access. The chapters are divided according to the stages and difficulties of labor and the postpartum period (for mother and baby). Each chapter contains the homeopathic remedies indicated for that particular stage of labor as well as practical advice on how to help the birth progress naturally Chapters with many remedies contain mini-repertories, a specific and unique quick reference guide.

Unlike many self-published books this suffers with only minor ailments! A limited index (listing remedies only) means that finding something specific (a condition, for example) can take a little longer. In addition, Betty does not give a page number when she makes a cross reference in the text. This can be frustrating to readers who want to be able to go straight to the cross reference (without having to first locate the chapter in the index, and then search for the remedy or condition within the chapter). These are minor complaints and they do not seriously detract from the overall health and vitality of this book! Especially since it has been so nicely designed-with a readable type face, decent margins, good paper and a lovely cover.

Homeopathic books for childbirth are few and far between and this one fills a much-needed gap. It is a book that birthing attendants and partners will be able to refer to during the birth itself, without having to make complicated repertorizations!

I'd like to leave the last word to Betty-from her postscript! "With all its possible trials, tribulations, and associated pain, birth serves to affirm and strengthen the human spirit when it is approached with the dignity and reverence it merits ... Homeopathic medicine offers itself as the perfect ally in supporting the birth process. Its gentle, non-invasive assistance sustains the full unfoldment of nature's plan."

HOMEOPATHY TODAY
SEPTEMBER 1996