12(1): 35-41 Occasional Article

Could homeopathic medicine be utilised as a treatment for teething?

Linlee Jordan RN, MHScEd, DipHom, DipNut.

Abstract: Despite much debate, teething is commonly believed to include a cluster of distressing symptoms. Over the centuries various treatments have been used and fallen into disrepute. Homeopathy has a track record of consistent and effective management of teething, treating the whole child regardless of the source of the distress. This article explores the literature on teething and calls for more research to be directed towards homeopathy’s holistic approach towards managing teething symptoms.

12(1): 41-42 Practioners’ Forum

HypnoBirthing

Julie Phillips-Moore MSc(Behav.Hlth), BA(Psych), DipCH, DipHomMed, Dip.Nut.

Introduction: When I first walked into a Sydney hospital and introduced myself as a HypnoBirthing practitioner I was greeted with a blank stare. Now, the greeting is different as more and more midwives are seeing for themselves how calm and relaxed the mothers I work with are as they birth their baby, and how much shorter and less painful the labour is.
HypnoBirthing really started to take off in Australia with the training of the first group of hypnotherapists and midwives by Marie Mongan (the founder of HypnoBirthing) during her visit here in 2001. Since then, more and more mothers-to-be have learnt the technique (with great success) and are telling their friends and families – it’s wonderful to hear positive birth stories for a change!

11(1): 37-44 Occasional Article

Implementing reflexology into midwifery practice

Lyndall Mollart RN, RM, CHFHC, BHScNurs, GradDipMid, DipReflexology

Abstract\: This paper reports on a small quantitative study of midwives who had undertaken a midwifery reflexology course in NSW, Australia. In particular, it examines some of the barriers and influences which affect implementing knowledge into practice.

Introduction

Midwifery embraces the wellness model of caring by providing care and support of women during the normal progression of pregnancy and childbirth. However sometimes the physical discomforts of pregnant can interfere with the joy of this profound life experience. In the majority of cases women are unable to take medications during pregnancy, so many midwives endeavour to decrease the symptoms for these women by incorporating complementary therapies such as reflexology within their holistic model of midwifery care.

Many midwives are excited and enthusiastic in learning reflexology. But what happens after they have completed a reflexology course? Do they use reflexology within their holistic care of midwifery? Or does the pressure of work limit their usage of reflexology? What factors influence their use of reflexology at work?

11(1): 25-32 Occasional Article

The use of cranial osteopathy in the treatment of infants with breast feeding problems or sucking dysfunction

Nancy Wescott RN, RM, BHealthSc (Nursing)

Abstract: Cranial osteopathy is gaining recognition as a successful treatment for a range of conditions, and has shown to be especially useful when dealing with instances of breastfeeding problems resulting from birth trauma. This paper explores the therapy in detail, its relationship to breastfeeding problems, raises suggestions as to how it could be applied to clinical practice, and outlines the need for further research.

Introduction

Cranial osteopathy or craniosacral therapy (CST) is a recent advance in osteopathic practice (McCabe 1997: 75) and has only recently been recognised as a mode of treatment for breast feeding difficulties or sucking dysfunction (Turney 2002). Little 'scientific' evidence has been carried out to assess the effectiveness of CST (Vickers & Zollman 1999). Many of the core concepts of osteopathy are not universally accepted or understood, even by the therapists who carry out the treatment (Ferguson, McPartland, Upledger, Collins, Lever 1998), as, along with many other natural therapies, CST does not fit into the framework of medical science which believes only that which can be proven by 'observation, measurement, analysis and predictability' (McCabe 1997). However, despite this lack of scientific validification, and despite the fact that the cost of the treatment is not funded by Medicare (and is therefore an additional health care cost to the individual), the use of alternative therapies, including CST, is common and increasing (Kemper 2001: 273).

Abstract: There is scant work completed on the fathers' experience with the treatment for childhood cancer. The present discussion seeks to make a contribution to deepening our holistic understanding of paediatric treatment for leukaemia by presenting findings on the paternal involvement in, and experience of, treatment for paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The understanding will be extended in Part 2 by a detailed examination of specific issues associated with the fathers' hospital experience and in particular, the difficulties they face with restraining their child-patient for treatment.

Keywords: Fathers; Holistic; Psychosocial; Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia; Restraint.

Abstract: This paper attempts to provide a snapshot of the feelings and experience of a mother’s journey after her son is diagnosed with cancer. It is hoped that those who choose to read this paper may develop some understanding of the feelings experienced during this frightening journey, and that this understanding may influence the care you give now and in the future.

Selected quotes and poetry written by Anthony Barling, in 2001 appear in italics throughout this article.

Abstract Carers of infants with colic and gastro-oesophageal reflux (G.O.R.) often feel tense and helpless. Orthodox medical treatment has little to offer these babies as the cause is generally unknown. Usual medical management of G.O.R. includes radiographic investigations, medications, and consideration of surgical methods. The problem is, current management may exacerbate G.O.R. Orthodox medicine views the patient/client in a reductionist manner. What needs to be addressed are aspects of colic and G.O.R. that include the infant’s anatomical body systems, and the surrounding physical environment. Natural therapies are complementary to orthodox treatment and empower parents/caregivers to take more control when faced with a crying baby. Techniques that are useful are the non invasive therapies of touch, attention to the environment, and consideration of negative ions.

Abstract Are water births a safe way to deliver a baby and what are midwives opinions of them? Evidence to date suggests that if labour is progressing normally, under water birth may be a safe option

Abstract This paper is a personal account of the experience of living with a child with a lifelong, (and sometimes life threatening) illness and the challenges in steering a course through medical intervention and treatment. The writer has chosen not to disclose the illness affecting her daughter, Frances – this is partly to maintain confidentiality but also because the choices made on this journey were just one person’s way through many and varied healing options.

Abstract Cabbage leaves are used by the midwives at a District Hospital as a means of lactation suppression.

Abstract This case study discusses holistic pain management strategies used by a midwife with a 36 year old primigravida during labour and childbirth, highlighting the positive role of endorphins.

Abstract A case study detailing a range of methods utilised to attempt to trigger labour

 

Abstract This article details issues and the subsequent implementation of interventions which arose from the near death experience of a four month old child whose parents waited outside unaware of their child’s rapid deterioration.