Michelle answers:

What the progesterone doesn’t address are two things: The energetic imbalance that resulted in your depression, and your emotional “symptoms” themselves. This response to external healing substances is not infrequent. The response is temporary, like a bandaid. But, the deeper wound still persists.

One concern when I see someone say they tried homeopathy is either it was limited to self-help home care – when a professional is required (akin to a first-aid kit v. The need to see your doctor) – or the practitioner, doctor, acupuncturist, etc. Using homeopathic remedies has a consumer-level awareness.

Homeopathy is so great for problems surrounding pregnancy. Anytime hormones shift, latent imbalances arise. This is the truth behind PMS and menopause (in health, both symptom-free).

I have three suggestions:

1. Look around my client’s favorite self-help website, http://abchomeopathy.com. It allows one to plug in symptoms for remedy suggestions. For many women, a remedy as simple as Sepia or Natrum muriaticum comes up and shifts the depression immediately. (It works when “indicated,” so a bit of sleuthing is required. If not the remedy you need, nothing happens. Think of a child’s square toy where you place shapes into their own holes. The homeopathic remedy needs to be that precise.)

2. A lovely book by a mother and homeopath, again that my moms and dads particularly love and find useful, is by Miranda Castro. It is “Homeopathy for Pregnancy, Birth & Your Baby’s First Years” (http://www.mirandacastro.com/main/books.html). You will be able to use the book now and later.

3. If you continue to have problems after a few days to a week of being on a remedy that seems to be a “match,” contact a professional homeopath. You want someone who practices classical homeopathy, and is also certified (if in N. America) through the Council for Homeopathic Certification (http://www.homeopathicdirectory.com). I think someone with kids is a benefit, because that’s part of a practitioner’s experience. Interview 2-3 for a personality match, check credentials and that the person’s practice is 100% homeopathy. You don’t want someone who blends acupuncture, or muscle testing, or hair analysis. None of those are homeopathy, and the benefits of homeopathy are most quick and precise when used alone.

So, while someone gave you one or more homeopathic remedies, you did not “receive homeopathy.” Homeopathy is the philosophy for giving a remedy – by practitioners with the qualifications I described – not the remedy itself. Without that knowledge, the remedy is useless and misleads people into ruling out homeopathy.

(For some reason, I keep getting the Yahoo! Is taking a breather message when I submit an answer. If I submit “testing,” then put in the answer, it works. So, sorry for the confusion. This has been going on for a full day.)

Michelle answers:

Try acupuncture, but please! Before you use any “natural” remedies run them by your doctors. Most medicines are made of “natural” ingredients originally, it does not mean they are harmless to your baby.

Michelle answers:

Try vitamin C, flavonoids to aid circulation, promote healing of sores, and strengthen vein walls.

B-complex to help maintain strong blood vessels.

Beta-carotene This antioxidant is a healing nutrient.

Bromelain This nutrient aids in activating a factor that promotes the breakdown of fibrin and help prevent blood clots.

Lecithin Take one tablespoon of granules (or two capsules) daily to emulsify fats and aid circulation.

Magnesium To relax the arteries and muscles in the legs.

Vitamin E Take 300 to 800 IU, in gradually increased doses, to promote and improve circulation. Vitamin E may also relieve calf pain due to narrowing of the arteries.

Zinc Take 50 mg. Daily, to assist with healing and collagen formation.

Butchers broom http://www.nutrasanus.com/butchers-broom.html

—ask doctor if these are safe during pregnancy.

Eat more ginger, garlic and onions

Vitamin K cream will help strengthen the capillaries.

Michelle answers:

Ive used aveeno products while and not being pregnant, and it works wonderful! And it sounds weird but i have known people to have some kind of allergic whatever you want to call it during their pregnancy, where their body breaks out. So you may just be experiencing something along those lines. Don’t stress over it though. You are still beautiful & once baby is here, all the little pimples will be worth that gorgeous little baby! Plus try oatmeal products if you have bad scarring after the bumps go away. Good luck