How to Cope with Hyperemesis Naturally

Hyperemesis Graviderum is more than just "a little morning sickness". This debilitating condition causes excessive vomiting, and nausea in pregnant women. This can result in weight loss, severe dehydration, malnutrition, and take a toll on life in general.

For the first four months of my pregnancy, I experienced the misery caused by this condition. Not only the physical discomfort that comes along with vomiting six time per day, but also the effect this had on my daily life. The exhaustion, nausea, and stomach cramping, took a major toll on my energy levels, and concentration. I was admitted to the hospital several times early on due to dehydration. My obstetrician tried prescribing different anti-emetic medications, none of which worked. Swallowing pills, was not even an option, as they would just come back up, so I had to opt for injections and suppositories, and they did not work either.

At four months pregnant, I was in the hospital , getting 're-hydrated' by an IV drip, one of the nurses in the E.R. recommended a particular midwife may be able to help me. I thought, if all this medication prescribed by my own obstetrician is not working, how could a midwife possible help me? After finishing my four hour long IV treatment, and getting another shot, I vomited on the way to my car twice, and decided to give the midwife a shot.

The midwife "Sherry" was so compassionate and understanding. Unlike my doctor, who said cliché things like "this will pass" as he handed me yet another script for medication, Sherry was very kind. As I walked in her office, she drew the blinds, and even lowered the resolution on her computer monitor. She understood the light was making feel sick as well. She spoke quietly, and explained to my (now ex) husband, how all these things are triggers, and it was not my imagination.

Sherry's common sense advice, helped me greatly. She experienced hyperemesis in her pregnancy, as her mother had too. Ginger root tea was recommended as a treatment. My local grocery store did not have it, I had to order it from a Korean market online. I boiled it, and drank the water, after it cooled down, in very tiny sips. My nausea did not subside, but I did not vomit either! I was finally getting fluids!

I was also told to 'try' and swallow vitamin B6 capsules, after a week with the ginger, I was able to do so, and I was feeling better.

For the times when could not prepare the tea, I also ordered ginger candies. These were great when I was laying down, or for a short trip in the car.

Sherry explained that a snack with protein especially before bed would help. She recommended peanut butter, even just a spoonful, straight out of the jar would be helpful. I tolerated this well, and I was getting rid of that empty feeling, and getting some protein.

Once I held this down, I was able to eat very small meals throughout the day. I was 15 weeks pregnant , and finally gaining back the weight I had lost from being so sick.

Another major factor in managing hyperemesis is stress management. All the prescribed medications had their own side effects both to the mother, and the unborn baby as well. This added to my misery and worry. Sherry could also understand my guilt over not being able to keep up with my two older children. She took my hands in hers and said "Joy, there is nothing wrong with cereal for dinner, and popping "Toy Story" in the VCR at a time like this!" I needed to hear this. My family did not live nearby, and I really did not have much help at home.

I was told to get rest, and not feel guilty about it. Turn down the lights, lay on my left side, and as long as there was another adult home obviously, put in earplugs, and just zone out.

Her advice was so down to earth, and immensely helpful. Looking back on the discomfort and pain of this condition, I am grateful to have come across this woman who shared this advice, and understanding. And just like my obstetrician said, although I did not appreciate it at the time, "this will pass", and it did. I now have a beautiful, healthy, little girl who was worth all I experienced, and yes, I would do it all again. Only next time, I will have the ginger preordered!