It is important for women planning to conceive to be in good physical shape in order to support the pregnancy and health of their offspring. Women should have their nutritional status and diet analyzed to make sure they are not deficient in nutrients such as Vitamin D nor anemic which can lead to postpartum depression.

I’m a strong believer that taking a high quality multivitamin during pregnancy as well as fish oil and Vitamin D can have lasting benefits for the offspring.   Read the rest of this entry

Many studies have shown that breastfeeding appears to reduce the chance of children developing asthma. But a newly published study led by a University of Alberta professor has found that eating fast food more than once or twice a week negated the beneficial effects that breastfeeding has in protecting children from the respiratory disease.
The article appears online in the international journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy based in London, England. A number of different findings led the researchers to their conclusion – showing links between fast food and asthma, breastfeeding and asthma, and all three together. Read the rest of this entry

In a mother-infant cohort study involving mothers and 787 infants, results indicate a beneficial effect of maternal vegetable consumption during pregnancy on fetal growth. Fruit and vegetable consumption during pregnancy was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Women who ate the fewest vegetables were significantly more likely to have infants who are small for gestational age (SGA). Women who ate the most vegetables had significantly more babies who were at least normal weight. Read the rest of this entry

It is the feeling of many midwives, doulas and some OBs that conventional procedures performed in hospitals during labor are unnecessary and potentially harmful for a successful vaginal delivery. We don’t feel it is the fault of misguided physicians as they are following procedures to avoid litigation. But the system and what is considered standard care is at fault.

The Milbank’ report led to a press released that is cut and pasted below.  We feel looking for a midwifery program, birthing center or a home birth are the best options for childbirth.  Until a broken system is fixed if you would like to deliver in a hospital using the services of a Doula is prudent as they can help you stick with your birth plan. Read the rest of this entry

There are so many natural options available for the majority of cases known as acid reflux, GERD (GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease ), heartburn, or whatever you want to call that it is appalling how these are indiscriminately handed out given their potential deleterious effects. There are certainly times when someone may need a Proton Pump Inhibitor (i.e. Prilosec) or H2 Antagonists (i.e. Ranitidine).  However those cases are when there is concern about esophogeal cancer, throat cancer, ulcers etc. where  the symptoms have become more severe or there is concern about it getting that severe.

During pregnancy almost 9 out of every 10 women have acid reflux symptoms and often they are prescribed these medication to treat the symptoms.  However, many women find that acupuncture and/or abdominal massage offers outstanding results for eliminating acid reflux or at least reducing it to a tolerable level so that medications aren’t required.   A study to be published next month out of Children’s Hospital in Boston determined that pregnant women who take acid medication increase their child’s risk of asthma by nearly 50% if the mother had no prior allergy history. Read the rest of this entry

The news has been loaded with a plethora of articles touting the benefits of vitamin D reported in nutrition journals. Based on research of the past few years it appears that Vitamin D plays a large role in regulating the immune system. Most recently the American Academy of Pediatrics have doubled its recommended daily dosage of Vitamin D for kids. Read the rest of this entry

Children who are breastfed are less likely to suffer from
behavioral or mental health issues than those who are not breastfed,
according to new research.

The study, which was presented at the American Public Health
Association’s 136th Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Diego, looked at
whether breastfeeding is associated with decreased behavioral problems
and psychiatric illness during childhood.
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Here is a good article outlining ways to avoid a c-section. Notice at the last point is to have a Doula!

This is taken from CNN Aug 23,2007
Five ways to avoid a C-section

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There have been several studies over the past few years that suggest taking fish oil during pregnancy is a must.   Any acupuncture or nutrition patient I see that is pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant I always suggest that they get a good fish oil supplement.    Now another study was just released that began in 1990 with 533 pregnant women at week 30 who were assigned to 3 groups. Read the rest of this entry

There have been several studies over the past few years that suggest taking fish oil during pregnancy is a must. Any acupuncture or nutrition patient I see that is pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant I always suggest that they get a good fish oil supplement. Now another study was just released that began in 1990 with 533 pregnant women at week 30 who were assigned to 3 groups. Read the rest of this entry