Mahalia Freed ND

Healthy Pregnancy, Naturally: Drug-free Solutions for Common Pregnancy Concerns

Thursday, August 26th, 2010 | Events

You are pregnant – congratulations! Pregnancy is a time of great transition and a myriad of potential emotions as you adjust to the idea of a new family constellation. It can also be a difficult time physically as your body adapts to the needs of your growing baby. For some women, the first trimester is dominated by nausea, extreme fatigue, and great confusion over conflicting prenatal advice or warnings. Later in pregnancy, it may be concerns about high blood pressure, diabetes, or the baby’s position. But, there is no need to worry while you wait for the months to pass!

Join Drs Tanya Smith, TCM, and Mahalia Freed, ND to learn how to address the following concerns, naturally:

• optimal pregnancy nutrition & supplementation
• nausea
• fatigue
• high blood pressure
• high blood sugar
• low thyroid function
• heartburn, constipation
• hemorrhoid prevention
• breech position
• pain: back, pubic, gastrointestinal

Please Preregister via Whole Foods to Reserve your Spot: 416-944-0500

Tags: Pregnancy, Women's Health

Vitamin D and Pregnancy: Research Findings & Recommendations

Thursday, July 29th, 2010 | Uncategorized

Trying to conceive? Higher concentrations of Vitamin D in follicular fluid are an independent predictor of the success of IVF treatment. Vitamin D is hypothesized to support ovarian/uterine hormone production.

Pregnant? Women given adequate supplemental Vitamin D during pregnancy are less likely to develop high blood pressure or preeclampsia. Their babies are less likely to develop type I diabetes. Vitamin D helps support healthy immunity, and prevents autoimmune conditions like type I diabetes from developing.

How much do I take? Current Canadian guidelines vary between organizations, and what you need to take will depend on (i) your blood levels; (ii) the amount of sun exposure without sunscreen you get; (iii) your skin colour; and, (iv) the season. Please consult your ND for an individual prescription.

Babies: 400 IU per day, with more (800 – 1200 IU per day) in winter months, and after 1 year (as weight increases, so does necessary dose).

Breast Feeding: Current study recommendations are for supplementing as high as 6400 IU, though common prescriptions are for 2000-4000 IU per day.

Adults, non-pregnant: Recommendations range, as do individual needs. *Get your blood levels checked first. Common supplemental doses range from 2000- 5000 IU per day, although some people do not require supplementation.

(Study References Available Upon Request)

Tags: fertility, Pregnancy, supplements

Naturopathic Pregnancy Care

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 | Articles

Optimizing Nutrition and Addressing Fatigue, Nausea, and other Common Concerns of Pregnancy

You are pregnant! Congratulations! The first trimester is a time of great transition and a myriad of potential emotions as you adjust to the idea of a new family constellation. It can also be a difficult time physically, with profound physiological changes as your body adapts to the needs of the growing fetus. For some women, the first trimester is dominated by nausea, extreme fatigue, and great confusion over conflicting prenatal advice or warnings. But, there is no need to suffer while you wait for the months to pass!

Do you have questions about how to ensure your baby is getting what it needs from your diet? About whether or not to take iron if it makes you sick? About differentiating between various Omega 3s? About the safety of herbs during pregnancy? Ask a naturopathic doctor!

By adding a licensed naturopathic doctor to your care team, you will not only be able to resolve existing concerns including fatigue, nausea, anemia, vaginal infections, blood sugar changes, low thyroid function, constipation and heartburn, you can also learn how to optimize your diet to offer the best possible nutrition for you and your baby and develop a personalized supplement plan to address your unique pregnancy needs. The goal of naturopathic perinatal care? To promote a pregnancy free of complications, an efficient labor, successful delivery, ease with postpartum healing, and a healthy baby, naturally.

Did you know:

• That ginger and vitamin B6 are clinically proven to be safe and effective for nausea in pregnancy, according to randomized controlled trials?
• That probiotics during pregnancy are associated with lower rates of allergies, eczema and asthma in infants and young children?
• That there are a variety of herbs that are safe in pregnancy, including some for immune function, energy, mood, digestion, and more?

Nourishing Pregnancy Tea

(*Custom Blend Available From Mahalia Freed, ND*)

Combine Equal Parts of:

• Red Raspberry Leaf
• Nettle Leaf
• Alfalfa
• Peppermint (optional: for taste, and for some women to help with nausea)
• Oatstraw (optional: nutritive and calming)

Use 1-2 tbsp per cup of boiling water; Steep, covered, up to overnight; Drink warm or cool, 2-3 cups per day throughout your pregnancy

Dr. Mahalia Freed ND has a family practice at Lifecycles Wellness with a clinical focus in women’s health including fertility, perinatal care, hormone balancing and breast health.

Tags: Pregnancy, Women's Health