Before starting a family or if you are having difficulty conceiving, find out how essential nutrients are in pre-conception, conception and throughout pregnancy. This is not only an issue for the mum-to-be, but also for the dad-to-be.
As well as a good diet, eliminating any toxins which could negatively impact conception is vital. A major factor impeding conception is heavy metal toxicity. Metals and other substances block the body’s processes, including production of healthy sperm and ovulation. Lead and cadmium have been shown to delay conception.
I strongly recommend a thorough health analysis of both parents before starting a family. This ensures the best possible start in life for your precious baby.
At True Medicine, I ask that you bring along any pathology test results when you come in for your consultation. A simple hair analysis can identify if heavy metals or other mineral/nutrient imbalances are stopping you from becoming parents. The tests are easy, not expensive and results are known in about 14 days.
In addition to toxic overloads, the consumption of other drugs and medications also play a role in parental health. Many regularly consumed medications or pain relievers pose risks to the health of your unborn child. Prior to even considering starting a family, read up on how to avoid birth defects.
Click here for Pregnancy and Pre-conception Nutrition - an easy reference table to foods and their nutrients.
Read about how eating vegetables during pregnancy can prevent diabetes in your child.
Sometimes it may be necessary to take nutritional supplements. There are several available, some over-the-counter and others practitioner-only. As always, there is a BIG difference. A comparison of one of the most often prescribed supplements with a well-known over-the-counter product and quality practitioner-only option highlights this difference. A recent check of another pregnancy multi-vitamin revealed such low levels of nutrients that instead of the recommended one capsule daily, six capsules daily would be needed to reach the minimum required to ensure optimal health of the mother and developing foetus. At $29 for 60 capsules, that equates to nearly $90 for one month’s supply. When supplementing during pregnancy, balanced nutrients together with safe ingredients are essential – more is not always best.
Proper preparation for birth can help make this the wondrous experience it should be. Dagmar can advise you on suitable herbal remedies and also provide an essential oil ‘birthing’ blend for you.
Natural stretchmark prevention: ask Dagmar about her Stretchmark Prevention cream to help mum’s skin remain elastic and strong, preventing damage which lead to unsightly stretchmarks.
Once baby is born, it is important to give him or her the best possible start to life. If you are unsure whether to breast or bottle-feed your newborn baby, take the time to read about baby and infant formulas.
Learn how to introduce solid foods gradually and properly to prevent development of allergies and even behavioural or future health problems.
The importance of Iodine
Iodine deficiency has re-emerged in Australia. 70% of women of child-bearing age are iodine deficient. All pregnant and lactating women should discuss iodine supplementation with a qualified natural health practitioner.
Read more about the official stance of the National Health and Medical Research Council regarding iodine in the Blog.
Why? Iodine deficiency in pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of intellectual impairment in the world. Due to iodine’s role in foetal brain and nervous development, a deficiency during pregnancy may lead to irreversible damage. Even mild iodine deficiency could prevent children and adolescents from attaining their full intellectual potential and increase the risk of ADD.
So why are we so iodine deficient? One of the major antagonists of iodine is fluoride. Fluoride and chlorine both block the body’s ability to absorb iodine. Both of these substances are contained in our drinking water. However, there are also many other hidden sources of fluoride.
Don’t self prescribe
As with all supplements, consult your health care practitioner to assess your iodine levels and NEVER self prescribe – especially during pregnancy.
Vaccination
Another important consideration is whether to immunise your child or not. This is a decision that needs to be made by the parents of any child after careful consideration and reviewing ALL the facts. Don’t let yourself be bullied into a decision – it is one that may affect your child’s future in more ways than you can imagine. Ask questions, read lots of research, be mindful of who has funded the research and whether it provides a complete picture or a slanted report. Consider also that less than 25% of all pediatricians vaccinate their own children due to the known risks. [Source: R Cantrell, PhD, MD, PsyD]
There are alternatives to medical vaccines such as homeopathic methods that are just as effective without the detrimental side effects. Dr Mercola is a medical practitioner who likes to present the facts – please follow this link to learn more about vaccinations: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/08/06/Proof-That-Thimerosal-Induces-AutismLike-Neurotoxicity.aspx.
To help you decide whether or not to receive a vaccine yourself during pregnancy, please read this first: http://drtenpenny.com/FluShotsAndPregnancy.aspx and http://truemedicine.com.au/?p=1263
More about options to immunise safely under Immune Health.
Should you choose not to vaccinate your child or delay vaccination, you should go to www.medicareaustralia.gov.au and download the Conscientious Objection form in order to ensure you do not jeopardise your Family Assistance payments.
