Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

View the Video Here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0elnh4D08g

The lecture (see link) details some research conducted by Professor Bruce Hollis on the supplementation of vitamin D during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There was a lot of controversy surrounding the data from this study, due to many perpetuating myths surrounding vitamin D supplementation and the misguided fears of over-supplementation. 

Professor Bruce Hollis provides a very strong argument, based on the findings of this research, that giving 4000 IU a day to pregnant women and 6400 IU a day to breastfeeding women is not only safe but also necessary in avoiding deficiencies in both the mother and infant.

He explores the evolution of humans in order to explain why our vitamin D requirements are as high as they are in modern societies and how effected these levels are by lack of sun exposure, ethnicity and geographical location due to the variation of sunlight and intensity. He also argues that it is not possible to receive adequate amounts of vitamin D from diet alone, such as from fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and herring, milk with added vitamin D or the small amounts found in eggs and meats.

This study was motivated by the mounding evidence that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is a serious public health issue, affecting both the mother and foetus. Therefore, the importance of establishing the vitamin D requirements of the pregnant women is vital in preventing vitamin D deficiency. Yet regardless of this, the Institute of Medicine sets the recommended daily intake (RDA) at 600 IU per day.

This research study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of high doses of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding in order to achieve vitamin D sufficiency. The study design was a randomized control, double-blind placebo study involving 516 patients of African American, Hispanic and Caucasian descent. It provided either 2000 IU or 4000 IU of vitamin D per day to pregnant mothers. Levels were then measured by the mean circulating 25 (OH) D (nmol/L). 

There were no adverse effects found in this study, even though there have been medical claims that high doses of vitamin D will do damage to the foetus. The results of the data also indicate that if the “pool starts off empty”, meaning the mother had low vitamin D levels to begin with, small doses (i.e. 400 IU per day) do nothing to alter overall levels. However, supplementation of 2000 IU and 4000 IU daily resulted in a substantial rise in overall blood levels.

The need to supplement with such high levels of vitamin D can be explained in other ways, aside from our lack of daily exposure to the sun. Vitamin D has a short half-life of one day, a scientific term used to explain the time required for a quantity to fall to half of its value as measured at the beginning of the time period. This means that if vitamin D is not consistently being repleted each day, where is our vitamin D?

This study concluded that pregnant women need 40 ng/ml (100 nmol/l) to optimise the production of the active form of vitamin D. Levels lower than this were also found to compromise the absorption of calcium in the gut. It also plays a significant roll in immunity during pregnancy, including the altered immune response that adapts to the growth of the foetus by avoiding the auto-rejection of the presence of new tissue. It has also been shown to turn on the innate immune system, the first line of defence that enables us to fight infection. 

The second aspect of this study was to determine the sufficient requirements for vitamin D supplementation in breastfeeding mothers to avoid deficient breast milk. It found that maternal supplementation of 400 IU per day and infant supplementation of 300 IU per day lead to significantly deficient vitamin D levels in breast milk. 

Similar studies have been done involving the supplementation of 2000 IU per day to breastfeeding mothers and their breast milk was still found to contain insufficient levels of vitamin D.

 It determined that supplementing 6400 IU of vitamin D per day by the mother was required to pass on adequate levels to her child. Such high doses are required by the mother as the parent compound gets transferred into the milk, meaning the infant receives higher doses of vitamin D in breast milk than if the infant were being directly supplemented. This is why supplementing a breastfeeding mother with adequate doses of vitamin D is so important both for her and for her child. 

Ensure to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

It takes two: baby!

The infertility rate here in Australia is estimated to be one in six couples.However, the focus on fertility treatments always seems to be skewed towards treating the female. Marketing of fertility treatments seems to be directed at women, reminding them that the clock is ticking. Even in IVF, a lot of stress is placed on the woman to follow strict schedules. Somewhere along the line, it is forgotten that men too play an equally important role in conception.

Holistic fertility treatments focus on both man and woman, never assuming that the inability to conceive is merely due to a woman’s age or egg production alone. Studies are showing the increasing effect of the male on all conception, embryonic/foetal/infant health and pregnancy issues.

It takes between 80-116 days for a single sperm to be created. Going through five cycles of six stages, it is this 3-4 month period before ejaculation where the sperm is susceptible to many threats, before it even takes the journey towards (possible) conception in the uterus of the woman. Because they are smaller and more exposed to environmental factors, sperm are indeed more vulnerable than eggs.

Of the known causes of male infertility, the most common (affecting some 66% of cases) is issues with production. The usual causes are factors such as heat, pressure, infections, genetic problems, exposure to drugs, chemicals, or radiation, age, testicular torsion, undescended testes, or previous vasectomy. 15% of cases are due to blockage of tubes (ejaculatory problems), and the third most common aetiology is anti-sperm antibodies which attack the sperm whilst in the uterus. Less than 1% of infertility cases are due to sexual problems, which are usually secondary to illnesses such as diabetes, pelvic/prostate surgery, nerve damage from spinal cord injury, anti-depressants and anti-hypertension medication, infrequent intercourse, or age.

Pre-conception health-care for males is therefore essential, especially during the 3-4 months where sperm is being created. The factors leading to male infertility need to be identified, and then appropriate diet/lifestyle changes and treatment need to continue throughout this period. Potential dads need to re-consider how they lead their lives and how they treat themselves and their bodies, as their health can impact the health of their offspring. Leukemia, asthma, respiratory disease, mental development/disease have all been linked to the health of the father and his sperm.

Healthy sperm should ideally have a concentration of at least 100 million/ml. Motility should be at least 75%, and normal morphology rates of no less than 30% are considered acceptable for natural conception. In the past few years, the details of what is considered acceptable sperm for making the next generation have been significantly revised downwards. Many laboratories now consider 5 million sperm, 45% motility and 97% abnormally formed sperm to be acceptable.

In Chinese Medicine, there are several physiological factors that must come together to enable a man to be fertile. There must be adequate life-essence, this is reflected in a general robustness and vitality, good quality hair that isn't greying, strong nails, no sweating at night or sticking feet outside of the doona, no reflux meds or asthma medication. The "gate of vitality" in the lower abdomen must be warm enough to power spermatogenesis, this will show in a strong lower back that doesn't ache, good circulation, hands and feet that don't get cold, and a good strong libido. Liver energy must be free-flowing and Kidney energy must be abundant enough to promote healthy sperm production and maintain normal ejaculation. When the Liver and Kidney are functioning well there will be a moderate temperament without anger, good vitality, clear eyes without dark circles or puffiness underneath. A man must also have adequate vitality and general nutrition, to promote the quality and liveliness of his sperm which contain a blueprint that gives his offspring the best foundation to life possible.

If prostate issues are suspected, or there is a blockage interfering with normal ejaculation, Chinese Medicine looks for "phlegm" or "blood stasis", which tend to obstruct the seminal pathways and allow normal ejaculation. Issues that damage or interfere with the normal shape of the sperm (morphology) are often classified as "damp-heat" or "heat-toxins". These can be present in the body due to exposure to toxins, chemicals, radiation, infections and STD’s. Checking the semen for Human Papilloma virus (HPV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), human herpes virus type-6 (HHV-6), Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis-B, and Chlamydia trachomatis can be useful; at the sub-clinical level, there may be no visible signs or symtpoms, but the DNA of these viruses will show up in the semen.

Of course, there are other factors which we would also look at addressing, such as the physiological factors involved when men are over-weight or suffering from obesity. When there are prostate issues, these presenting patterns usually combine also to create infertility, as would any of the patterns involved with more psycho-emotional conditions involving low libido, erectile dysfunction, or other issues related to performance. Psychological and emotional wellbeing is also important, as how we as men feel will also affect our partners’ moods, thus affecting the deep connection which also is important in the act of conception.

In treating male infertility, both acupuncture/moxibustion and Chinese herbal medicine can be of great benefit. However it also vital to look at one’s diet, and make the appropriate modifications, depending in the individual. Antioxidants such as zinc, folate, vitamins E & C, and beta-carotene have been found to be useful to improve fertility; these are best taken in supplement form, the therapeutic levels required to achieve positive changes in sperm often exceed what is possible in a normal diet.

Lifestyle issues also need to be taken into account with appropriate modifications, such as reducing the exposure of the scrotum to heat due to tight and synthetic-fibre underwear, hot baths, and so on. The ancient Chinese also knew that maintaining regular - but not excessive - sexual activity is important, as it ensures the free-flow of "Qi" (energy), "Blood", and "Essence", thus maintaining fertility. Psychological and emotional wellbeing is also important, as how we as men feel will also affect our partners’ moods, thus affecting the deep connection which also is important in the act of conception.

Overall, a holistic approach is best and involves utilising modern testing methods with ancient Chinese treatments and augmentation practices such as diet, lifestyle, and Qigong.

Pregnancy Pack - Buy this pack for the ones you love

Healthy Labour and post labour

This pack is designed to treat both the mother and her baby.

1.        Labour tincture – Made with herbs to promote energy and blood. This tincture is used during labour to help the mothers endurance and to promote the labours onset. The labour tincture is designed to sipped throughout labour.

2.        Blood tonic drops – Is used by the mother to boost blood and energy after labour. A lot of blood is lost after labour, and this blood needs to be replenished to increase breast milk, boost energy and prevent post natal depression. There are also herbs that help clear out the uterus of old blood and prevent infection. Please take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day in water for at least 3 weeks after birth.

3.        Ultra Flora restore – Boosts healthy flora (friendly bacteria) in the intestines. Babies receive their positive intestinal bacteria via their mother’s breast milk. A positive bacterium maintains a normal healthy gastrointestinal system and digestive function. The intestines are where we absorb our vitamins and minerals, and healthy intestinal flora is crucial for a strong immune system.

To buy this pack contact :
Discover Chinese Medicine
Ground Floor
Suite 3,193A Lennox St,
Richmond, VIC 3121
P          03 9013 1777
E          contact@discovertcm.com.au
W         http://www.discovertcm.com.au

How to relieve Morning Sickness

Morning Sickness

Symptoms of “morning sickness” may start at any time from the time of the first missed period, or not until the 10th week of pregnancy. Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day, in the morning, later in the day, or throughout the day. Roughly 75% of women suffer from morning sickness, and a small percentage of women experience ongoing symptoms beyond the first trimester.

To relieve morning symptoms

Try to have a low fat protein snack such as yoghurt or nuts immediately before bed. This can help to sustain you throughout the night, as morning sickness can be exacerbated by hunger.

In the morning before getting up, eat a plain biscuit or a banana. Remain in bed for about 15 minutes, then slowly rise and have a light breakfast.

For symptoms that persist during the day

Where possible, REST when your body calls for it. Put your feet up with your head slightly elevated and rest. Get help with home and work commitments wherever possible.

Eat small, frequent meals, ie 6 meals per day instead of 3. Some women find that nausea is reduced if they don’t have food and fluid at the same time.

Don’t take your emotions to mealtimes, create a calm atmosphere and allow yourself ample time to eat your meal.

Avoid high fat foods especially fried foods.

Avoid spicy foods and any foods that you know upset you.

If the smell of cooking or hot food makes you feel ill, try to eat cold foods instead.


Fluid Intake
Fluid intake is vital, especially if your symptoms are moderate to severe. Ensure you are getting enough fluid. 6-8 glasses per day is a minimum.

If you find water difficult to swallow at this time, try the following which can help you to get some nutrients and stay hydrated:
weak tea
diluted fruit or vegetable juices
flat lemonade
dry ginger ale
cordial
milk drinks
sports drinks

Still Struggling?
If you are really struggling even to keep down fluids, and you are already using the acupressure points suggested, an acupuncture treatment can help to more powerfully clear the nausea and vomiting. See also the information about the herbal capsules.


Snacking
Snacking can help to reduce symptoms of nausea. Stick mostly with plain and bland foods at this stage:
- Toast with jam or honey
- Sandwiches with low fat fillings
- Baked potato with baked beans
- Low fat milk puddings and yoghurt
- Breakfast cereal with low fat milk
- Boiled or scrambled eggs
- Fruit salad, stewed or fresh fruit
- Low fat soups
- Cold meat/fish (home cooked)
- Boiled rice



Supplements that can assist
B6 can reduce severe nausea and vomiting, and is best taken as part of a B complex, or sourced from sesame seeds, chick peas, bananas, sweetcorn, raisins, hazelnuts
Magnesium is depleted by vomiting. Nuts, pumpkin seeds, beans, avocado and broccoli are good sources.
Zinc requirements increase during pregnancy, zinc deficiency can worsen nausea. Ginger is a good source of zinc.

Herbal Medicines
In your kit you have been given a course of anti-nausea herbal capsules.

These capsules are proven by research to reduce morning sickness, and do not contain ingredients that would harm the baby or compromise the pregnancy in any way.

Dose: 1-2 capsules each time, up to 4 times per day. Take only as needed.

Further information about this formula, including research trials conducted, please contact the clinic.

Still No Improvement?
If symptoms are severe despite following the earlier mentioned actions, please seek medical attention.

It is important that you are able to ingest appropriate amounts of nutrients and fluids to avoid dehydration and potential risks to the pregnancy.

Pre Natal Care - The Traditional Chinese Perspective

Pre Natal Care

It takes 100 days for the ova to mature before ovulation and in this time is susceptible to damage. It also takes 116 days for sperm to form and this also needs to be taken into consideration.  Getting the parents bodies healthy before conception is ensuring the health of your child. Just like with gardening, farmers would choose the best seeds, and well fertilized soil to reap the benefits from their crops. The health of the fetus depends on the quality of the inherited DNA or “Jing” (Essence and Vitality), from BOTH parents. It is dependant on how they have lived their lives – not just the month they attempted to conceive is on trial.

Lifestyle habits such as poor nutrition, regular consumption of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, environmental pollution, stresses, late nights, dehydration, immunizations and infections are also risk factors when planning and preparing for pregnancy. The way you live before and during conception will impact on the health of your child forever.

This is particularly important if the mother and/or father to be, have been on any long term medications such as the Oral contraceptive Pill, anti-biotics, anti-inflammatories, aspirin, corticosteroids, or had recent CT scans X rays or major dental work. If any of these drugs have been taken long-term, please consult your G.P to see if you can reduce or remove any medications. The use of these drugs and tests could affect the health of the embryo. It is useful to wait a few months post these prescriptions to enable the liver to detoxify these chemicals out of the body.

Healthy menstruation leads to healthy pregnancy. When we have a regular healthy cycle (28 days apart, 5 days of bleeding, no stopping and starting, no clotting, pain or brown blood), then our body is full of Qi and Blood, which is what is needed to make a child. If there are menstrual disorders prior to pregnancy, the very same


NATURAL CONCEPTION

It is important to consider when to stop taking the pill. Consider other forms of contraception before you stop taking the pill as it takes at least four months for your hormones to balance themselves out naturally.  Condoms may be your best alternative.

If using an IUD, have it removed at least 4 months prior to conception to resume your natural cycle and hormone levels. If it is a copper IUD this may reduce your zinc levels, which is a crucial vitamin for fertility.


THE CHINESE PERSPECTIVE

Asian Cultures always avoid allowing their bodies to be exposed to cold. Perhaps our Grandmothers told us not to wear midriff tops as it injures the kidneys, and maybe being modern women, we have considered this type of advice to be just another old wives tale. However in China today, expectant mothers, pregnant mothers and especially new mums are kept well away from the cold, and are advised to do so not just by their culture but in the hospitals as well. 

The most important organ and meridian for conception according to Chinese medicine are the Kidneys. In relation to the other organ networks, the kidney is situated in the lowest position. Therefore has a large role to play in the function of the sexual organs, and sex drive. The kidney is the source of the human body, and the initial sprout of physical life in conception. Thus it is paramount that the mother and father to be have strong Kidneys.

The kidneys are thought of as the ocean of the human body.  As oceans are situated on a lower level than the earth's streams and rivers, they draw every one of them to form one large body of water. So the kidneys rely on the strength of all other organs to support them, so they can then in turn nourish all other organs and the brain. Oceans may appear vast and inexhaustible, yet they still drain off some of their seemingly unlimited supply. The Kidneys can become drained from stress, cold invasion, birthing many children and sadly to say too much sex!

How much sex is too much sex? .........







Note:

FOR DAD

If you suffer from night sweats, erectile dysfunction, your penis is cold to touch, you can not sustain an erection or get a full erection, then any of these factors could be indicators for sub infertility issues. Please book an appointment with your Chinese Doctor to receive treatment at least 4 months before trying to conceive.

For more information see http://www.foresight-preconception.org.uk

Nutritional Supplements during Pregnancy

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Multivitamins

Many women choose to take one of the well branded multi-vitamins when they are pregnant or breastfeeding. These supplements can be ok provided that:

-         no deficiency existed prior

-         all food is organic and actually contains the nutrients that it ought to (most Australian soils are depleted of zinc and other vital nutrients)

-         your digestion is working at 100% efficiency

-         your life has zero stress and you don’t live in a city with pollution

Clinically we see that most women have each of these 4 factors working against them in their pregnancy, and they can very quickly show the signs of vitamin/mineral deficiency. Waiting until the signs of deficiency have appeared mean that we have already lost the opportunity for optimal nutrition for your unborn child throughout pregnancy – therefore we act preventatively when recommending nutritional supplements to ensure you are making the most STUNNING baby possible, not just any old baby made from what is leftover after a busy, stressful life.

To achieve optimal pregnancy and breastfeeding nutrition, additional nutrients need to be supplemented. Below is a table that shows the nutritional levels of Elevit, and the supplements you should take to meet the recommended levels described earlier.

After Birth Care with Traditional Medicine

After Birth Care

Asian Cultures always avoid allowing their bodies to be exposed to cold. Perhaps our Grandmothers told us not to wear midriff tops as it injures the kidneys, and maybe being modern women, we have considered this type of advice to be old wives tales and thought nothing of it. However in China today, expectant mothers, pregnant mothers and especially new mums are kept well away from the cold, and are advised to do so not just by their culture but in the hospitals as well.  

The most important organ and meridian for conception according to Chinese medicine are the Kidneys. In relation to the other organ networks, the kidney is situated in the lowest position. Therefore has a large role to play in the function of the sexual organs, and sex drive. The kidney is the source of the human body, and the initial sprout of physical life in conception. Thus it is paramount that the mother and father to be have strong Kidneys.

The kidneys are thought of as the ocean of the human body.  As oceans are situated on a lower level than the earth's streams and rivers, they draw every one of them to form one large body of water. So the kidneys rely on the strength of all other organs to support them, so they can then in turn nourish all other organs and the brain. Oceans may appear vast and inexhaustible, yet they still drain off some of their seemingly unlimited supply. The Kidneys can become drained from stress, cold invasion, birthing many children and sadly to say too much sex!

How much sex is too much sex? It depends on your age. As a guide line, under 25 years of age: 4/5 x a week should not damage the Kidneys, as the Kidneys are robust when we are young. However as we age our Kidneys vitality also ages and we must reduce our sexual activities, especially men upon ejaculation.  From ages 25 – 30: 4  x a week, 30 – 35: 3 x a week, ect. This is a round about number, and is to be used as a guide line, just so people understand that as good as sex is, it is also draining when practiced too much.

Those who are knowledgeable in the art of nourishing life take care to shut off the lower exit, in the case of men, reducing the amount they ejaculate. However to generally protect the Kidneys we can protect the end point of the kidney channel at the foot, by doing this we mean; keep your feet warm! When cold enters the Kidneys it depletes the Kidneys Yang qi, or the fire of the Kidneys.

When we protect and shut off the lower exit there will be a nourishing cycle that is free of leaks. This will mean that the Kidneys can become robust and strong. When this happens there will be physical and mental clarity, constitution and fertility will be strong, and your body’s temperature will regulate. The art of longevity is all about the strength of the Kidneys.

As said above, for the kidneys to function properly they need to stay warm. When cold invades into the channel or the organ, the Kidney strength becomes depleted. This creates problems like; feeling chronically cold, low libido, chronic fatigue and also infertility issues with either conceiving or miscarrying, a  damaged digestion and therefore metabolism problems (weight gain), lowered immunity, slowed blood circulation, and can prevent the body from holding organs in their right place (prolapse), that includes babies (miscarriage), increases the effects of aging, and can cause either constipation or serious urinary and fecal incontinence after birth, uterine over bleeding after birth and consequently if the yang is not treated, then over bleeding in later menstrual periods and subsequent deliveries.

Cold stops the movement of qi and blood, which then creates stagnation and eventually pain. Cold can easily get trapped in the womb, causing painful periods in the future and cause numbness during sex, loss of the ability to orgasm and stunt libido completely.

Preventing cold from entering the body would mean that NO cold packs should be used during labor, either to numb pain or to placed on the perineum right after birth to reduce swelling and pain in that area right after delivery.

Keeping your feet warm means if your toes feel cool, then they are cold and you need to put another layer of sox on, or some boots. In winter always wear sox and shoes, no open toed shoes, slip on’s and especially no thongs. If your feet are still cold with boots on then order some magnetic inner soles.  At home always keep your feet warm, no bare feet in winter, always wear slippers or ugg boots, especially on cold tiles.

We must also keep the area of the uterus warm, especially after birth. During a womans birthing experience, either vaginal or Caesar, the woman’s internal body opens itself up to the external world, making the body vulnerable to external cold invasion. To prevent more cold from entering the body after your fatigued from birth (and generally, always and forever more) wear tops that you can tuck in, so you can keep your abdomen and lower back warm.

Do not eat or drink beverages that are cold in temperature, especially in winter. That means drinks straight from the fridge and any drinks with ice. Always heat up your meals. No raw foods in winter, and minimise raw foods throughout the entire year so that you always are eating at least 85% cooked foods. If you are going to eat raw foods always eat it at an end of a meal.

Panadol and antibiotics are both cold medicines and can damage yang. Where possible try to avoid these medications. If it is necessary to take these medications, try and keep yourself extra warm, and drink lots of hot tea.

You can also deplete your Yang qi by over working yourself, exhaustion and insufficient rest.  It is important as a mother to a young baby that you don’t over exert your energy, as you will be doing enough by recovering from labor, making breast milk and having many sleepless nights.

Try and organise a family member or some friends to come and bring you some cooked meals for the first dew weeks after birth so you can just concentrate on breast feeding. Try and organize before the birth as much support for yourself as possible. You may even want to hire a house cleaner to come in for a few hours every week or fortnight for the first three months.

CHINESE MEDICINE FOR NEWBORNS AND NEW MUMS

Chinese medicine is perfect not only for the mother to be, but can help tremendously for the issues that may arise in the first few months after birth. Chinese medicine can treat:

For the Mum: Insufficient milk, Mastitis, Depression, Constipation, Headache and Fatigue

For your Baby: Constipation, Diarrhea, Colic, Restlessness, Sleeplessness, Not feeding properly, Rash.

We can also work with your new born through the immunization process if you choose to immunize, by helping their small bodies clear out the heavy metals that are used as preservative in immunization injections.