I am one part inner-natural-hippie chick and one part western-medicine-makes-me-feel-safe-woman. Therefore, when it comes to making a birth plan I lie somewhere in between choosing IV drugs and munching on tree bark while imagining my vagina is a blossoming flower.
I opted for an OB versus a midwife. I plan to have our baby in our room at night, but not co-sleep. I plan to breastfeed, but will not gauge my eyes out if it’s not working. I believe in the power of visualization and deep breathing, but I also believe in cursing and punching my husband.
As you can see—I’m open to just about anything and everything. All I really care about is the health of my baby (and the state of my vagina). I’m not going to lie. I really want that shit to stay intact! For the record, I’m also petrified of c-sections.
Therefore, in an effort to keep my vagina happy, my uterus strong and my cervix soft and ready, I’ve been chatting with an old high school friend who also happens to be a Naturopathic Doctor. She is amazing, and has offered me a lot of support and advice leading up to my labour and delivery. Her name is Dr. Stacey Fritsch, she’s particularly passionate about mothers and babies, and she practices out of Port Hope, Ontario.
I’ve asked Dr. Stacey (we’re on a casual name basis, it’s no big deal) a few questions about naturopathic medicine and pregnancy.
Dr. Fritsch (I should be formal now, since it’s an interview) what are the three most important things, in your opinion, that a woman can do to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy?
1. Master the Art of Acceptance: Accepting the pregnancy, accepting the changes your body is undergoing (yes this includes the bloating, swollen ankles, stretch marks and loss of your belly button), accepting that your labor may not turn out as expected, accepting your new role as a mom and accepting the fact that you may have no idea how you are going to do all this. The relationship between mom and baby starts in utero and your baby is already picking up on and being influenced by your mood and wellbeing far before their due date. If you aren’t ready to have them—they aren’t going to be ready to come!!!
2. Proper Nutrition: The myth is, “when pregnant your eating calories for two,” but the reality is that you're eating nutrients for two. Most pregnancy related health concerns can be avoided by consuming a nutrient dense diet. This doesn’t mean you can’t act on your new found craving for peanut butter and pickles, just make sure you have already had your required servings of fruits, veggies and proteins for the day.
3. Stay Hydrated: I like to see all my pregnant moms drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. During pregnancy you have a higher need for water as your blood volume increases by 40-50% in order to deliver nutrients to your developing baby. Staying hydrated also helps to keep your intestinal tract moving which tends to become a bit sluggish when pregnant—some of you may have seen the “rabbit turds” a typical sign of intestinal dehydration.
What is red raspberry leaf tea, and what is it used for?
This is the LEAF of the raspberry bush, not to be confused with the BERRIES. However, equally as yummy, raspberry leaves are loaded with nutrients that are highly tonic to the entire body especially the pelvic region. Red raspberry leaf has been used around the world for thousands of years as a uterine tonic in pregnant woman. The leaf helps your uterus contract more efficiently (but it does not induce contractions) during labor and after (as the uterus shrinks back to its normal size) to promote quicker labors and reduce post-labor complications such as bleeding. I can’t make any claims or promises but Iet’s just say I have seen remarkably quick labors when red raspberry leaf was used as a part of a Labor Preparation Protocol.
What is evening primrose oil, and what is it used for?
While the raspberry leaves tonify the uterus EPO prepares the cervix for labor. EPO It is a great source of Prostaglandins—a fancy term for something that essentially makes your cervix softer and stretchier (sounds good right?) so dilation can happen. EPO can be taken orally and as well as a vaginal suppository as you enter your final weeks of pregnancy. My favorite use however, is the famous “dip stick” to induce labor! I’ll keep you hanging on this one and maybe Jen will later fill us in on the details!
What do you believe are the benefits of Naturopathic medicine, particularly during pregnancy?
I think there are numerous benefits, but if I had to sum them up:
1. Non-Invasive/Gentle/Safe Treatment Options for Pregnancy Related Health Concerns (morning sickness, high blood sugar, constipation, leg cramps etc.) Naturopathic Doctors use acupuncture, herbs, dietary interventions, homeopathy and supplements to treat the root cause of your concern to restore balance.
2. Patient Education: Because our appointments are typically 30-90 minutes long we have lots of time to educate moms (on changes to expect, health problems they are experiencing, labor intervention options etc.) to empower them to make informed decisions and ease their fears/concerns as they go through pregnancy and labor.
3. Comprehensive Care: Naturopathic doctors are a great compliment to the care you receive from your midwife and/or obstetrician. If you wish to use herbs or supplments during your pregnancy you should consult an ND to determine what supplements and interventions are best and safe for you.
Thanks Dr. Fritsch! It's obvious that you are very passionate about the work you do, and yes—I'll let the readers know how the "dip stick" goes with the evening primrose oil if it comes to that... haha! Gotta love the suspense...
Also—I'm officially full term (37 weeks) and will keep everyone posted, because you never know when baby Warman will decide to show the world his/her big head! Eeek!!!
xo
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