Having a Healthy Pregnancy Take prenatal yoga. “Prenatal yoga not only promotes long, lean and supple muscles, it also helps with breathing, which is important during labor and delivery,” counsels Rothman. Yoga also helps open the hip and pelvic joints and eases the aches and pains of pregnancy. The cat-cow pose, in particular, benefits the lower back, promotes circulation and even helps move the baby into the proper birth position.


Limit exposure to toxins. Examine the labels of prod- ucts you regularly use—especially skincare and cleaning products—and banish anything that contains a toxic soup of chemicals; if you can’t pronounce an ingredient, it’s prob- ably not good for you or your growing baby. Research from leading institutions such as the University of California– Berkeley and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has linked personal care and cleaning product ingredients to endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, devel- opmental and reproductive disorders and cancer. There are now plenty of easy-to-find, toxin-free product alternatives. Green cleaners are available at most grocery stores and CosmeticsDatabase.com offers helpful guidance on safe beauty products suggested by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.


Research alternative therapies. Taking drugs for common medical problems such as headaches, colds and muscle pain isn’t always the best approach. Speak with your midwife or obstetrician about options like acupuncture, massage and homeopathy. According to a study published in Acta Ob- stetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, Swedish research- ers found acupuncture to be effective in relieving back and pelvic pain during pregnancy; of the 1,500 pregnant partici- pants, 60 percent of those who tried acupuncture reported substantial pain relief.


Natural Mothering Strategies Breast is best. Although breast-feeding isn’t super easy, it’s the healthiest option. “Human milk is meant for human babies, so it’s exactly formulated to be just what babies need and what they can easily digest,” notes Rothman. Breast- feeding gives babies an immunity boost, so that they tend to get sick less often and receive just the right nutrition; it also provides a sense of comfort, warmth and security that bottle feeding can’t match.


Use natural remedies for illness. Aromatherapy and homeop- athy remedies work to reduce mothers’ and babies’ exposure to over-the-counter drugs. For instance, eucalyptus makes a good natural decongestant; simply add a few drops into the bath, a diffuser or even onto a cotton ball that can be placed on a bedside table, for a soothing scent. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any natural measures that you are taking to support family health.


Jessica Iclisoy, a holistic mother and founder of California Baby natural baby care products, writes about natural living from Beverly Hills, CA. Connect at Jessica@CaliforniaBaby.com.


Homeopathic


with a Baby on Board by Yvette Lynn


Medicines Help for Moms


Debbie Novick


Following an intuitive life path as it unfolded, Debbie Novick, a doctor of chiropractic medicine, initially put her early interests in natural medicine aside to pursue a career as a teacher of special-needs children. Filled with six years of valuable experience garnered by encouraging the intellectual and emotional growth of her charges, as well as inspiration born from dealing with challenges that often made triumphs sweeter, Novick returned to school in 1993 for an education in whole-person health at Life West Chiropractic College. Today, her combined careers allow her to be of service to a world that includes the children and adults she educates and encourages through her practice. Born and raised in Mexico City, this veteran of chiro-


practic care practices cutting-edge functional medicine, a science-based field of health care that is anchored by an examination of the core clinical imbalances that underlie various disease conditions. “Imbalances arise as environmen- tal inputs such as diet, nutrients, exercise and trauma and are processed by the body, mind and spirit through a unique set of genetic predispositions, attitudes and beliefs,” says Novick. Focusing on identifying and correcting imbalances before, during and after there is a “baby on board” is just one aspect of Novick’s brand of chiropractic care that allows her patients to experience vibrant health not only throughout their preg- nancy, but for a lifetime. Combining the natural principles of naturopathic, homeopathic and energetic medicine serves her well in helping pregnant women balance their hormones and overcome the nausea of morning sickness, fatigue, irritability, mood swings and digestive issues, such as heartburn. “There are no side effects to safe homeopathic medi-


cines such as Calcarea Carbonica 30C, Nux Vomica 30C or Lycopodium Clavatum 30C, which quell the fires of heartburn more effectively than Maalox and Tums,” advises Novick, “and they are far better for you.” Arsenicum Album 30C and Veratrum Album 30C are frequently recommended for the nausea of morning sickness. “I treat my patients using holistic, natural therapies that


nurture the body’s innate health system and address the root cause of individual health issues,” enthuses Novick, who works with her patients to create an individualized treatment plan. “Education is a key component of self-empowerment, not only in health, but also in all of life,” she says.


Contact Dr. Novick at Novick Chiropractic, 1017 Monterey Visa Way, Encinitas 92024, 760-519-1759; and Peak Perfor- mance, 4732 Point Loma Ave., San Diego 92107. Email DrDeb- nov@yahoo.com or visit DrDebnov.com. See ad on page 25.


natural awakenings natural awakenings May 2011 May 2011 27


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56