Abby's

Volume 5 Issue 5

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pregnant women on antibiotics for the entire pregnancy to prevent further infections. While cranberry should not be used to substitute for appropriate medical care, it has been shown in numerous studies to prevent UTIs. If you have a history of them, or have had one already during pregnancy, talk with your midwife or doctor about trying cranberry for prevention. While antibiotics are sometimes necessary, newer research is showing that exposure to antibiotics during pregnancy can have long-term consequences on our babies, including development of asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. Cranberry can be used in the form of cranberry juice (even Ocean Spray has been shown to work, but I recommend less sugary types from the natural foods store or fresh juice made at home in a juicer using ½ cup of fresh frozen cranberries and 2 apples) or cranberry capsules dosed as recommended on the product. Note: Untreated UTIs in pregnancy can cause serious problems; if you suspect you have one, consult your midwife or doctor. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) for better sleep Pregnancy is often a time of disturbed sleep whether from vivid dreams, new concerns over becoming a mom, or the discomfort of your growing belly making it hard to find just the right position. One of my favorite herbs for gently and safely promoting relaxation and sleep is chamomile. It is soothing for your tummy and tastes delicious, too. Chamomile can be taken up to several cup-fuls daily if you are stressed, and taken before bed for sleep. I generally recommend 1-2 cups in the evening, but do not drink tea within an hour of going to sleep or you'll surely be up to pee (though this happens in pregnancy anyway!). To make chamomile tea, steep 1 large or 2 small tea bags in 8 oz. of boiling water for up to 10 minutes, or better yet, purchase organic chamomile blossoms from a company like Mountain Rose Herbs online and brew yourself a small teapot full using 1 tablespoon of the herb per 8 oz. of water. Summary Herbs can provide substantial relief for common complaints and concerns that arise during pregnancy and childbirth. Nonetheless, like any medicines, they should be used with caution. Many herbs that have not been evaluated may nonetheless offer simple, safe, gentle, and effective solutions for common problems of pregnancy, ranging from anemia to yeast infections. Abby's Magazine - Volume 5 Issue 5| Page 49 OMEGA-3s ARE ESSENTIAL. T H E R I G H T B R A N D I S T O O . We all need omega-3s to stay healthy. But most of us don't get enough. Fish oil is a great source of these essential fats. So get the omega-3s you need from the #1 fish oil in the U.S.† † Based on SPINS Scan Data ON SALE SEPT-OCT 2017 S e l e ct N O R D I C N AT U RA L S P RO D U C TS #1 OMEGA-3 IN THE U.S. O M E G A - 3 F I S H O I L

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