NATUROPATHIC INDUCTION- GENTLE ENCOURAGEMENT EARTHSIDE

In the early morning hours of a snowy January day, after 17 minutes at the hospital and two very satisfying pushes, my husband and I welcomed a tiny, perfect daughter into the world. My heart filled with love, pride and an overwhelming sense of relief.
At 32 weeks gestation we had a scheduled growth ultrasound to check our daughter's progress in the womb, and to double check a foot that appeared to be turned in, earlier at our 20 week ultrasound. What we found, was that our daughter was small for gestational age. What cannot be determined in these cases is why? Was my placenta not functioning optimally as the neonatologist suggested as a cause, was there a knot in the cord? I knew it wasn't from the other three common causes; smoking, drinking or malnutrition. Perhaps,  suggested my non-medical sister, it's a little girl who is "just nipped in at the waist", as it turns out, my sister spears to have been right!
The neonatologist told me not to be alarmed, chances were the baby was fine, but she didn't want me to gestate past 38 weeks. My heart sank. I'm a big advocate of natural childbirth. I believe birth should follow a natural progression, allowing for nature to take its course unless the well being of babe or mama is at a measurable risk. I went home and researched everything I could do as a naturopathic doctor to help my baby grow; I enlisted the help, support and advice of friends and colleagues. Over the next two weeks she grew twice as much as "expected", and continued to show that trend at the 37 week check up as well. At our 37 week check up the neonatologist said she didn't need to see us again, and she no longer suggested induction before the baby reached term.
From 38 weeks gestation until she was born on her own timeline at 40 weeks and three days I was given a lot of pressure at weekly visits with my obstetrician gynecologist to induce labor, just in case. Just in case me being of advanced maternal age put the fetus at risk, just in case her small size made her more susceptible to fetal death, just in case a protein in my serum indicated an unknown issue with her physiology. Wouldn't I rather have her now,  when we knew everything was fine, versus waiting for something to go wrong? I resisted. Instead I wanted her to be born when the incredibly intricate interplay of hormones and physiology brought her earth side naturally. Throughout these weeks we continued to follow her growth, fetal blood flow and do ultrasound profiles to determine her well being. I also started using naturopathic means to gently encourage her earth side.
"Naturopathic induction", unlike medical induction will not mechanically or hormonally start labor; rather it will encourage nature to take its course.
The following is a discussion of possible methods I would use when helping to encourage a labor to begin. During weeks 38 through to my babe’s birth, I employed them all.
Acupuncture is usually my first tool of choice when working with mothers who are ready to birth. I choose points according to the individual aspects of the case presenting, as well as a classic combination of points used traditionally to move energy downwards, calm the nervous system and help to "open” the musculature in the pelvic floor. I try to do acupuncture for about thirty minutes for three days in a row.
Prostaglandins are tiny fatty compounds in our bodies that have hormone like action. We know that prostaglandins help to ready the cervix for effacement (opening and thinning); semen is high in prostaglandins, as is evening primrose oil. I recommend lots of intimacy, as well as oral and topical application of evening primrose oil to help support the action of the bodies own prostaglandin synthesis .
Many natural childbirth educators also advocate intimacy for its promotion of relaxation, and feelings of security, which can also help to release any extra tension in the pelvic floor. I should also mention nipple stimulation here, which can be done manually or with a great pump, continuous stimulation for 20 minutes at a time several times per day may start contractions due to oxytocin release.
Homeopathy can also be used to help encourage the baby to move into a position of optimal engagement; head down, back to moms belly, chin to its chest, arms at side. The right remedy can also help mom stay relaxed and ready.
Castor oil is a laxative herb that really stimulates the bowels to start moving. This technique is the most often referred to "home remedy" for labor induction. It is thought that by stimulating the bowels into action, the uterus may also be stimulated into action, causing contractions to start with hours of drinking a castor oil "milkshake".
Herbal medicines such as black cohosh, blue cohosh and partridge berry also have a long history traditional use. There is some research that shows these herbs can cause harm if not used sparingly and correctly, so I do not recommend their use outside of professional supervision. Red raspberry leaf tea, on the other hand should be taken as often as possible from week 34 onward to help support the uterus for effective contractions.
Walking and other physical modalities are also very helpful for relaxation and proper positioning. I had a fantastic osteopathic treatment by Annabelle Gaudet from the Clinic Jaune in Shediac

the week before my labor, as well as my first rebozo treatment by traditional birth attendant Lisa Leblanc the night before I went into labor.
In retrospect, it is impossible to know if any of these treatments helped to hasten my labor. I birthed my son at almost the exact same point in gestation without any medical or naturopathic induction. Her birth was faster, less painful, and "smoother", but again, that could be because it was my second child and she was so tiny. In the end I'll never know. I can remain happy and confident that I made the right decisions for my family. Once babe is in our arms, none of us really need to focus on anything else, do we?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR & WISHING YOU EPIC ENERGY IN 2015!

Happy New Year! As many of you know I am expecting my second child any day now. I will be taking some time off to be with my family in early 2015, and plan to return to 360 Health Centre by early April. Wishing you & your families the absolute best in 2015! Dr.Renee Purdy ND I'd like to welcome Dr. Purdy to 360 Health Centre. Dr. Purdy will be providing care for my patients during my short maternity leave. She will be in the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays until early April. If you would like to book an appointment with her, or if you need a refill on your existing naturopathic prescriptions,  please contact 360 Health Centre at 506.830.6600

Hope for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the most common complaints I come across with my female patients seeking fertility support. Typically it occurs in ten percent of women but for those with fertility challenges endometriosis is thought to be the culprit almost fifty percent of the

time. Symptoms are typically related to pelvic pain; pain with periods, pain with intercourse, vague abdominal pain, and pain with bowel movements. Although it has a hereditary trend, some women do not know they have the condition until faced with challenges when trying
to conceive.
Endometriosis is thought to occur during fetal development when cells from the inner lining of the uterus migrate, or are misplaced, elsewhere
in the body. Most often these cells end up in the pelvic cavity between the uterus and the rectum, but they have been discovered in other location such as the lungs, brain, and nasal passages. Many women start the birth control pill at a young age due to the
symptoms related to endometriosis, such as the aforementioned pain, and irregular, unpredictable cycles.  More often than not, these women's cycles are "regulated" on the pill and are then faced with the
return of symptoms when they discontinue the birth control pills in an
attempt to conceive.
As a naturopathic doctor my treatment goal is to help relieve symptoms
while seeking to address the underlying cause of disease. With
endometriosis this involves addressing the pain caused by
inflammation. Usually the most effective way to reduce overall
inflammation in a person’s entire system to identify and remove food
sensitivities, and to switch foods high in arachadonic acid with those
high in omega three fatty acids.  The most common denominator in the
above food equation is the moderation or complete removal of foods made
from cow's dairy. Approximately fifty percent of adults have at least
some degree of dairy intolerance, and dairy foods are also high in
pro-inflammatory fats; aracahadonic acid. Replacing some dairy foods
with hemp milk, flax oil, and chia seeds is one way to tip the
inflammation scales in your favor. 
Another common treatment goal with endometriosis is to balance the
immune system. Endometriosis does have an autoimmune component as many
women who are tested have self versus self antibodies.  Coincidently
removal of food sensitive’s can help with immune system balance, as
can my three all around favorite supplements; probiotics, fish oil,
and vitamin D. Another important component of immune regulation is
stress management. The physical pain of endometriosis can cause
depression and anxiety, combined with the disappointment of fertility
challenges, it can be challenging for women to move through without
some periods of high tension. Breathing techniques, mind-body
awareness and gentle exercises can help with stress management, and thus balance of the stress hormone cortisol.
As pain relents, stress relents, and the immune system
appears to be more balanced we may also have to employ natural
hormone support to regain regular monthly cycles. Here, the brassica family of foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts can help to balance female reproductive hormones.  Herbal medicines such as chaste tree berry, dong qaui and false unicorn root
can also be very helpful. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal blends
are an effective choice for regulating hormones, relieving pain, and
increasing blood circulation to the pelvic region.
All of these natural approaches to endometriosis treatment can be used
on their own or in combination with conventional treatments such as
surgery, clomid, IUI and In vitro fertilization. I would suggest
arranging a consult with myself (or another naturopathic doctor) before starting any of the nutritional or herbal treatments described above, to ensure safety and efficacy. Women are so often times doubtful when I tell them their periods do not have to be painful, and amazed when this becomes their actuality. 

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