Pesky Yeast

Ugh, yeast infections in pregnancy. What to do? Especially if you are in the 1st trimester and the regular azoles (terconazole & monistat) are not generally recommended.  Here are some natural remedies for yeast.  They can be cumbersome.  But, when done correctly, are very effective.


Garlic - Garlic has a range of health benefits from anticarcinogenic to insect repellant. It is also a wonderful antimicrobial (bacterial, fungal, parasitic). Garlic can be ingested orally (one raw cloves, capsules 600-900 mg) or inserted vaginally (one raw clove) every night for 3-7 nights.

Acidophilus - Also known as lactobacillus acidophilus is a friendly bacterial that helps to maintain a normal gut and a normal vaginal pH by acting like a natural antibiotic. Acidophilus can be found in pill and powder form. Some suggest that the refrigerated form is more effective. It can also be found in yogurt and yogurt products.

Tea tree oil - This oil may be applied topically for symptomatic relief of itching or burning.  It also has antiseptic properties which is why it is better than vitamin E or vitamin A oils.


Gentian Violet - This is a dye that is a powerful yeast killer.  It should be applied liberally in the perineal area.  It will keep the skin purple for a few days and will also dye underwear.

Allspice - Allspice is actually a green fruit (berry) that grows on the Pimenta tree.  While traditionally used to cure indigestion or stomach aches, it also has been found to have antiseptic an anesthetic effects especially against candida albicans (yeast).

Boric acid - There is a lot of controversy over boric acid capsule use in pregnancy.   Some practitioners and pharmacists are adamant that it should only be used in non-pregnant women. I also don't typically recommend it, but included it here to be complete.  It is very effective, when used as boric acid capsules, 98% of women with chronic yeast report being cured from chronic yeast.  Insert into the vagina up to twice a day for 2-4 weeks. Boric acid should NEVER be ingested orally.

The Bradley Diet for Pregnancy

There are many different reasons to eat many different ways in pregnancy; but, the Bradley Diet is one of my all time favorite GENERAL diets for normal healthy pregnancies. See below.

A WELL BALANCED PREGNANCY DIET CONSISTS OF:

Every day of the week you and your baby should have:

1. 2-4 servings of dairy. Whole dairy is preferred: whole milk, buttermilk, or cheese, yogurt, even occasionally ice cream, etc.... 
2. Up to two eggs a day, (hard boiled, in french toast, or added to other foods).
3. 40-75 grams of protein a day (depending on weight): beans, edamame, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, whey, turkey, fish (low mercury), chicken, lean beef, lamb, pork, 
4. Two good servings of fresh green leafy vegetables: kale, chard, mustard greens, collard, turnip greens, spinach, or dark lettuce. Juicing is a great way to get leafy greens.
5. Minimum of two servings of 100% whole grain: 100% sprouted whole wheat, millet, amaranth, rye, farro, spelt, quinoa, wild rice, oats, or sprouted grains.
6. A piece of citrus fruit or glass of juice of lemon, lime, orange, tomato, or grapefruit.
7. Three tablespoons healthy oils; olive, avocado, grapeseed, nuts & seeds or organic butter.
8. Other fruits and vegetables.

Also include in your diet:

1. A yellow or orange-colored fruit once a week.
2. Whole sweet potato or yam once a week.
3. Plenty of fluids, water, juice etc.
4. Salt food to taste for a safe increase in blood volume.
5. Avoid processed foods and preservatives whenever possible
6. Limit saturated fats from animal meats
7. Use lots of different colors in your foods, blue, red, green, even black (peas, beans, etc)

Avoid if possible

1. Any processed carbohydrates: most breads, cereals, pastas, crackers, or cookies. Try to eat foods that have a short shelf life (less than a week)
2. Candy and sodas, try instead 70% dark chocolate, nuts, or 5 ingredient ice cream.
3. Eating too much fruit. It can be possible to have too much fruit, try to limit your fruit to 1-2 servings a day and fill up on vegetables. 
4. High sugar fruits like grapes, watermelon, figs, and mango.
5. Avoid the "bad" veggies: Corn, soy, white potatoes, and carrots.

You may substitute proteins if you wish, being sure your proteins are complete, and that you get approximately the appropriate amount of proteins for your weight and height. If you substitute, also be sure all the elements necessary for a well balanced diet are available every day.

Placenta Encapsulation

Placentophagy, the process of eating the placenta after childbirth, is not routinely practiced in humans except in China where the placenta may be dried for medicinal herbs.  Most commonly, in the Western world, the placenta is incinerated after childbirth by the health care facility where the mother gave birth.  More commonly as in Japan, Turkey, the Ukraine, & New Zealand, the placenta is buried and a given a ceremony or funeral.  Placentophagy is actually quite common in mammals.  Aside from the pinnipedia, the cetacea, and the camel, the human is the only other mammal that does not routinely eat it's placenta after childbirth.  Placenta encapsulation is becoming more popular in the west as women are using it to starve off the 'baby blues' and 'bounce back' after childbirth.




January Jones, the rockin' blonde from Mad Men, has returned to work 7 weeks after giving birth to 'Xander' at 34.  She also attributes her speedy recovery to her placenta.  The star admits to doing placental encapsulation.