Proud Sponsor of:

Ask Patricia Chuey, nutritionist

Q: I'm trying to lose the pregnancy weight by choosing "light" versions of my fave foods. They often contain aspartame and other artificial sweeteners. Is this bad?

A: A well-balanced pattern of meals and snacks all containing protein and quality carbohydrates will assist weight loss more than simply choosing "light" foods. While nursing, instead of restricting calories, emphasize quality foods and begin to get back to exercise as you are able. Health Canada has approved aspartame as safe up to a level of 40 mg/kg/body weight per day. This is well beyond the amount anyone is likely to consume. Still, it is not a substance that originates in nature. I am not a fan of it. Choose foods that are "light" simply by having less salt, sugar or fat added without the addition of artificial replacements.

Ask Dawn Sparks, registered massage therapist

Q: Can I use aromatherapy when pregnant and with my baby?

A: With caution! Essential oils, aromatic liquids extracted from flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots and trees, are very powerful medicinal substances. It is always wise to seek out the help and advice of a certified aromatherapist when using aromatherapy as complementary medicine and this is doubly important when you are pregnant or when using it on your baby.
With this warning in mind, aromatherapy can be a wonderful way to alleviate the more uncomfortable aspects of pregnancy and to enhance the wonder of this time.
The focus is on gentler oils (nothing too stimulating), used well diluted. And all oils should be avoided during the first trimester. There are many oils that are contra-indicated through pregnancy based on their known properties and effects. The oils that are considered safe are: Bergamot, Chamomile (Roman & German), Geranium, Lavender, Neroli, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang.

Ask Renee Taylor, registered pre/postnatal acupuncturist

Q: Can acupuncture help with anxiety due to the extra stress of having a high-needs baby?

A: Having a baby is a joyous time although it can also be very trying. Adjusting to the new roles, relationships, sleep deprivation, not to mention the physical recovery from labour are challenging enough. Having a high-needs baby intensifies all these challenges, often contributing to more anxiety and even depression. Acupuncture can help ease the transition into motherhood as it offers women a safe, effective treatment option to help restore energy, calm the mind, ease anxiety and treat depression. Women usually feel calm, relaxed and less overwhelmed by their new roles--making it easier for them to enjoy this special time with baby.
One research study from Stanford University showed that acupuncture can offer also protection from postpartum depression.

Treatments can commence at anytime, although restorative treatments for the mother are recommended as prevention starting as early as the first week postpartum.