Herbs Contraindicated During Pregnancy

Attached is our complete list of herbs to avoid during pregnancy. We have also indicated which herbs can be included in food during pregnancy, and some that can be safely used during the final trimester. Please feel free to download the PDF below to keep on-hand for future reference. VHP_Herbs_CI_in_Pregnancy (Click to download)

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A Doula’s Role

A Doula’s Role

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Preventing Cold & Flu

How can we prevent  a cold or the flu?

We can OPTIMIZE the resilience of the body.

Colds and flus are opportunistic pathogens. When a person’s immune system is run down it presents an “opportunity” for the pathogen to infect the body.

The immune system becomes run down from:

  •  highly refined diets
  •  refined sugar
  •  chronic stress
  •  lack of sleep
[table id=4 /] LIFESTYLE SUGGESTIONS
  • Wash hands with soap frequently during the day
  •  Ensure adequate rest – 8 hours in ideal. Restful sleep is healing and restorative
  • Do deep breathing exercises
  • Walk and do stretching exercises to boost the immune system (Note: Extreme aerobic exercises and weight training are best minimized if you have any of the above symptoms)
  • Dry skin brushing and contrast showers are useful to support...

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What is a FEVER?

A fever represents the mobilization of the body’s immune system.

It is the first reaction of our immune defense and indicates that the person is defending themselves.

In children under 7 years old, a fever indicates a building of the immune system.

The fever is a part of the non-specific immune response.

  • 37 C normal body temperature
  • 37.5 C encourages microbes (inefficient)
  • 37.5-.9 C bacteriostatic (limits bacterial growth)
  • 39 - 40.5 C kills bacteria (efficient) *except in newborns
  • above 40.5 C destroy own self (cells)

THE BENEFITS OF FEVER:

• Fever is the primary mode of immune system function in infants and young children who have not yet developed a mature immune system....

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