COVID-19 AND PREGNANT AND NURSING MOTHERS

COVID-19 AND PREGNANT AND NURSING MOTHERS

Interview with Birgitta Lauren, Holistic Fertility and Childbirth Health Coach

          The following is a short interview with National Health Federation’s Executive Director and Managing Editor Katherine Carroll and NHF Los Angeles Representative and Childbirth and Nutrition Expert Birgitta Lauren.

            Carroll: Pregnant and breastfeeding Mothers are asking for guidance from the National Health Federation (NHF) regarding how COVID-19 impacts their unique situation particularly in the arena of aiming to protect themselves and their child by using higher than normal doses of nutritional supplements. Some of these Mothers have the COVID-19 actively and others simply want preventative guidance safe not only for themselves but their unborn or nursing child.

            Lauren: Yes, these Mothers need to breastfeed if at all possible as their breastmilk will provide the antibodies for the baby and will always be the very best food and provide immunity for the baby. Mom needs to take an excellent multivitamin, fish oil, higher Vitamin C levels – up to 3-5 grams daily in divided doses during pregnancy. Also, Vitamin A (beta-carotene in the multivitamin only), 5,000 IU of vitamin D3, Vitamin E, zinc, glutathione, L-arginine, and antioxidants. Baby should get drops of Vitamin A and D mixed in some bottled breastmilk every day.

Diffusing essential oils in the vicinity of both Mother and baby such as OnGuard or Thieves-like essential oil will kill airborne viruses.

However, if pregnant, I would only use essential oils of lemon and orange to prevent early delivery. I would avoid emmenagogues such as oregano or peppermint. (An emmenagogue is an agent that is an abortifacient, hastening menstrual flow or early delivery of an unborn child.)

When breastfeeding, using galactagogues, such as fennel, fenugreek, dill, etc. which boosts breast milk production, is a good idea. They are also anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. These can be used as a tea, tincture, or as essential oils topically or diffusing the oil. (Galactagogues are best avoided in pregnancy.)

          Carroll: Mothers have expressed concern at taking extra Vitamin C, despite it being listed as effective against COVID-19. The potential for diarrhea in the Mother when taking Vitamin C in increased doses could cause the same effect in the baby and create dehydration.

          Lauren: Everything in moderation. 5-10 grams of vitamin C won’t cause dehydration. Of course, proper hydration is vital; drinking lots of fluids is important, but also avoiding mouth breathing and caffeine which can both be very dehydrating.  Sunshine and exercise too is important to boost a Mother’s immune system.

           Carroll: Excellent, thank you. Dehydration in the child was a real concern. Thank you for alleviating that worry.

           Lauren: CoQ₁₀ is also important. And astaxanthin is an excellent antioxidant at any time, not only when faced with Coronavirus. Lastly, please don’t stress if you are a Mother with COVID-19 or trying to keep yourself and your family from getting this virus. Fear is very dangerous. Meditation can help alleviate stress and fear. Basically, most of us already have antibodies for the Coronavirus as it used to be classified generally as the common cold before it was manipulated and weaponized.

           Birgitta Lauren, Holistic Fertility and Childbirth Health Coach, fitness and nutrition expert, author of Expecting Fitness, speaker, and aromatherapist.