To Help You and Your Baby

Sunday, January 1st 2006

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Women who plan to conceive, are already pregnant or are breastfeeding will benefit from taking Efanatal on a daily basis. Women who are working until the last weeks of their pregnancy or who have a rushed lifestyle which might lead to an inadequate diet need LCP's (Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) for all aspects of health. The last three months of pregnancy and the months after birth are the most active periods of LCP accumulation in the baby's brain and the retina of the eye. After birth the baby receives the LCP's provided by Efanatal through the mother's breast milk.

Studies suggest that boosting levels of LCP's DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and AA (Arachidonic Acid) during pregnancy can result n significantly better eye and brain function in the baby.

LCP's make up around 20% of the brain and it is therefore important that the foetus should have constant access to sufficient quantities to ensure proper development. When LCP's are converted into hormone like messengers they are involved in regulating many of the body's processes including nerve cell function, blood flow and the way the eyes react to light.

Availability of LCP's determines the way in which the nerves in the brain work, especially at nerve junctions, hence their important influence on the way in which messages are transmitted and coordinated by the brain.

If you are pregnant remember to also take a daily zinc supplement, such as Radiance OptiZinc to help prevent post natal depression.

Stretch Marks

These can unfortunately form when layers of skin tear instead of stretching evenly as required when the baby is growing. The thighs, stomach and breast areas are most frequently affected.

To help prevent stretch marks, a moisturiser that can penetrate deeply is essential to ensure the skin is able to stretch properly. Jason Cocoa Butter Moisturising Crème with Vitamin E helps protect against dry skin and wrinkles. Jason Cocoa Butter Hand & Body Lotion contains extra rich emollients that naturally soften and soothe all skin types. It effectively protects the skin and helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Reproduced unabridged from the January - March 2006 issue of Health and Herbal News, with the kind permission of Health and Herbs International Ltd.

The following products are all useful for before, during and after Pregnancy:

Bee Pollen
Blessed Thistle
Divine Face Oil
Efanatal
Folic Acid 800mcg
Maybe Baby
Mineral Power
Multi Power
Multi for Pregnancy
Pregnancy-Tea
Prenatal Nutrients
Superior Iron
Spirulina Capsules

Related health information can be found here:

Breast Feeding
Calcium Deficiency
Herbs to avoid during pregnancy
Labour
Lactation
Morning Sickness
Pregnancy
Spirulina - nature's richest whole food source
Stretch Marks
Water Retention

Related articles can be found here:

A new baby, a new body

Calm children at last

Healthy eye & brain development for babies

Minerals: Critical for well-being

Nature or Bad Parenting?

The Efamol story

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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