Did you know?

• Omega-3 fats taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding can reduce a mother’s risk for postpartum depression

• Omega-3 fats support the healthy development of the fetal brain, eyes, nervous system, and immune system

• Omega-3 fats significantly reduce the risk of allergies in infants

• Omega-3 fats improve attention and focus in infants and young children

One thing we know for certain is that being pregnant does not automatically mean that you will become depressed after the birth of your child. However, if you do not nourish your body properly during pregnancy and breastfeeding you are at risk. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an Omega-3 essential fatty acid that makes up approximately 20% of the human brain and nervous system. DHA is considered essential because the body cannot produce this type of fat and it is essential that it is obtained from the diet.During the last trimester of pregnancy, the developing fetus’ nervous system undergoes a tremendous growth spurt. In order for the developing nervous system to grow properly, it requires healthy fat in the form of DHA from the mother. Maternal stores of DHA are preferentially shuttled to the fetus at this time, leaving a smaller supply for mom. I’m sure most moms will agree; we always give our children the best of what we have!Unfortunately, unless a mother is eating a lot of fish, or supplementing with a high quality fish oil product, the new mom can be left depleted of DHA, and therefore at risk of developing postpartum depression. Following childbirth, a newborn’s nervous system continues to grow rapidly, and similar to pregnancy, DHA is preferentially shuttled through breast milk to the new baby. Again, leaving mom with depleted stores of healthy, essential fat, furthering her risk factors for depression and baby blues.The bottom line is that pre and postnatal supplementation with essential fatty acids is as essential as a prenatal vitamin! International organizations recommend a minimum of 300mg daily of DHA, however I suggest 450mg of DHA. Try Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA, which will give you this amount in just 2 capsules.–Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.

The state of women’s emotional health during and following pregnancy has become a hot topic on Capitol Hill. During the spring of 2008, Congress will be addressing provisions for “The Mother’s Act”, Senate Bill 1375, which provides federal funding for the development of new treatments for anxiety, depression, and unpleasant mood changes that can occur with motherhood. The “baby blues” of motherhood are characterized by mood swings, feelings of being overwhelmed, tearfulness, irritability, mood changes and a sense of vulnerability, all of which any new mother can attest to!

While the excitement around the passing of this bill is high, it can’t be overlooked that much of the funding for this bill is coming from the pharmaceutical industry. Let me assure you, pregnant women do not have an anti-depressant deficiency. Nutritional treatments for improving emotional health during and following pregnancy have been scientifically proven and need to be considered as well.

It is well established that appropriate nutrition greatly improves pregnancy outcomes for both mom and baby. During pregnancy, a women’s physiology changes dramatically to meet the needs of the growing baby. Nutritional demands, in the form of fat, protein and calories, must be increased to ensure that these physiologic changes are met.

Be sure to write your Senators and let them know that you support this bill, especially if it is inclusive of non-pharmaceutical means as well, including, but not limited to nutritional intervention. Let your voice be heard!!

–Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.