The wait is over–KIWI’s latest issue hits newsstands today! I’m willing to bet our adorable cover shot is enough to draw you in (we’re dedicating extra attention to pregnancy and babies this month) but here’s a sneak peak of what you’ll find inside:

• Mama’s on the move Keep your mind, body, and baby bump healthy with these simple exercises you can do right at home. Plus, yoga for moms-to-be.
• Go green, baby! Small tweaks to your baby’s routine make bedtime, mealtime, and playtime more eco-friendly.
• Family matters From creating a pumping room to bringing babies to work, these four moms were determined to make their workplaces more family-friendly.
• More The best natural remedies for your baby, fun car games for your next family road trip, and birthday parties that give back.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Moms-to-be, say goodbye to the ice chips. A new review of existing studies has found that banning food or drink during labor has no benefit to for most healthy women in labor or their babies.

The old restriction, which was put in place during the 1940′s, was meant to protect women against Mendelson’s syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that can occur when the contents of the stomach are drawn into the lungs when a patient is under general anesthesia (treatment which was the norm for women giving birth during that time). Today, though, the use of general anesthesia during labor is extremely rare, with even Cesarian sections using only a local anesthetic.The outcome? Food and drink during labor no longer pose a threat.

Some hospitals are now allowing women to consume fluids during labor, however, the use of general anesthesia during emergency C-sections has caused obstetricians to err on the side of caution in giving food the OK.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

In honor of May being the month to celebrate moms, it seems only appropriate to bring your attention to a very useful website that I just came across. As a naturopathic doctor, I always have friends, family, and patients asking me for resources that I find valuable, or on “the same page as me.” That being said, it is hard to find such resources which with I agree.

The American Pregnancy Association (APA) is the leading non-profit organization in the US committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, research, advocacy and community awareness. I have found their website to be fair, balanced, and informative for a wide range of readers. The links they provide will answer many important questions for those trying to achieve a healthy pregnancy, as well as answer questions regarding infertility issues and adoption. They also provide a list of resources to find specific practitioners such as doulas, lactation consultants, pregnancy massage and yoga experts, and midwives.

More importantly, and close to my own heart, they provide facts regarding pregnancy-related nutrition and commonly asked questions regarding prenatal vitamins and herbal medicines that are safe to use during pregnancy. In addition, you will find accurate information about what foods should be avoided and what foods should be eaten.

In February of this year, the APA officially announced a partnership with Nordic Naturals, the leader in omega-3 fish oils and essential fatty acid blends. Scientific research has confirmed the importance of essential fatty acids, in particular DHA, for prenatal, maternal and neonatal development. DHA comprises about 30-40% of the fatty tissue found in the brain and is essential for proper development of brain, eyes, male genitalia, nerves, and the immune system.  International organizations have set standards for essential fatty acids during pregnancy at a minimum of 300mg a day. Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA provides 450 mg of DHA in just 2 caps.

If you are pregnant or are thinking of getting pregnant, please visit their website,  americanpregnancy.org.

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