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Alternative Medicines
Are They Key to a Healthy, Happy Pregnancy?
By Jacqueline Rupp
upplements, ginger and B6 injections," says Dr. Deanna Berman, a naturopathic doctor specializing in herbal therapies from Ithaca, N.Y.
Naturopathic doctors receive the same training as conventional doctors, however, they also specialize in alternative medicines, providing treatments based on a patient's personalized needs. "I consider how a woman's body changes during pregnancy," says Dr. Berman. "For instance, the gastric process slows dramatically during pregnancy, therefore delivering a treatment in pill form might not be as effective as another means of deliver." Dr. Berman also suggests using a multivitamin which is designed to be taken three or four times a day. "This helps to spread out the supplements so that more of the vitamins are able to be efficiently absorbed," adds Dr. Berman.
"There might be five or six herbs that would help with a problem like hypertension, however, from my training, I have to assess what combination would work for the individual patient I am treating," says Dr. Berman. "In this way, naturopathic medicine is highly personalized."
When choosing to use herbal therapies, make sure to use a certified practitioner. "Find out where they went to and if they are certified," adds Dr. Berman. Fourteen states currently license naturopathic doctors. There are many schools of herbal therapies, but most are not accredited. Dr. Berman suggests you look for a doctor who also specializes in one specific alternative treatment area. Herbal therapies are widely sold at health food and grocery stores. However, because there is no regulation by the FDA of herbs, you should only use those prescribed by a licensed practitioner.
Alternative therapies are based on treating the whole self – mind, body and spirit. Each practitioner pays close attention to her patient's emotions, physiology and lifestyle history. Though not for everyone, these therapies offer a unique way to heal without drugs, a one-size-fits-all diagnosis or hurried exams. They also provide a chance to gain greater insight and reflection on the body and self at a time when you are preparing to give birth to a new life.
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