What you need to know if you are preparing for MOTHERHOOD

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Motherhood- A Holistic Approach Pre and Post Conception

Being a mother is both a gift and a blessing. This role is an honor and divine creation. The process of procreation is so delicate and beautiful. Once conception occurs in a woman’s body, the rest of her pregnancy is taken care of by the subtle love and energy of the Higher Spirit. Have you ever sat back and been amazed at how carefully and precisely the infant develops in 9 months in the womb? From the beautiful creation of cells that come together to form the brain, ears, eyes, heart and all the organs, glands and bones that it needs to live and thrive. It truly is a miracle and a gift from above. What amazes me is that this process happens in the perfect time without the need for human interference. The mother does not need to think about creating all these tiny body parts for her child. She does not have to feed her child or make sure he/she sleeps. The one responsibility God gives a mother is to ensure that she foster a healthy environment in which the baby can grow. What does this environment look like? I will share with you my beliefs based on books by Dr. Northrup, Louise Hay and from my clinical experiences and innate wisdom.

  1. A healthy, fertile environment must be TOXIN-FREE. Most women need to detoxify the body before pregnancy and I do highly suggest this. Part of the detoxification process is ensuring that the body is clear of things like:
  • The Birth Control Pill– stop for at least 3 months before conception
  • Smoking (Tobacco and Marijuana) or any other Drug- stop for at least one year before; this includes being around people who smoke- 2nd hand smoke is just as harmful.
  • Alcohol– remove for at least 3 months before conception
  • Caffeine– remove for at least 3 months before conception
  • Remove CHEMICALS AND JUNK FOOD: Remove saturated fats, trans fats, aspartame, fast food, packaged food, artificial dyes, pesticides, chemicals, preservatives and even suspected Food Allergies (we can test for this in my clinic) for at least 6 months and continue as a part of your lifestyle.
  1. Ensure that you have all the VITAMINS and MINERALS you need to keep you and baby healthy and flourishing. There is a strong cultural belief in society that the mother should sacrifice everything for the sake of the child. A lot of women with this belief will not take vitamins because they figure the baby will take what they have leaving them depleted and this is ok. It is NOT ok. This can lead to a lot of negative health consequences like thyroid disorder, weight gain, post-partum depression, anxiety and more. How is a mother to care for her child, if she cannot care for herself? You can ensure that you are getting adequate doses of minerals by taking a good quality multivitamin. I meet a lot of women who take Materna and I will mention that it is not the highest quality vitamin out there. Most women who take this one-a day vitamin feel very nauseous; hence they stop. Overloading the body with vitamins all at once (one a day) can upset any stomach, as if the hormones in pregnancy aren’t enough. I recommend all women take a high grade Prenatal for at least one year before pregnancy. The vitamin I suggest is dosed one per meal to ensure easy digestion and absorption. (If you want to take a test to see your mineral content, we can do this in my clinic with a hair sample)
  2. A healthy environment is one that is STRESS-FREE: Did you know that when a woman is pregnant and experiencing stress, less blood flows to the growing fetus? Chronic stress can starve a child of essential nutrients. Did you also know that the stress hormones that circulate in a woman’s body can also circulate in the fetus? Can you imagine giving birth to a baby who is already stressed? We have been cultured to believe that until a baby is born, there is not much to do but wait and go for ultrasounds and take some vitamins. WRONG! With this awareness, do your best to manage your stress. It is easier to find healthy ways to cope with stress NOW before you decide to birth a being into this world. I believe this is why acupuncture works so well in my office because it gives women a chance to relax, understand their stresses and let go of any negative emotions.
  3. Get to a HEALTHY WEIGHT: Women who are overweight increase their risk of complications during pregnancy and may have more difficulty conceiving. Most women I meet who are overweight (I was there once too) tend to have a negative self- image, low self-esteem and poor lifestyle habits. If having children is a necessity then let that motivate you to take the right steps to lose weight. (I offer a lot of support in this area so reach out) The healthier you become in mind, body and spirit, the healthier your child will be. Did you know that a child born to a mother with an eating disorder will be more likely to develop one themselves?
  4. Remove TOXIC EMOTIONS: I am referring to the emotions of fear, guilt, sadness, anger, hurt, shame, jealousy, judgment. Imagine creating a pure innocent baby in that toxic environment. The mental/emotional aspect of pregnancy is often overlooked but it must not be. The only way to release negative emotions is to become aware of them and take the appropriate steps to resolve the thoughts and beliefs that tend to accompany the emotion. In your marriage/relationship, if you are having arguments, having a baby is not going to resolve the arguments. Resolve the issues before you have the child. This may take time, but it is so essential and freeing. Forgiveness is really the only way to release your past and move forward.
  5. Be prepared to BREAST FEED: Breast feeding your baby is one of the surest ways to cultivate a healthy loving environment in which baby and mother bond and the baby feels safe and secure in her world with her needs being met. Not only that, milk from the breast is the cleanest (if your diet is also clean). Breast fed babies tend to have a healthy weight and decreased risk of allergies and asthma among many other conditions. I know some women who try really hard to breast feed but are unable to produce enough milk. If this is the case, don’t hold emotions of guilt or anger. Let it go and know you tried your best.
  6. Practice unconditional SELF LOVE and SELF ACCEPTANCE: This is a must and not only will it help you to conceive, it will help you foster a healthy environment for your child to flourish. Did you know that the more you love yourself, the more people feel loved by you. How amazing is that? You wouldn’t want to withhold love from your child, so don’t withhold it from yourself.  I ask that you look back on your childhood and explore the relationship you had with your mother. What was it like? Did you wish it was different? If so, what would you change? Try to emanate those qualities that you feel would have provided you with a more loving foundation in which to build self esteem and healthy values. Most people report that they wished their mothers were more loving and supportive and less controlling and judgmental. Children are very perceptive and soon enough they will start to look and act like you. Be the best version of you for you and baby.
  7. Assess your DESIRE to have a child. Be honest with yourself. Are you ready? Are you scared? Do you feel pressured? Have a heartfelt conversation with yourself, God and also with your partner. Some people decide to have a child because it is what society puts pressure on if you are female and over 25 years old. Some people have a child out of fear because they believe that if they reach a certain age they won’t be fertile. There is a lot of information floating around about infertility but don’t let that scare you. Please don’t let this fear get into your beliefs, because trust me, your beliefs affect your physical body. If you cultivate healthy thoughts, self love and nourish yourself emotionally and physically you are well on your way to becoming a mom!

If you would like more support, whether it be nutritional, emotional or best ways to relax and detox, reach out and send an email to [email protected]

I also perform Acupuncture in my office for fertility and relaxation.

Warmly,

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Dr. Jen Cisternino, ND

[email protected]

416-301-3477

www.drjencisternino.com

What JUNK are you feeding your MIND? You are not a Trash Can!

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Can you imagine being fed “junk” all day and not even knowing it?! I heard a lecture given by Joel Osteen that was titled “Don’t let that shit get into your mind”. It peaked my interest and after hearing it, I agree wholeheartedly with his message. I was already subconsciously “detoxing” my mind and spirit and feeling great! I wish the same for you. What does this look like you ask? I will share with you later in the blog. But first, what is the “junk” we are feeding our minds?  When you hear the word “feeding”, you automatically think about FOOD. I wont be talking about food in this blog, as I think there are enough articles about healthy eating. I will be addressing the stuff that feeds the brain, specifically, the subconscious.  I am referring to “the noise” we hear and “the sights” we see and read about each day. These things are being programmed into our subconscious minds and most people are not even aware of the effect it has on our mood, thoughts and behaviour. The subconscious mind is a part of the brain that houses our beliefs, thoughts and how they both play out in our daily lives. You can consider it the seat of the soul, our direction and driving force behind most decisions we make in our life. Why wouldn’t you want to protect this part of your brain? Let me describe a few things that I believe are “polluting” the minds of human beings. My goal here is to make you aware, shed light on the issue and help you to become an awakened being who has control over the trash you take in.  After each concern I have included affirmations, which are positive statements to help you.

  1. Video Games: I am referring to the video games that promote violence such as fighting, killing and shooting. Several studies have demonstrated the link between violent video games and increased aggression. These games initiate feelings of anger, anxiety and at some level enjoyment and pleasure. Subconsciously children and adults who play these games are becoming more aggressive and some even go on to commit crimes and acts of violence. This exemplifies the power of the subconscious mind. Affirmation: I will not let video games pollute my mind or my child’s mind.
  2. Social Media: I am referring to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snap Chat etc. Specifically, I am referring to the content that may be less uplifting such as people venting about their life, trash talking other people, exploiting their bodies, bullying and judgements that are formed because people’s lives are “open books”. I am not saying that all social media is bad, however for a subset of people, it has been shown to increase rates of depression, isolation, anxiety and even suicide. Why? Social media has become a platform for people to post all sorts of things. It has also become a platform where people compare their lives to people’s highlight reel.  This is the EGO’s favourite place to be!  You and I both know that most people will post only the “good times”.  Most commonly wedding pictures, engagements, babies, relationships, vacations, family gatherings etc. Although those are happy and joyous moments, if you are someone who is seeing this, you may believe that you have to achieve all these things in order to be happy. Spend less time on social media or choose to connect with people that are inspirational and authentic.  Affirmation: I will not let social media pollute my mind.
  3. TV Shows: It is said that the television programs that are created and watched cater to common day people. The shows that people watch pertain to families that are arguing and full of drama, the married couple that is having issues or the working businessman who cheats on his wife, etc. If you immerse yourself in TV show drama, guess what…TV will create your character. You will draw more drama into your life. Be aware that television glamorizes a lot of the wrong things, especially in marriage. It is said that 91% of intimacy on TV is shown outside the marriage, in affairs. This can work on your subconscious mind, lowering your standards and eventually temptation may be harder to resist.  Affirmation: I will not let TV shows pollute my mind.
  4. Radio: I have been so much more aware of the messages the songs on the radio carry. I always wondered why I woke up in a great mood and then once I got to work, after listening to the radio, I felt different, like something shifted. I started to listen to the song lyrics and realized they are not positive at all! You have to understand that singers/song writers write as a way to express their emotions, their pain, breakups, affairs, power struggles, etc. If you truly are aware of the songs’ meanings, you will stay clear of the negative messages they are feeding your subconscious mind. Listening to Adele or Sam Smith can definitely make you feel sad. Listening to Drake will make you feel like relationships are a waste of time because “you used to call me on my cell phone”. Did you know that the average American spends 400 hours a year in the car. That is a lot of time to be dumping trash into your mind. What are you feeding yourself? Affirmation: I will not let depressing/low vibrational songs pollute my mind.
  5. The News/Newspaper: Are you someone who stays up late to watch the news or must be “in the know” about what is happening in the world around you. Most of the time, the news will highlight all that is wrong in our society. The stabbings, the killings, the accidents, the deaths, the robbing, destruction etc. This promotes emotions of fear, anxiety and worry. This is what you are feeding yourself when you watch the news. Some people will argue that it is good to know what is happening so you are aware and can be on the watch and protect those around you. For some instances yes, but 90% of the time, focusing on the negative and being in a state of fear doesn’t help anyone. The time before bed is when you should be relaxing and programming positive intentions for the day ahead. If you watch the news and go to sleep in a state of fear and worry, this will stay with you in your subconscious mind owing to feelings of anxiety. Some people will read the paper first thing in the morning, sending the brain messages of fear and worry. Not a great way to start your day is it? How would your life be different if you started your day with some exercise, meditation and positive visualizations? Affirmation: I will not let the news pollute my mind.
  6. Negative People: If you surround yourself with people who are always complaining, enjoy drama and conflict, I suggest you lessen your time with these people. I don’t know about you, but I work hard to keep my energy levels up and protect my essence. You are who you hang around. So choose your company wisely. If you have friends who are not happy in their marriages and are always complaining…. guess what, sooner or later you will find something to complain about in your own marriage. If you hang around people who do drugs, smoke and have unhealthy behaviours….. guess what, sooner or later you may find yourself doing the same. It is your duty and responsibility to be the best version of yourself. This is my aim so that I may be the best for my husband, children, family and patients. We are put on this earth to fulfill a purpose and to be beings of light who help others. If we allow negative people to bring us down, it will be hard to do just that. Affirmation: I will not let negative people pollute my mind.

DETOX YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND/DETOX YOUR LIFE

So I am asking you to DETOX your mind. Say those affirmations above and try to make the changes I am suggesting below. You may need to start with one. Progress is the aim.

  1. I am asking you for one week to watch only TV shows that are uplifting and positive…better yet, keep the tube off and engage in conversation with your loved ones or do some physical activity.
  2. I am asking you to turn your radio off when you drive or put in a relaxing CD or maybe one with positive affirmations.
  3. I am asking you to ditch the negative people in your life…OK, this may not be possible, but spend less time with them if you can and let them know that you are trying to be more positive.
  4. If you have children, remove them from their video games and really be aware of what they are experiencing and how it is affecting their minds. Spend time reading, laughing or playing with your children instead. If you yourself play video games, take a break for a while and see how you feel.
  5. Go on a social media detox! I did this and it feels amazing. At a minimum, unfriend negative, drama filled people on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter and only follow people that are genuine, loving and inspirational, like ME!       FB: Dr. Jen Cisternino, ND Instagram: dr_jen_cisternino
  6. Try not to engage in the negative news! Don’t read the newspaper or listen to the news for one week. You will notice that the things you were concerning yourself with have very little to do with you anyway. At a minimum, don’t listen to the news before bed. Fill your mind with positive thoughts and affirmations like “I am healthy, I am happy, I am loving, I am blessed, I am grateful for all that I have”.

I hope to have shed light on some of the lesser known ways you are polluting your mind which is preventing you from experiencing true love and happiness. Try these tip or newfound way of life and let me know how the experience is for you. Please write to [email protected] or leave a comment below.

Thanks and Be Well 🙂

Soulfully yours,

Dr. Jen Cisternino, Naturopath, Blogger, Speaker

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