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My answer to both questions is an emphatic “No!”

Here’s why:

Aspartame is sold as NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, and Equal-Measure. These artificial sweeteners are all aspartame, just with different names. Neuroscientist, Dr. Russell Blaylock discusses in his book “Excitotoxins” that there are several toxic breakdown chemicals from these aspartame products that make them dangerous for a developing fetus but also for mothers.

The major concerns about pregnant women ingesting aspartame during pregnancy are birth defects and damage to certain areas of the brain. This potential brain damage includes the parts of the brain involved in complex learning and hormone control.

Aspartame Disease

Since the FDA gave this Aspartame it’s ‘blessing’ in 1981, aspartame has accounted for more than 75 percent of all complaints reported to the FDA’s Adverse Reaction Monitoring System!

Aspartame disease refers to a constellation of symptoms attributed to the use of products containing aspartame. Out of the over 90 documented symptoms, the most common occurrences include:

• Headaches/Migraines

• Dizziness

• Mental Confusion

• Slurred Speech

• Ringing in the ears

• Nausea

• Numbness

The Three Chemical Components of Aspartame

Aspartame has three chemical components:

(1) Phenylalanine (50 percent)

(2) Aspartic acid (40 percent)

(3) Methanol, also called wood alcohol, (10 percent).

Those in support of this very popular artificial sweetener (including the FDA and its patent owner Monsanto who has aspartame yearly sales over $1 billion), state that the two primary amino acids, which comprise 90 percent of aspartame by weight, are a harmless and natural part of our diet.

They insist phenylalanine is a harmless amino acid precursor to the neurotransmitters adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, and dopamine and that aspartic acid is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter, which is already present in the human central nervous system. This is only a partial truth.

Phenylalanine and aspartic acid are amino acids that are normally supplied by the foods we eat; however, they can only be considered natural and harmless when consumed in combination with the other amino acids in foods. On their own, they enter the central nervous system in abnormally high concentrations, causing excessive firing of nerve cells and potential nerve cell death. The toxic effects of these amino acids, when consumed in excessive isolated amounts, can be linked to a very long list of serious side effects and symptoms.

Very worrisome is the 10 percent of aspartame that is absorbed into the bloodstream as methanol (wood alcohol). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines safe consumption as no more than 7.8 milligrams per day of this dangerous substance. A one-liter beverage, sweetened with aspartame, contains about 56 milligrams of wood alcohol, or eight times the EPA limit!

Even Scarier Breakdown Chemicals

Aspartame’s breakdown products are even scarier than its components. Phenylalanine decomposes into diketopiperazine (DKP) a known carcinogen, when exposed to warm temperatures or prolonged storage.

To make matters even worse, at cold temperatures, methanol will spontaneously give rise to a colorless toxin known as formaldehyde. Independent studies have shown formaldehyde formation resulting from aspartame ingestion to be extremely common. It accumulates within the cells, and reacts with cellular proteins such as enzymes and DNA. This cumulative reaction could spell grave consequences for those who consume aspartame-laden diet drinks and foods on a daily basis.

DKP has been implicated in the occurrence of brain tumors. It is proven that DKP is formed in liquid aspartame containing products during prolonged storage.

Dangers for Fetuses and Newborns

Before birth and during the first 12 months of infant life, the blood-brain barrier (a barrier that prevents unwanted chemicals from entering the deepest recesses of the brain) is not yet completely formed. Because a fetus’ and infant’s blood brain barrier is not yet formed, dangerous excitotoxins, such as the aspartic acid and phenylalanine contained in aspartame, are given free access to the child’s nervous system. Additionally, the concentrating effects of the placenta are able to magnify the levels of phenylalanine in the blood by as much as 400%-600% in a fetus!

Fetal phenylalanine has the potential to reach levels that kill cells in tissue culture. It has been determined that infants are four times more sensitive to excitotoxins than adults. During the first year of life, irreversible brain damage can occur through agents contained in breast milk.

Despite this, the American Dietetic Association still recommends aspartame for pregnant and nursing women!

Brain Damage and Seizures

Brain damage from aspartame ingestion is believed to occur through flooding the brain with large amounts of phenylalanine, disturbing the balance of neurotransmitters, and methanol-induced brain swelling. Aspartic acid is a neuro-excitatory toxin present in damaging amounts even at the accepted daily intake for aspartame.

Formaldehyde, which is derived from methanol, accumulates in certain areas of the brain that correspond to the neurodegenerative symptoms of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). These conditions are all associated with free radical injury, a proven effect of the excitotoxins phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Recent studies have established that aspartame has seizure-promoting activity in animals. It is believed that aspartame can increase seizure frequency among epileptics and even initiate seizures in susceptible individuals with no prior history of seizures.

Depression and Anxiety

Excitatory neurotransmitters use up excessive amounts of the relaxing, antidepressant neurotransmitters serotonin and GABA. This can lead to postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety disorder, and insomnia.

Aspartame Research Ignored

For over eight years, the FDA refused to approve aspartame because it was known to produce seizures and brain tumors in laboratory animals.

Searle Pharmaceuticals was the original developer of Aspartame. One pivotal study by Searle’s researchers, known as the “Waisman Study,” initially indicated that ingestion of Aspartame caused convulsions and death in monkeys. However, official conclusions could not be reached because the study was never completed. Searle blamed limitations in adequately skilled laboratory personnel for their decision to terminate the study. By Searle’s own acknowledgement, his team lacked competent research staff. Two FDA investigative task forces presented scathing reports on the quality of the company’s research and in 1976, the FDA’s general counsel requested a federal grand jury investigation of the company. For reasons unknown, the investigation was never undertaken.

Initially, even the National Soft Drink Association (NSDA) rallied against the use of Aspartame. An excerpt of a protest submitted for congressional review in 1983 reads:

“Of approximately 100 independent studies conducted on aspartame, over 90 percent have demonstrated significant health risks. Why hasn’t aspartame been banned? In 1996, ignoring the fact that aspartame breaks down faster when heated above 86 degrees Fahrenheit, the FDA decided to remove any remaining limitations on its use. Presently, there are thousands of companies using aspartame in diet sodas, powdered drinks, gelatin, tea, coffee, cocoa, juices, frozen desserts and even medications. This translates to billions of dollars of profits worldwide. Unfortunately, this is more than enough to provide agency officials with lucrative future employment, politicians with campaign funds, non-profit foundations with endowments, scientists with research grants and the media with millions in advertising dollars.”

Even now, FDA officials continue to resist the many proposals from concerned scientists, physicians and other groups for comprehensive studies regarding the safety of aspartame.

My Final Recommendation

This is why I recommend all pregnant and postpartum women avoid all food and drink that contains Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, and Equal-Measure).

In fact, I recommend that all people avoid this unsafe chemical. The dangers of the artificial sweetener aspartame are far from sweet!

Four months after having my baby, I still feel exhausted and have painful joints. I had a 16-hour labour and a forceps delivery. I finished breastfeeding a month ago. What can you suggest to help me get back on track?

Answer:

You have had a traumatic time with your baby’s birth and you may have been exhausted even before labour started, which could explain the weak contractions leading to a forceps delivery. For this reason, I recommend that patients prepare themselves physically and emotionally before giving birth (and also before major surgery), with diet, massage and pregnancy yoga – similar to the regime followed in rural communities in India which alleviates much of the stress and strain. In numerous cases’ I’ve seen new mothers recover very quickly and experience no aftereffects.

Most women recover soon after giving birth. Seeing the baby ,receiving flowers and notes, and the relief after nine months of endurance speeds recuperation. Postnatal fatigue is usually the result of factors such as poor nutrition, stress during pregnancy and the birth, excessive blood loss at the birth, lack of sleep, excessive demands from the newborn or health issues that concern the parents.

Postnatal fatigue and depression are closely linked, with similar symptoms such as extreme tiredness, muizzy head, aches and pains, lack of concentration, short-term memory loss, sleep patterns similar to jet lag (awake at night, tired during the day), sinking feelings in the heart frequent yawning loss of self-esteem and tearfulness.

The surge of hormones during pregnancy, along with improved circulation and a sense of responsibility and excitement about the new arrival, all help to create a heightened state of wellbeing. After labour, all that stops and the mother’s energy levels can plummet, which is what you are experiencing. That’s why I always suggest that patients pay attention to their bodies and minds in the time immediately after birth to facilitate recovery. In India, traditional midwives used to stay with the mother and baby for 40 days, organizing nourishing food, massaging them to soothe the effects of birth traumas, and helping with childcare so the mother could rest properly. These midwives would also train the mother in the art of childcare: feeding, bathing and even singing lullabies. As a result, both mother and baby usually thrived. I would like to see this practice used worldwide.

As you are so tired, it is understandably difficult to cope with the demands of a new baby. You must take great care of yourself. Try to get some help so that you have the opportunity to rest and allow your body to heal. To help you sleep, which is very important ask your husband/partner to give you a neck and shoulder massage twice a week. This will also improve blood flow to the brain and boost your sense of wellbeing. More details are on my Lifetime DVD. Massage yourself once or twice a week with my Lifestyle Massage Oil, or mix two tablespoonfuls of sweet almond oil with three drops of lavender essential oil, focusing on your temples, jaw, neck shoulders, arms, calves and the soles of your feet.

To restore your energy’ focus on your diet exercise and relaxation. You should also read the section on chronic fatigue in my book The Integrated Health Bible. Sadly, I don’t have room here to list all the advice, but here are some brief guidelines.

* Nutrition Drink freshly made carrot, apple and ginger juice to energise the body with vitamins and fresh enzymes. In general, eat a fresh, wholesome diet, with high levels of protein and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Avoid yeast products, as these produce alcohol in the gut which makes you tired; alcoholic drinks, which again make you extremely tired and deoxygenate the blood, depriving the brain; coffee, which causes tension, stress and interferes with sleep; sugar, which increases gut fermentation; oily and spicy foods, which interfere with digestion; citrus fruits and sour-tasting fruit and vegetables, which create acidity that impairs absorption of nutrients and also affects gut bacteria.

* Supplements Take one capsule of either BioEnergy or Ashwaganda  twice daily for three months, and one capsule of either Dr Ali’s Multivitamins and Minerals or BioCare One A Day Multivitamin and Mineral daily for three months.

* Exercise and relaxation

Practise therapeutic iyengr yoga, particularly the cobra bridge, turtle and boat poses as well as the head roll and cleansing breath. You will find more details in my book Therapeutic Yoga, which I co-authored with Jiwan Brar.

Although much time and effort has been expended trying to unlock the secrets of this condition, no definitive single factor can be identified that in itself leads to post partum depression. Several issues have been singled out as important factors that contribute in part to the condition. These include prenatal depression, lack of self esteem, prenatal anxiety, and chronic conflict with a spouse.

Other known conditions that may contribute to the ailment might also include a perceived lack of social support, a history of depression within the family, low social status and even the fact that the pregnancy was not a planned event. As if this list of potential factors is not long enough, several other issues are known factors common to post partum depression sufferers. Additionally, mother’s race, social class or sexual orientation have been noted conditions that are common to many sufferers.

Consider an instance where a mother may experience a lack of social support and is forced to manage the affects of these stressful events by herself. This eventually causes the mother to shift her energy to satisfy the demands of pure survival as an alternative to totally expending her energy into a new being that may be considered expendable in that over stressed mental state.

When observed and diagnosed in the early stages, intervention can successfully treat and eliminate the condition. The prognosis for a complete recovery is good when professional assistance is sought and put into practice. A key component of the treatment involves educating the women about the causes and effects associated with post partum depression.

Support groups can be found in most large towns and cities where the self-help groups work in unison with the medical community to provide highly important social support. Women either pregnant or planning to become pregnant should be screened regularly by their health practitioners so that the early detection is possible.

At the moment I am going through the hardest time of my life, I have been with my wife for nearly eight years and married for nearly four, but my wife has split from me. We have always wanted a baby and this year our first son was born and we quickly understood how hard it is being parents. Losing your independance, not being able to go to the toilet when you want or watching Eastenders in full it has been a culture shock even though you know it is going to be hard.

Over the last month I have noticed a change in my wife’s behaviour, where I would be talking to her and she would just ignore me and she was also very angry about nothing. All of a sudden she told me that she does not want to be a couple any more and she doesn’t love me. This was a great shock to the system as I believe we have a great marriage and we had everything in life that we wanted especially our baby. My wife and I never argue and there have been no problems prior to this so it was a great shock.

Is there anyone reading this can give advice on what is happening because I believe my wife has postnatal depression becuase I can honestly say there have been no problems in our relationship prior to our baby. My wife is also refusing to see a doctor and now I don’t know what to do to rty and save my marriage.

Some people say that couples can fall out of love and if that is the case then may be I will have to respect that.

thanx!!

thanx=)

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A collection of hundreds of superstitions and old wives tales from every corner of the world related to every aspect of pregnancy, birth and babycare. There’s tribal beliefs from Aborigine to Romany Gypsy to Inuit (Eskimo) and superstitions from countries as diverse as Canada and China. There’s beliefs on everything from influencing a baby’s sex at conception to making a baby walk early or easing baby’s teething pains. Some examples: ~ A broom sweeps away th… More >>

Baby Lore: Superstitions and Old Wives Tales from the World Over Related to Pregnancy, Birth and Babycare

Mothers have experienced postpartum depression for as long as man has been on this earth. They say that no one knows exactly what causes the depression, but some people think it may be tied in to a woman’s hormone levels. What we do know is that postpartum depression sometimes creeps up on you when you have a demanding baby.

Effective Strategies To Fight Postpartum Depression

It is hard for a new mother to admit it when she is finding motherhood difficult. She might have had her own thoughts, positive thoughts, as to how it was going to be, but her thoughts and reality may not line up. When this happens, talk with other mothers and join a support group.

Do not just store it up inside, talk about it and you may be surprised to find there are solutions to your difficulties because others have been faced with the same difficulties as yours

Get yourself out of the house – if only onto the deck or front steps – for at least a few minutes each day. Set up a lawn chair, wrap up yourself and your baby in a blanket and take a break. Set aside this time for you and baby.

Take it easy. Play with your baby. Visit with friends and family. Listen to relaxing music. Watch some old “feel good” DVD’s. Get someone to take you and baby for a long ride in the car. Baby will probably fall right off to sleep and you’ll get a chance to shut your eyes and relax for a few moments too.

Natural Herbs and Supplements for Postpartum Depression

Aurum metallicum can be used by women who feel that their postpartum depression is dark and they feel helpless. Women that should look into this herbal supplement would be those that are starting to believe that baby would be better off without them, that the world would be better off without them.

Another remedy for postpartum depression that is used by women when they feel that their depression is for emotional as well as hormonal reasons is cimicifuga. Ignatia is another that is used by many mothers when they are starting to feel upset, tense or grief-stricken after giving birth.

They say about 10% of new mothers develop postpartum depression, and this does effect the baby. Because the baby will be attuned to the mothers feelings. But the good news is that this can be avoided by a daily supplementation with Omega 3 fish oils.

You can obtain the essential fatty acids from eating several meals of fish per week. However because of the contamination in the oceans, we can no longer afford to eat so much fish. Now, our best bet is to take a regular Omega 3 supplement on a daily basis. Just remember that the more Omega 3 fats she consumes, she will be less likely to suffer from postpartum depression.

also, has anyone else ever had anxiety over these tests? I feel silly but I’m really quite nervous!

Anyone else find it much easier to just worry about screwing up YOURSELF instead of a little baby! .. ugh .. my anxiety is sky high!
Its just my routine prenatal labs. We opted out of the AFP

The normal baby blues can happen in the days right after childbirth and normally disappear within a few days to a week. As a new mother, you can routinely have mood swings, sadness, crying spells, loss of appetite, sleeping problems or feel irritable, restless, anxious and lonely.

Usually, these symptoms are not severe and treatment is not needed. However, there are things you can do to feel better. Nap when the baby does. Ask for help from your spouse, family members and friends. Join a support group of new moms or talk with other moms.

Postpartum depression is not normal, however and can happen anytime within the first year after childbirth. You may have a number of symptoms such as extreme sadness, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, a lot of anxiety and feelings of guilt and worthlessness.

The difference between postpartum depression and the normal baby blues is that postpartum depression will often significantly impair your well-being and keep you from functioning well for longer periods of time. Postpartum depression needs to be treated by a psychologist or physician. Also, counseling, support groups, and medicines can help.

Postpartum psychosis is the most serious emotional condition that can afflict a new mother; However, it is rare. Fortunately, it occurs in only 1 or 2 out of every 1000 births and it usually begins in the first 6 weeks after birth.

If you have been diagnosed with bipolar or schizoaffective disorder, you are likely to have a higher risk for developing postpartum psychosis. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, sleep disturbances and obsessive worries about your baby. You may also experience rapid mood swings; from depression to irritability to euphoria.

What should I do if I have symptoms of depression during pregnancy or after childbirth?

You may be reluctant to tell anyone about your symptoms because you may feel embarrassed, ashamed or even guilty about feeling depressed when you are supposed to be happy. You may worry that you will be viewed as an unfit parent.

However, perinatal depression can happen to any woman. It does not mean you are a bad or not together mom; you and your baby do not have to suffer. There is help.

There are different types of individual and talk therapies that can help you if you have perinatal depression; they can help you feel better and do better as a mom. Also, many women with perinatal depression improve when treated with anti-depressant medicine.

Your physician, counselor or psychologist can help you learn more about these options and help you decide which approach is best for you and your baby. Speak to your doctor, psychologist or midwife if you are having symptoms of depression while you are pregnant or after you deliver your baby.

They can give you a questionnaire to test for depression and can also refer you to a mental health professional who is an expert.

Here are some other helpful tips:

1. Get as much rest as you can. Try to nap when the baby naps.

2. Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything. Do as much as you can and leave the rest!

3. Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings. Ask your husband or partner to bring the baby to you so you can breastfeed. If you can, have a friend, family member, or professional support person help you in the home for part of the day.

4. Talk to your husband, partner, family, and friends about how you are feeling.

5. Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house. Run an errand or take a short walk.

6. Spend time alone with your husband or partner.

7. Talk with other mothers, so you can learn from their experiences.

8. Join a support group for women with depression. Call a local hotline or look in your telephone book for information and services.

9. Do not make any major life changes during pregnancy. Major changes can cause unneeded stress. Sometimes big changes cannot be avoided. When that happens, try to arrange support and help in your new situation ahead of time.

There are two common types of treatment for depression:

1. Talk therapy. This involves talking to a therapist, psychologist, or social worker to learn to change how depression makes you think, feel, and act.

2. Medicine. Your doctor can give you an antidepressant medicine to help you. These medicines can help relieve the symptoms of depression.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about the advantages and risks of taking these medicines. Some women are concerned that taking these medicines may harm the baby.

However, a mothers depression can affect her babys development, too so getting treatment is important for both mother and baby. The risks of taking medicine have to be weighed against the risks of depression.

It is a decision that you need to discuss carefully with your doctor. If you decide to take antidepressant medicine, talk to your doctor about which ones are safer to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.

What effects can untreated depression have?

Depression not only hurts you, but also affects your family. Also, some researchers have found that depression during pregnancy can raise your risk of delivering an underweight or premature infant.

Also, if depressed, you may have difficulty caring for yourself during pregnancy. You may have trouble eating and may not gain enough weight; have trouble sleeping; may miss prenatal visits; may not follow medical instructions; have a poor diet; or may use harmful substances, like tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs.

Postpartum depression can affect your ability to parent, as well. You may lack energy, have trouble concentrating, be irritable and may even not be able to meet your babys needs for love and affection.

As a result, you may end up feeling guilty and lose confidence in yourself as a mother, which can worsen your depression. Some researchers believe that postpartum depression can affect the infant by causing delays in language development, impaired emotional bonding, behavioral problems, lower activity levels, sleep problems and abnormal levels of distress.

It can help if the father or another caregiver can assist in meeting the needs of your baby and any other children in the family while you are depressed.

All children deserve the chance to have a healthy mom and you deserve the chance to enjoy your life and your children.

Do not suffer alone. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression during pregnancy or after having your baby, please tell a loved one and call your doctor, midwife or a psychologist right away.