Holistic Pediatrician Dr. David Berger offers nutritional advice for pregnant and breastfeeding moms as well as recommendations for Vitamin D and vaccines.
He says pregnant women should meet with pediatricians BEFORE they give birth to make the transition much easier.
Click on the video above to hear what he has to say about newborn screening, vaccinations during the first year and advice for new parents.
We also asked Dr. Berger a few additional questions:
What nutritional advice do you have for pregnant or breastfeeding moms?
To keep blood sugar levels even, protein should be eaten each time carbohydrates are eaten. There's an increased need for calcium. They should be consuming 120% of the recommended daily allowance on the packaged labels since they are feeding for two.
Avoiding high fructose corn syrup and additives. Try eating as organic as possible.
Tell us why pregnant women should have their Vitamin D level checked?
Almost 90% of pregnant moms and babies are Vitamin D deficient if they are not taking Vitamin D supplements. It really can not be obtained from diet in adequate amounts. It can be obtained through the sun but there are skin cancer risks. I recommend all pregnant and breastfeeding moms get their 25 hydroxy Vitamin D level checked and make sure it is between 50 and 100 ng per ml. It usually takes 1000 units of Vitamin D3 to increase the level by 10 points. Then repeat the test three months later. Vitamin D3 supplements are available over the counter. Do not be confused with Vitamin D2.
What vaccination advice do you have for new parents?
I would recommend learn both the vaccine preventable diseases so they have a better understanding of why vaccines are given. They should look at multiple sources of information so they can make an educated decision on how to proceed. There is no mandate. Vaccines do not have to be given at checkups. Although some pediatricians are more willing to be flexible than others. Parents should also consider what types of exposure that their child could potentially have. For instance, a child in daycare, at two months of age, may have different exposure than a child who stays at home with mom. Ultimately, a family should do what they feel is right for them.
You can contact Dr. David Berger at http://www.wholisticpeds.com/
