Atlanta Doula

02/24/2025

A 2024 systemic review and meta-analysis looked at zinc deficiency in RPL...⁠
⁠..here is what they found after reviewing studies published between 1980 and 2022...⁠
⁠
⁠...higher zinc levels were protective against miscarriage. ⁠
⁠
⁠Preconception zinc levels are more important than zinc consumption in the first trimester. Serum zinc levels normally decrease in pregnancy. There is increased liver storage and decreased albumin-zinc binding. Add hemodilution to this, and serum zinc levels normally drop. ⁠
⁠
But big drops may be a sign of zinc deficiency.⁠
⁠
Immediately after fertilization, the egg releases a burst of zinc—known as the "zinc spark." This release helps block additional s***m (a mechanism to prevent polys***my) and initiates embryonic development. ⁠
⁠
Zinc is a cofactor for over 300 enzymes, including those for DNA synthesis, cell division, and antioxidant defense. These enzymes support rapid cell proliferation and genomic stability during early embryonic development.⁠
⁠
Zinc is essential for the proper function of both innate and adaptive immune cells (e.g., T cells and natural killer cells). It helps regulate inflammation, preventing excessive immune reactions that could harm the developing embryo.⁠
⁠
Zinc is also required for thyroid hormone production and function. Thyroid hormone production increases by 25% in the first trimester to fuel the metabolic needs of rapid cell proliferation and trophoblast invasion. ⁠
⁠
All of these mechansisms can be affected in preconception zinc deficiency and lead to higher miscarriage risks. ⁠
⁠..and we are not even talking about the s***m zinc contribution..

01/31/2025

...making it VERY difficult to diagnose. ⁠
⁠
In BOTH, we tend to see hypoglycemia, hypotension, and hyponatremia (low sodium), as well as severe nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. ⁠
⁠
However, HG and Hypoadrenal disorders are present differently on paper (according to some studies).⁠
⁠
Hypoadrenal disorders present with high ACTH and low/no cortisol production (AM fasting cortisol)⁠
⁠
In HG, on the other hand, we see high ACTH and HIGH cortisol. ⁠
⁠
Recent studies have concluded that assessing adrenal function in those presenting with HG symptoms since treatment with corticosteroids seems effective in reducing symptoms and improving overall patient health in those with adrenal hypofunction. ⁠
⁠
While true new-onset Addison's disease is VERY RARE, it does highlight the possible connection between low AM Cortisol (

01/24/2025

Sara Wickham explains Archie Cochrane's aphorism, and shows how this links with an important bit of decision making related wisdom.

01/15/2025

🫶

We are thrilled to announce that Rixa Freeze's Project ECHO lecture is now available for free! It is titled "Vaginal breech birth: Why it's important and how it works" and was sponsored by the University of Utah. To access the lecture: https://breech.thinkific.com/courses/why-how-eng

This is a great introduction to vaginal breech birth for both parents and providers. It explains why vaginal breech training is important and then shows the normal steps of physiological breech birth, including deviations from each step.

At the end of the lecture, Dr. Freeze answers audience questions. A resident also presents a case study, and we hear responses from BWB's David Hayes and Kristine Lauria.

01/15/2025

01/12/2025

01/11/2025

Yes.

The number of clients I've seen with morning sickness who tell me they are so proud that even with nausea, they are forcing down their prenatal vitamin...if only I could count that high.⁠
⁠
What if that "forcing of the prenatal vitamin" was actually CAUSING some of that nausea?⁠
⁠
It's possible.⁠
⁠
Two ingredients in many prenatal vitamins are known to worsen nausea in pregnancy.⁠
⁠
Are you ready...⁠
⁠
⁠
Iron...⁠
⁠..and...⁠
⁠..Iodine⁠
⁠
The number of clients I've seen with morning sickness that we recommend stopping their prenatal vitamins for a few weeks and they get BETTER...also too many to count. ⁠
⁠
Iron absorption in the first trimester drops drastically, and many prenatal vitamins have large doses of iron (27mg give or take). Iron is well known to causes gastric upset and nausea when not being absorbed. ⁠
⁠
Iodine has also been linked to higher rates of morning sickness, and even hyperemesis symptoms. Thyroid hormone recycling increases in the first trimester, and iodine is very well absorbed. The additional supplementation (when not needed) may increase the iodide pool and increase nausea.⁠
⁠
This may be more likely if patients are waking up feeling good and have more afternoon nausea, or nausea after they take their supplements. ⁠
⁠
Worried about getting enough of the other vitamins and minerals...find a prenatal that is iodine and iron free for the first trimester.

12/10/2024

Herbs have been a cornerstone of postpartum care across cultures, offering physical healing & emotional support through the profound transition into motherhood for centuries.

From d**g quai + ginseng in Chinese medicine soups to amla + ashwagandha in Ayurvedic preparations, each tradition holds unique wisdom for nurturing a mama’s body during one of life’s most significant transitions. In Western herbalism, we cherish herbs that tone the womb, calm the nerves & heal tender tissues—used in teas, tinctures, perineal rinses + soothing baths.

For 43 years—40 of those as a midwife and MD—I’ve turned to herbs to help postpartum mamas heal while honoring their connection to ancient traditions. But which herbs are best?

Here are my trusted favorites for supporting new mamas in those precious weeks after birth:
🌿Motherwort: The queen of postpartum herbs - balances big emotions, especially anxiety + irritability, while toning the uterus to reduce bleeding and cramping
🌿Red Raspberry Leaf: Helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnant size, provides essential minerals, and supports postpartum blood flow
🌿Lavender: Calms anxiety, promotes sleep & soothes tender tissues in peri-rinse bottles
🌿Holy Basil: A gentle adaptogen to support mood and mind in early motherhood
🌿Yarrow: Great in peri-rinse bottles or postpartum baths for healing tender tissues
🌿Witch Hazel: Relieves hemorrhoids (add a few drops of lavender for extra relief!)
🌿Fenugreek: Alongside moringa + milk thistle, supports milk production

This list is just the beginning—there are so many more! For recipes like postpartum healing baths, visit my website (avivaromm.com). Also, keep an eye out for my upcoming Mama Pathway Postpartum Care course, launching in Feb!

💕 Dr. A

P.S. Herbal medicine isn’t just for postpartum—it’s an incredible resource for women’s health at every stage of life. Want to dive deeper into women’s herbal medicine? Herbal Medicine for Women, my online course, is on sale through Nov. 24th! Save $400 when joining solo, or $600 each when joining as a group of 3 or more. Head to the 🔗 in bio to learn more.

12/10/2024

10/30/2024

Don’t forget to stock up! 🦷✨

Intuitively-crafed Handmade Herbal Healing Products

07/21/2024

All of my summer faves! ☀️🌊

Code 1111 @ checkout to save 20%

Take the guesswork out of staying healthy during your summer adventures with our NEW Summer Bundle! ☀️ 1 Bottle of Liposomal C: For that quick boost of vitamin C, perfect for supporting your immune system on-the-go (goodbye, jetlag!) 1 Jar of Sun Sap: Encourage healthy sun synthesis with our uni...

05/21/2024

🦷✨

Save 10% at the link

https://blissenergetics.com/atlantadoula

Very grateful to be able to share this amazing before and after photo! This was after a few weeks using the puddy! The tooth has been treated with SDF (this is a treatment done by some dentists that turns the decay black and is supposed to stop the decay from progressing!) I’ve had questions before about how the puddy impacts teeth with SDF, so it is great to see an amazing healing example first hand!!