How to balance your hormones through SEED CYCLING?

Seed cycling have been used by many Naturopathic Physicians to support women in balancing they hormones by supplying them with nutrients they need at specific phases of their menstrual cycle.

How does Seed Cycling work?

This old practice of eating specificities seeds to support key hormones in each phase.

• Follicular Phase – Ovulation (Days 1-14): eat 1-2 tablespoons each of raw, fresh ground flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds

At this time in your cycle, estrogen rises and spikes to trigger ovulation and testosterone rises to increase mood (baby-making desires).

Flaxseed helps eliminate excess estrogen and support optimal estrogen levels.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants and zinc which supports healthy testosterones levels. It is also a source tryptophan, used by the body to create serotonin and melatonin. This is awesome for mood, memory and sleep.

• Ovulation-Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): eat 1-2 tablespoons each of raw, fresh ground sunflower and sesame seeds

Sunflower seeds contain iron, which supports estrogen detoxification and magnesium which support prostaglandin levels and may even reduce period cramps. Yup! You read that right! But there is more…a source of calcium which studies show can reduce mood related issues.

Sesame seeds can help lower inflammation and protect heart health.

Seed Cycling can help:

• balancing hormone levels

• regulating your cycle and stimulating menstruation

• PCOS, endometriosis or ovarian cysts

• increase fertility

It is important to note that this is not a universal fix, as many women have various cycle lengths and some adjustments may need to be made. Also, if you are on birth control, now may not be the best time to seed cycle because birth control gives you want is considered a “fake” bleed and this is to help your natural cycle.

How to eat your seeds?

• add to any batter (i.e pancakes, waffles)

• smoothies and smoothie bowls

• sprinkle on salads

• sprinkle on yogurt or oats

Some say seed cycling is a new trend because there are not a lot of studies around seed cycling and the connection to the menstrual cycle, however seeds are jam packed with so many nutrients, so what exactly do we have to loose.

Black Women and Infertility…

Recent climates about Black Lives in America has also brought forward the grave issue of Maternal Health in America. While this is not a new issue, it is still clear that African American women die in childbirth 4 times more often than their non-black counterparts. What we are not hearing much about is the infertility rates in the African American community.

There is this misconception that black women are generally more fertile, and because of this treatment is not offered as early as it would be for other women.

According to FertilityIQ

1. African American women record dramatically higher rates of infertility compared with other races.

2. African American women report being roughly four to six times more likely than Caucasian women to have trouble paying for care, finding time for appointments or locating a doctor with whom they feel comfortable.

3. African American Women are more likely to have less successful fertility rates, higher rates of miscarriage, fibroids, and preeclampsia.

So why isn’t there more of an urgency you say? As we talk about our history and slavery in America, black women have been historically thought of and raised to be strong, resilient and rely on the Lord to resolve any struggles in life. While our non-black sisters look for OPTIONS, SOLUTION and CHANGE.

At Magdala, we provide fertility support for all women. Let’s talk about your options! Mamas in the making who may have primary fertility issues, secondary fertility, miscarriage and pregnancy after loss. Are you struggling to conceive? Do you need emotional support? Would you like help with resources on fertility? We are here for you! Click here for our FREE Simple Steps to Improve Your Fertility TODAY, or schedule a FREE Consultation!

Preparing for a hospital birth during Covid-19?

Even with the growing demand for home births, hospital births are still happening around the country daily, during this time. It’s important to know the hospital policy before you get admitted. These policies are vastly different and constantly changing from institution to institution and state to state.

Here are some things to consider before giving birth:

1. Calling ahead and asking about the policy at the hospital you plan to give birth

2. Asking the hospital or primary care provider about the process upon arrival for birth

3. Do a Labor and Delivery tour (some hospitals and birth centers have virtual tours available)

4. Consider adding some extra items to your hospital bag (i.e mask, hand sanitizer, and hand soap)

5. Set up a family communication system, in lieu of hospital visits for updates and picture sharing

6. Determine level and method of doula engagement during active labor

Here are some changes in labor and delivery polices in the local DFW area during this time:

• testing of all expecting moms for cover-19 prior to delivery

• restricting support person to 1 person per expectant mom

• restricting visitors

• requiring self-quarantine prior to delivery

• requiring the use of mask

• restricting skin to skin and breastfeeding to covid-19 positive moms

Medical City Healthcare has drafted a full letter to patients on Covid-19 expectations which includes FAQs

Texas Health Resources has a Coronavirus response with common questions during pregnancy and birth

Hygge + Pregnancy

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh not hoo-gah) is defined as a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special. This lifestyle does not really require any work, experience or expense. It literally is a mindset of slowing down and being intentional about what you do and how you do it, while creating calm and peace.

During pregnancy, mood and emotion can play a huge role in your level of comfort and happiness. Incorporating hygge behaviors can make the journey of pregnancy a more comfortable experience.

Here are a few hygge behaviors to get you started on YOUR VIBE.

• have a cup of tea by the fireplace

• read your favorite book on the couch

• take a bubble bath

• take a walk at sunrise or sunset

• wear fuzzy socks

• schedule a spa day

• netflix and chill

You may be living the hygge lifestyle without even knowing it by creating a vibe in your home, bedroom or workspace. What about a morning or evening ritual? Things that may seem natural to you, the Danish culture has given a name. Use this lifestyle during pregnancy to stimulate those happy hormones and comfortable feelings.

For more cool hygge blogs, sites, shops and other hygge lifestyle ideas visit Hygge House.