Herbs, Hormones, and Holistic Medicine: lmplications for the Fetus and Nursing Infant

Abstract

As home health care takes a more visible stance in prenatal and postpartum care, health care providers will be called upon to be resources of information regarding these therapies. Popular holistic therapies for insomnia, weight loss, and fatigue will be discussed as well as their implications on the fetus and nursing infant.UCH CONCERN is generated from be-t~~ hind the counter when a breastfeeding t ~~~ mother or mother-to-be reaches to the m V &dquo;miscellaneous&dquo; section of over-thecounter (OTC) drugs. She may be looking for her answer to insomnia, weight loss, or fatigue. In most retail pharmacies, the miscellaneous section consists of herbs, vitamins, powdered drinks, weight loss remedies, and the most recent panaceas. Expectant and nursing mothers are restricted to those OTC drugs that are manufacturer endorsed for use in pregnancy and lactation. Many mothers assume the