There is an epidemic today of problems with childbirth. Infertility is at an all-time high. Morning sickness is so prevalent that women are now being told it is normal and a sign of a healthy pregnancy. Congenital defects, learning disorders, and behavioral disorders are increasing. Post-partum depression is on an upswing. Diseases once reserved for the elderly, such as diabetes and cancer, are becoming more and more common in infancy and early childhood. What is going on? If we had this many health issues back in Adam and Eve's day, man would probably have ceased to exist!

There are many factors that contribute to these issues, but first and foremost it is because of poor nutrition. In the past - and even today in the more remote villages - pregnancy wasn't just something that happened. It was planned for. The woman was prepared by eating "sacred foods" - super-nutrient foods that would build her up and prepare her for creating a healthy baby. They recognized the increased nutritional needs that pregnancy demands, so she continued to eat these super-foods during pregnancy as well. Not only does the woman need nutrients for her normal, everyday function, but she now needs the nutrients to build a complete, fully functional, intelligent human being. In addition, she has to meet the increased physiological, chemical, and structural demands of the pregnancy alone.

Way too many women go into pregnancy already depleted nutritionally. They are not healthy to start with. Add the increased demand of pregnancy, and it's no wonder there are so many problems.

It is estimated that one in six couples now have problems with infertility. Cited as "suspicious" in this dismaying infertility rate is chemicals in our foods and environment, abundance of sugars and other non-nutritive drinks and foods, simultaneous lack of nutrient density in the foods that are consumed, certain medications, smoking, alcoholism, hormonal imbalances, and others.

Another factor that may contribute to all these issues is women having babies too close together. According to Catherine Shanahan, M.D., in her book "Deep Nutrition" (as well as other sources), a woman needs at least two years between babies in order to replenish her body of the nutrients stolen from her reserves for a developing baby. The second baby gets "second-best" nutrition because of the lack of reserves, which affects fetal development in many ways.

A woman needs to be in extraordinary health to have a healthy baby, not just-getting-by health. She needs to have adequate bone-building materials like absorbable calcium and other minerals, fats for healthy brain function, good adrenal health, which is generally a significant factor in morning sickness, an abundance of protein, vitamins and other nutrients. Eating super-nutrient foods such as organ meats, fish, lots of green leafy vegetables, wholesome farm-fresh milk, and organic beans and legumes is a good start. Remember, this is more than just having a baby.

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health-care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.