Optimizing Women's Health with Maggie Ney, N.D

Welcome to Mama Goddess. I'm your host, Alexandra J. Johnson. This podcast is all about rocking your goddess life, creating vibrant health and celebrating motherhood and family life. It's about living an authentically awesome life. Let's have.

Hello, I'm Alexander J. Johnson and Today's guest is Dr. Maggie May. Maggie is a licensed board certified naturopathic doctor and co director of the Women's Clinic at Akasha. She specializes in female hormone balancing and healthy aging. Welcome, Maggie.

Thank you.

I'm so excited to be talking with you today. You have such a wealth of wisdom to share.

Well, thank you. I'm looking forward to speaking with you.

Yes. So I would love to just start off with a little background. Like why did you become a naturopathic doctor specializing in what you specialize in?

I've always really been interested in medicine and my original plan was to go to conventional medical school and I was going through all the pre med classes and realized I was more interested in prevention and health than just about medications and surgeries, which seemed to be the modalities that were taught in conventional medical school. So I was just talking to different people about my passions and interests and someone actually mentioned nd, which I had never heard of before, but I was straight to the Internet and searching it and it just spoke to me exactly what I wanted to do. Where you're learning to be a physician and able to diagnose and the sciences are the same, but the philosophy of looking at the whole person and treating the cause is really emphasized and then learning modalities like diet and nutrition, homeopathy in addition to the pharmaceuticals that I feel like is really what you need to practice good medicine. And then what got me into women's health, it's just a real personal experience, is that when I was an adolescent I had irregular menstrual cycles and a gynecologist just put me on birth control pills without much explanation. And, and I had thought it was just fixed everything, but really it was just a band aid and I didn't get to the root cause. So once I started thinking about that and learning about different therapies, I really changed a lot about my own lifestyle and got off the pill and got regular menstrual cycle. And that's really how I started emphasizing in women's health because I wanted to be another. I wanted women to have more options than just birth control pills.

Right.

And I want women to have a good connection with the doctor. And I feel like the gynecology offices are just so many of them are Just so quick and not personal. And having that good connection is so important.

Beautiful. And how long have you been practicing?

Almost six years.

Nice. Very cool. I love it. I love your passion. I can totally just feel it.

It's really fun when you do what you're passionate about. Your job is just a lot of fun.

Totally. So for all of this, obviously, women's health and talking about pregnancy and birth and parenting, what would you recommend a woman start doing or do if she wants to conceive, start a family?

Well, I think optimally, if you have. If you want to plan for this, which is always the optimum thing is to do, make some real lifestyle changes before you get pregnant. Because really a healthy child starts before conception. And the healthier the parents are at conception, the stronger the genetic foundation of the child is. So I pretty much recommend doing a cleanse. And I mean that cleansing and detoxing can mean different things to different people. But for me, it's really just starting on a very clean, nutrient dense diet and during the act of cleansing, to take additional herbs and nutrients to help facilitate all the avenues in the body of detoxification, like your liver and your kidneys, your skin. So I would encourage to do that and then really follow with really just continuing a nutrient dense, healthy, clean eating. And I think that's the most important thing to do. And then in addition, making sure there's no nutrient deficiencies and cleaning up your home environment and lifestyle are key.

Right. And I know that's fantastic. And I know that you're passionate about women's health and hormone balancing. And what is your thought on infertility? I know this is a big topic and we could have a whole conversation on infertility, but somebody that's struggling with infertility, would you recommend the same thing for them? Cleaning up their nutrition and doing a cleanse?

I do. So with infertility. So that's usually defined as when someone's been trying for at least a year and hasn't been able to conceive. I do recommend doing a cleanse for both partners and I'll do a little bit more thorough analysis. So a lot of things can contribute to infertility, but I want to be able to rule out any nutrient deficiencies. So I usually test for a lot of vitamins and minerals and see if there's any deficiencies. A lot of medications can cause nutrient deficiencies, like birth control pills that a lot of women have been on can lead to nutrient deficiencies that can contribute to infertility. So I always look at the nutrients. Also looking at a woman's menstrual cycle and having a woman really understand when they're fertile. A lot of women, couples think that it's just day 14 and women ovulate at different times of the cycle. So learning about a woman's own inherent rhythm and ovulation and just doing more thorough labs to make sure there's nothing that's interfering with fertility. Looking at a woman's thyroid, for example, or making sure they're not anemic, all of those are really important.

So if anyone is listening to this call and is having challenges conceiving, they should consult with you, please.

Yes.

That's awesome. I love that there's natural ways because it's such an intense issue, emotional issue for a lot of women and couples, and that when it's really empowering, that we can actually go see someone like you, that has these resources and these tests that we can do to optimize our health to conceive is so exciting.

Yeah. And it's really both. It's not saying that the conventional way to assess and treat infertility is wrong, but there are a lot of other things you can also do. And I want to present that other option. And it is very exciting.

Fantastic. So let's say that a woman's pregnant. What would you recommend? Like, the most important thing for her to do, nutrition wise?

I think the most important thing is to eat a clean, nutrient dense diet. So when I say clean, that means a few different things. One is organic whenever possible. And there are certain foods that are.

More.

I should say, have more pesticides than other foods. It's called the Dirty Dozen or the clean 15. And certainly when you're choosing something organic, when you're choosing a produce, make sure that if it's something that's typically sprayed highly, like strawberries or apples, that you're choosing the organic variety. So eating organic whenever possible and eating real food. And so that's food that you can imagine growing in nature. So fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, healthy sources of oil. Or, you know, if you eat meat, then the meat, but if you're eating beef, then it's grass fed, and if it's chicken, you know, it's just organic, free range. So that's eating cleanly. To me, it's eating food and as close to nature as possible and eating organic whenever you can.

So great. And then dietary preferences or ways of eating and living. Have you found working with pregnant women and just women in general, that there's a better diet like Certain protocols, whether that's no meat eating meat, vegetarian.

It'S so individualized. And so when you try to just follow one way, because there are people that promote one way, there's no one size fits all for that. So I think the most important thing is to listen to your body and see what makes you feel the best. So if you're vegan and you can feel great being vegan, you can certainly have a healthy pregnancy following a vegan diet. But I've certainly worked with some vegan women who crave meat and start eating meat and feel better. So it's really about listening to your body and honoring your body during pregnancy. And I also tell people first trimester is tough because you can have a lot of food aversions and morning sickness. And I generally tell people just kind of get through it. I don't want to put any, you know, too many food guidelines on the first trimester. I mean, certainly you want to be as healthy as possible, but I've seen so much so for so many women, it can be. Some women don't want to eat anything green during the first trimester, and that's okay. Do what you can to get through it.

Yes. I will definitely say yes. I had that experience. Very sweet diet. And then all of a sudden, I wasn't really prepared for the food aversions, I guess, And I'm like, I can't eat that. That's what I used to eat every day. I can't do it.

Yeah, I understand. I personally went through that, too. That first trimester was just really hard to. I did not want my kale like I usually do, but it all changed after the first trimester.

That's great.

Yeah.

I remember reading or somebody telling me, the baby has the most important thing, which for the first trimester is you. So just eat what you can.

I'm like, okay, absolutely, absolutely.

That's so great. So what would you recommend? Is there certain supplements that you recommend women take during pregnancy? Yeah, I always.

Well, a prenatal, and that's pretty. Everyone pretty much is aware of that. But taking a really good prenatal vitamin, there's a lot out there. I generally say, look at the bottle. And a lot of these prenatal vitamins have additives and food coloring. So try to get one that does not have that. There's no need for that. Omega 3 fatty acids. So those are. If a woman does eat fish and fish oil, the EPA and dha. Because that basically serves as brain food for the baby. And not only does research Support that it's good for brain development. It also shows, like, happy, like healthier babies. And also it prevents against postpartum depression, too. So I Recommend the Omega 3 fatty acids. I also recommend a probiotic. So that's like, there's many different strains of probiotics, but like acidophilus is an example to help support digestive health. And also research shows that when moms take it, it helps babies intestinal flora too, which then helps them prevent against eczema. And there's some research that shows that it prevents against childhood obesity. The other reason why I really emphasize probiotics is because if we can start to populate our vaginal floor with probiotics and we have a vaginal delivery, then the babies are exposed to that when. When the baby's born and they actually breathe some in. It gets into their system. And it's another way just to make sure babies have a good intestinal flora, which is very important for their immune system.

Wow, that's amazing.

Yeah, it is. And it's very easy to take. It's good for mom and baby. And then if a woman becomes anemic, which is more common during pregnancy, to take a little extra iron, and then everything else is kind of dependent on how the woman's feeling and doing, I might recommend something else. So if a woman has a lot of muscle cramping, then I might recommend an electric extra magnesium, for example.

And then do you recommend digestive enzymes or anything like that to help with digestion?

If there's heartburn, easy fullness, some excessive burping, or a lot of bloating and gas, then I'll recommend enzymes. Enzymes are safe during pregnancy.

And what about. This is a common one. There's some common complaints with pregnancy, but constipation, how do women stay regular throughout their pregnancy?

Well, staying really well hydrated is very important. So drinking lots and lots of water, exercise is very important. And then having a really good source of fiber. So dark, leafy green vegetables, flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, those really help a lot. The reason why constipation is more prevalent.

During.

Pregnancy is because we have such a high level of progesterone in our body, and that really just down slows. Slows everything down. So the water, exercise, and fiber really helps get things moving. And then a little extra calcium, magnesium at bedtime can be helpful too.

Very cool. Yes. That was a process for me of finding that balance, like, okay, it can slow down a little.

Everything does slow down quite a bit. So you have to Kind of find the right. What you need to do to work for your body. It's individualized. But those are really good foundation. The water, exercise, fiber are the foundational pieces.

Fantastic. And then this is always a big topic. Weight, gain weight. How much should a woman gain? Should she monitor her weight? What are your thoughts on that?

Well, I'm really into just, if you eat healthy and listen to your body, the weight just will come on naturally or not come on. I should say naturally, but I don't like fixating on numbers because the weight can fluctuate a lot during pregnancy. And I don't even know exactly what's recommended. About 20, 25 pounds. Now, I think if you eat healthy, a whole foods diet, and don't do a lot of sugar or processed food and you're exercising, what happens, happens. And generally it's within a reasonable 25 to 35 pounds, which I think is generally what's recommended. What I don't, what I really tell all my pregnant patients, this is not a time to kick your feet up and say, okay, I'm finally allowed to eat cake and sugar and all this stuff that for so long you try not to do. I hear that all the time in interviews and even in my patients that, oh, now that they're pregnant, they're allowed to gain a lot of weight and eat a lot of cookies. And it's not that time. This is the time to take the very best care of yourself because everything you put in your body does affect the baby.

So beautiful. Yeah, that was a really good reminder for me. I was having a fair amount of chocolate. I'm like, this is the baby. Does the baby need chocolate every day? I don't.

Maybe a little bit, but not a ton.

Pretty classic. But I think it's a great reminder, like what you said, everything that we're thinking, eating, drinking is the baby is us. So it's so important for us to be mindful of.

And what a wonderful opportunity we have to really influence the health of our baby through what we put into our body.

So great, then how do we honor. I mean, we live in the modern world and pregnant women are busy and they're working and they're living a full life, maybe taking care of kids, running a business. How does a pregnant woman honor her natural cycles and rhythms during pregnancy with getting enough rest? And what would you recommend for that?

Well, I think you just really need to be. A woman needs to be mindful and listen to their body and be in tune to their body. So when they're Tired to rest. I know that's sometimes easier said than done, but a woman really needs to stay well hydrated, should be getting some exercise, eating healthy, and sleeping a lot. You know, getting what they need for sleep at night and generally if. And taking time for themselves and making sure there's joy in their life and they're doing what they need to feed their soul. I think all of that is very important.

And then how important is rest and sleep? Because rest and sleep, because it seems like in our culture, for most of us, normal is sleep deprived. So can you talk about the importance of rest and pregnancy health?

Yeah, it's probably one of the top three I could think of for pregnancy health is making sure you're getting enough sleep. I mean, not only. I mean, it affects your mood, your coping skills. Studies show that adequate sleep during pregnancy contribute to shorter labors and lessens the risk of postpartum depression. Sleep is a time for your body and immune system to rejuvenate. So sleep is so important. I always tell you, don't want to sacrifice sleep for anything. I mean, you just need to make sure. I mean, I like to try to emphasize getting as much sleep before midnight as possible and ideally fall asleep easily, stay asleep through the night and requested. Now, sleep can get more challenging for some women before giving birth. And that's maybe another conversation, but the idea is not to sacrifice sleep. Don't stay up late to get work done. I know, again, I understand that lifestyle situations can interfere with that, but just to be mindful of how important sleep is so you can make it a priority.

Great. I love my sleep.

Good.

So early. I'm like, oh my gosh, I'm going to bed so early.

It's so important. It's really important.

That's so great. So I know that you work a lot with hormones and balancing hormones. Is there a way that we can navigate our hormonal changes throughout pregnancy and decrease mood swings and just kind of how do we flow with everything?

Really, it comes back to the foundations. And I'm going to sound like a broken record during this interview, but it's about eating well, exercise, sleep, staying well hydrated. That is what you need to do to feel optimum and then to explore any personal issues that are maybe coming up during pregnancy. Being pregnant, it's not just a physical, it's emotional, spiritual, lots going on. And so to really honor and recognize that two is really helpful just to kind of maintaining an optimum level of health during pregnancy.

So if we maintain that, then you will have maybe Steady mood?

Yes. Oh, absolutely.

I haven't experienced any moods, but I know I've talked to people and they're like, I was so moody and so intense. But if we live, like, if we're getting sleep and the rest and the great food, can we have like an even.

Absolutely, absolutely. Those are the foundations. So like I said, if you're the water, the exercise, the sleep, making sure you're having daily bowel movements, you're doing something in your life that brings you joy, you're eating a healthy diet, if those are in place. Yes. Now, every once in a while, of course, someone can still have some fluctuations and we look at those cases individually. But yes, absolutely, if you follow that, you can feel great during pregnancy.

Yay. That's exciting for all of us women.

Yes. No, it can be the most exciting, most joy filled experience.

That's so great. What do you recommend for exercise? Anything. Doing anything that you feel. Is there anything that a pregnant woman shouldn't do or you recommend her not do?

Well, you certainly want to do anything that you enjoy doing. I do think walking is probably the best. So I do tell my patients. I emphasize trying to get five miles every day, and I know that's a lot, but sometimes you can break it up into two walks. But walking is a really good form of exercise during pregnancy. Yoga is great, swimming is great. But exercise is shown to improve strength, flexibility and endurance for quicker and easier labor and delivery. It helps prevent constipation and back pain. Swelling helps prevent against postpartum depression. It helps to open up the hips, helps as a form of relaxation. So anything that really you enjoy doing, like I said, I do really like the walking and the yoga. The swimming is also great. And anything to avoid is anything that's really, I guess that you'd be at risk of harm, like skiing, you'd want to be more mindful of, or even horseback riding. Although some women I know do it. I'm just saying those things you just want to be more mindful of.

Yeah. So there's obviously all the physical components for growing babies inside of us. How does a woman connect to kind of more of the emotional, mental, spiritual connection of pregnancy and connecting to her.

Baby in the womb?

Do you have some practices or exercises that we can explore for that?

Yeah, I mean, there are so many. I generally talk about talking to your baby and I like to introduce the idea of journaling. If journaling and writing is something that a woman likes to do, then actually starting a journal for your baby while you're still pregnant. It's a really wonderful way to connect to your baby. Just keeping a hand on the womb and just closing your eyes and taking a breath and connecting with your. Another form of connecting. So those are generally what I recommend. And then talking to each person individually of how they feel they're connecting to their body and to their baby and exploring each of those individually and working with a practice for that.

And then what about fears? Because this seems to be a big topic for women, especially coming pregnant, like fears of the baby's health, fears of complication. How do we. And how do women navigate that emotional terrain?

That's a good question. I think talking about it is key. I also think education is key and also trust, too. So our bodies, our women's bodies, really meant to have babies in a really primitive sense. That's what we're designed to do. We're meant to have babies give birth. And it's a natural process and to kind of trust that. I think for a lot of women, it is a sense of fear reduction and also to understand what is going on, how the hormones are playing out. To know that the baby is also very protective inside the womb and then to also be proactive in living in a healthy lifestyle, I think helps get rid of is empowering. And I think that empowerment helps to mitigate some of the fear.

And I read on your blog, which is a beautiful blog, about how you gave birth naturally. Can you just share a little bit of why you chose to do it the way that you did and just kind of share your experience with us? Sure.

Like I was just saying, I believe that given a healthy pregnancy and a healthy mom, that being pregnant and giving birth is a very, very natural experience. It doesn't have to be medicalized. So I know I'm most comfortable at home. I also didn't want minimal intervention, and I really just wanted to just let my body do what it knows how to do. And so that's why I chose to have a home birth and work with a midwife.

It was an amazing experience. Was it what you.

Oh, it was incredible. So, like I said, what helps to get rid of some of the fear is knowledge. And also to know what fear actually does physiologically to the body. It actually. It can interfere with the whole birthing experience. Because fear, I read in a book, I think it was one of Ina May's Guides to Childbirth, which is a wonderful book. Imagine being in a hospital. And a hospital can be a Zen place for you. So I'm not against it. All hospital births, it's Whatever decision is right for the woman. But imagine being in a room with fluorescent lighting and having 10 strangers looking at you, yelling for you to pee, pee, pee, pee. I mean, it's hard to do that. Like the sphincters close up, you get a little bit more nervous. So that really resonated with me to be in an environment where you can relax, your body relaxes and the cervix opens more widely and things just flow a little bit more easily. So I wanted to put myself in an environment where I felt most comfortable. And I trusted my body and I trusted that I would have a healthy, safe delivery and birth. And I did. It's a personal decision. It's a personal decision for every woman to go through. But I believe you can create any environment you want, no matter where you are, whether it's at home or hospital or birthing center. But you should do some preparation. So to visualize exactly no matter where you are, what kind of birth do you want to have?

So what would you recommend for a woman to prepare for birth or for her ideal birth? Books that you read or workshops or just any information? It's definitely a big topic for women.

There's a lot of different birthing classes, and some I think are great and some probably not so great. So you want to do a little homework and look, because I think every woman usually does take a birth class. I think for me, I took a natural childbirth class. I also got some books on hypnobirthing and kind of combined probably different practices. I'm going to get back to your question. So how to kind of figure out what you want to do, is that was your question?

Yes. Caring for the birth.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Okay. So I think one is to get an idea of what's happening to the body. So to be more proactive in knowing what's happening with the. With what happens during labor, with the contractions, which in hypnobirthing and other natural childbirth means you kind of want to reframe some of the language so that it's not so much labor, hard work, contractions, But I think my childbirth called them surges or surges of love. So just another way of reframing the whole experience. Another thing is just to you wanted the fear component is huge. Is to try not to be. It doesn't have to be a fearful experience because once fear is quieted, you can kind of trust your body more. And I think that that really helps. I think that what each woman needs to do is find either talk to either their partner and do some research as to different forms of childbirth. So whether if they want to have natural childbirth, there are absolutely ways that it can be done comfortably. I mean, everyone has their own experience with childbirth. But I never wanted to have pain as being part of my vocabulary. And you kind of have to prepare for that. It takes work to get to a state because what do you do when you do feel the sensations of labor? How do you interpret that and where does your mind go during that? So it takes work. So I do. If you're going to do the natural, then you have to do that work beforehand. And then if you're in the hospital or if you want to be Medicaid to be comfortable with these decisions. And when I say to visualize, well, imagine being in the hospital and the support and who you want there to do that work beforehand.

And did you practice throughout your whole pregnancy and would you recommend that or is it something that you practice the last couple months of your pregnancy?

I knew I wanted to have natural childbirth, so then I started reading some more books. So again, I think it's an. Ina Mays is a wonderful author. And then I had met a woman who does hypnobirthing. So I got some DVDs. So I didn't take a class, but they do have formal classes and books. So I did I think a little bit throughout the pregnancy reading different books, different visualization exercises that I found personally to be very helpful. And then it was really the last trimester or the last two months that I was listening to a lot of the relaxation CDs and really got into it. But I felt like I really was prepared. I felt like right a couple days before I actually did give birth that I'm like, I'm ready for this mentally prepared.

That's so great. And I love on your blog, you had a great blog, Mind over labor, which was fantastic. And you were talking about having a calm and joyous and pain free, not pressure free labor. So I love that of reframing the pain to pressure sensations. Can you talk a little bit more about that?

It can be done. I know it might sound totally crazy and when I talk to other people, they sometimes think I'm nuts. Although I talk to other people who get it because they do it. But if you can train yourself so that the sensations you feel, they're not interpreted as pain because they're more pressure and there are surges, then that's how it becomes and it just changes everything. I would say I had a pain free childbirth and I do agree, probably My birthing experience was easier than others. It was just about eight hours. So that's not that long for the first time. But to have the tool so that to close my eyes, to go to a different place, you know, you create your little happy place mentally that you create beforehand, very detailed, filled. And then when you have these feelings. Yes, they're just surges. And I think I kept thinking, oh, this is one more that I'm feeling that's going to bring me closer to hold my baby. And that was very kind of exciting too. So, yeah, it was a very, it was a wonderful experience and a very, it was, it was pressured but not painful.

That's awesome. Very inspiring for all of us. And I love that there's, you know, you're an example and you're teaching it and you're sharing it, that it is possible. It doesn't have to be like we see in the movies where it's screaming painful and horrific.

Oh, isn't that horrific? What's portrayed in the media? Oh my goodness. Like the position you're in. We all know the position that we see in the movies with the woman lying down and feet and stirrups. That's not the easiest position to labor and to give birth. I mean, it might be for some women, but generally you want to have gravity supporting the falling of the baby. So to be lying like that traditionally has been because it's easier for the doctor to actually catch the baby. But a woman can be in any sort of position that feels most comfortable for them.

So great. I love it. So inspiring. Yeah. I hadn't even seen a birth ever until I started watching DVDs. I'm like, oh, that's how birth is actually done naturally.

Yes, I know, I know. Hollywood has done. I think that some of the fear.

Yeah, for sure. So I love that. I love the kind of clearing fear that you're talking about and having pressure free labor. Let's all go for that. Ladies, what was your thoughts or what did you do or what do you recommend people on vaccinations? I know this is another big topic in the health arena.

I know that is. That could be a whole other interview. But basically either find a trusted doctor or that you can talk to about that you can talk to about this. There's a lot of different vaccinations and the vaccination schedule was really devised to accommodate everyone. And this includes the person who someone might fear would never go back to a doctor ever again. That's why I think a lot of vaccines are done Right at the hospital that first day. But there I think what I'm not against vaccinations. I don't really like the current schedule. So I think there's a different timing we can do for vaccinations. So I think for, like I said, to find either a trusted source or if you want to do your own research, I mean, there are individual vaccinations you can really learn about and know what is most important at what particular time. So hepatitis B, for example, it's a sexually transmitted virus. It's also bloodborne, but your risk of having it as a newborn is slim to none. So it's one to think about. But to go through each one and to see is this something that we need right now or is this something that can wait a little bit? It's a controversial topic and I think it's really, it's really individualized for a person. I can't say this is the schedule that everyone should follow. It's really. It depends if there's other children at home, if the baby's going to be in daycare, if you're traveling a lot, that puts that. All of those would increase more risk factors. So it's an individualized. But I'm definitely for vaccinations. I just think the schedule is again, it's really developed for everyone.

Right. And then what's your thought on group B strep overgrowth? I saw on your blog just talking about how we can kind of prepare for that or prevent that. Can you give us some tips on that or your thoughts on it?

Well, yeah, I think just taking the probiotics are the most helpful things that you can do to prevent that. The group B strep. Yeah. And if you get tested for it and you're positive, again, there are natural things, but the probiotics are key. And certainly if you have to do the antibiotics, then I mean, I certainly would never tell anyone not to do that. That's important. You don't want to take that chance if you are testing positive for it.

Right. Okay, got it. And so postpartum how. This is another big topic that I hear so much about and read about. Thoughts on postpartum. How do you navigate this process of the becoming a mother, all of that.

Yeah, it's a lot of variables go into the postpartum experience, including hormones, sleep changes, lifestyle changes, having a new baby. There's a lot. So to go back navigating it, I think it's important to have a good support system if you can. I think it's important that a woman eats healthy, continuing to eat healthy. So eating protein is very important because amino acids make up the protein and the amino acids turn into the serotonin and the other happy hormones in our body. Like I said, avoiding processed foods and sugar and the B vitamins can be helpful. Like B12 can be helpful. And again, just getting that support from the community.

Yeah, I've been reading a lot about that too. The support, how important that is for everyone to have this support and tend to not really ask for help that often. Do you think that's potentially some of the postpartum issues that women have, the lack of support? Yeah, I do.

Not asking. Yes. Well, I mean, if you think about how we were meant to give birth, it really was a village and we had family around and friends around and just in our society, it's very, you know, we do it alone and we're not supposed to ask for help and we're supposed to be able to do everything, especially women. We're supposed to be able to do everything and we're not supposed to have babies alone. We need to have the community, we need to have the help. And especially your first baby. There's so much uncertainty and question. So it's nice to have that support around.

Fantastic. And then breastfeeding, the importance of breastfeeding and then also any tips for breastfeeding for any of the lovely mothers out there?

Well, there's so many benefits to breastfeeding. So bonding with the baby, health of the baby. It actually helps with hormones for the mom to feel good and I think helps prevent against postpartum depression. So there's a lot of benefits and tips. Nurse on demand. Keep the baby close at night, makes it easier if the baby's nearby, Just makes it easier for mom. And again, to have that support. There's a lot of great resources for breastfeeding mom lactation consultants, so to have that support.

And what about sleep deprivation too? Because you know, you're breastfeeding your baby and there's just a lot for, like you said, especially for a new mother. What's your thoughts on how to work with sleep deprivation?

Well, I think if you're going to be breastfeeding during the night, you want to have your baby close to you because to have to get up and go to another room, that can make you more sleep deprived. So having the baby close, sleep when the baby sleeps. So when the baby naps, you nap and just really. And I don't. The only responsibility should be the baby. I mean, I know that's ideally. And a lot of people have other responsibilities, but to just sleep when the baby sleeps and keep the baby close at night is what I would recommend. You're not going to be as rested when you don't, as if when you're not having a baby. But those are things you can do to really help with the sleep.

Fantastic. And then how I know that you have your career and you're also a mother. Do you have any tips for women and advice for women on how to balance having a baby and being a mother and also a career?

Well, that's a good question. I think you want to, hopefully the career you're doing is something you want to be doing because I think that's really huge. I can imagine it would be very difficult to go to work and to leave your baby and to leave the home to be doing something you don't enjoy doing. And, and it's a privilege to be doing something that you enjoy doing. But I think that really helps to be doing something that you enjoy and you're passionate about. And also just taking self care is really important. So making sure you're not sacrificing too much yourself, I mean you need to make sure you're taking your shower and you're doing your exercise is a challenge, but those are key. And then also I just think support is so important. You can't be doing this alone. And balancing all of that, it doesn't have to be family, but friends, a friend, someone that can support. But I think really for balancing, I mean, I think creating some boundaries too. And when I say that, I mean kind of more being present and in the moment. So when you're home, you're home and when you're at work, as much as possible, you're at work. And I think that helps a lot too.

Wonderful. Great. And one more question. What have been some of your biggest joys and pleasures of being a mother so far?

Oh, it's just been so incredible. I mean every day is really a joy just to watch your little baby, I have a little girl just change and discover the world and they change so much so quickly. From just discovering objects to just being in awe of, of just taking a walk and watching her be in awe of different the grass and the flowers and the snails and things I would normally just walk by. It's incredible just to watch another person that you just love with all your heart just discover the world. So that's just having her around. I enjoy her company. I love to watch her grow and learn. It's just been such an incredible experience.

Beautiful tears in my eyes. Amazing.

It's a wonderful experience. Pregnancy, birth, baby. I mean it's such an amazing process and experience for a woman and her partner. She has a partner to go through. It's incredible.

Awesome. Fantastic. Well thank you so much for your wisdom. Can you share where people can stay, find you to learn more about your work and consultations and all of that good stuff?

Sure. So I work at the Akasha center for Integrative Medicine which is in Santa Monica, California and the website is just www.akashacenter.com and then I have my own website and blog which is Dr.maggienay.com.

Wonderful. Fantastic. Well thank you. Thank you for all of your wisdom.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Mama Goddess. Sending you lots of love and blessings. If you'd like to connect more go to mamagoddess.com until next time. Keep rocking it and have an awesome day.