H1N1

Here's a great article I found via Birthsource:

Today's Research: H1N1 & Pregnancy

Confusing and controversial...that is how one childbirth educator put it when trying to answer questions in class about the H1N1 virus and whether to vaccinate if pregnant.

"It (the question) puts us between a rock and a hard place," says this childbirth educator (who we'll call Sally) who wanted to remain nameless. "I work and teach for a hospital. And I know the "party line", but the actual research is not so clear!"

A recent article in the Orange County Register (California) highlight a part of the professional controversy. Dr. Bob Sears' opinion differs from others: "As a doctor, we swear an oath to 'First, do no harm.' So I have a hard time recommending a treatment that doesn't show it causes no harm," he said. "It's not just the H1N1 vaccine that's not been tested. The regular flu vaccine has not been tested in pregnant women, either, to show that it's safe in babies. That kind of boggles my mind, because the regular flu vaccine has been around for years, and there have been plenty of opportunities for the companies to do some safety testing on them so pregnant women can feel more comfortable about them."

Dr. Felice L. Gersh, an OB/GYN at Women's Medical Group of Irvine who has been practicing for 28 years, echoes the assessment of governmental health agencies, who say the vaccine is safe and are mounting a campaign to urge pregnant women to get the H1N1 and seasonal-flu vaccines. Gersh said Sears and other doctors skeptical of the H1N1 vaccine are "going against the weight of scientific evidence."

"Sometimes in medicine, as in life, you have to go with your best guess using available data," she said. "Everything can't be signed, sealed and guaranteed. This is a judgment call. And all the data is in favor of getting the vaccine."

The Center For Disease Control has an excellent website with answers to questions about the H1N1 and also the vaccine. While thimerosal may not be in the single dose vials or the nasal spray, it will be in the multi-dose vials. The vaccine may also contain formaldehyde and egg byproducts.

There are some key lifestyle modifications that could help expectant women with promoting a healthy immune system and thus minimizing or eliminating the H1N1: (1) hydrate yourself with at least 64 fl oz or more; (2) wash hands thoroughly with warm/hot water and bar soap (avoid antibacterial soaps). Dry on paper towels and throw them away. (3) increase the probiotics in the diet. 70% of our immune system is in the colon. Probiotics can be consumed via cultured dairy products such as yogurts and fermented foods such as sauerkraut. For more information, click to the article on Pregnancy and the H1N1 virus at Midwifery Today.

And these helpful tips for the general public from Donna Walls RN, IBCLC, Certified Aromatherapist/Herbalist of Mother Earth Sundries:

1) wash hands frequently- PLEASE use soap. avoid the hand sanitizers- many contain Triclosan which is linked to breast and other reproductive cancers. If you need a "travel" container, purchase a small 1 ounce bottle or jar and put 1 oz of water with 30 drops of lavender essential oil for a safe, effective hand cleaner when there is no water close by!

2) boost you immune system. Try and herbal immune booster- astragalus is a great one. Taken as teas, capsules or tinctures this herb has proven to boost you body's ability to fight off all kinds of infections. Do not use echinacea regularly- it do not prevent colds or flu, although if taken at the onset of symptoms, it will reduce the length and severity of the symptoms. Both these herbs are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

3) try a steam of eucalyptus essential oil. Place a pan of water (about 1" of water) on the stove and bring to a simmer. Add 10-12 drops of pure eucalyptus essential oil and inhale the steam for 1-2 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times a day as needed. You might also look into a nasal rinse with the Neti Pot. it's a great way to flush germs out of the nose.


As with all controversies, an educator gives to her clients the research or shows access to the research. This paves the way to the client(s) making the best choice based on the knowledge available. Sally agreed, "It is difficult to give an answer when all of the data is not available. And with the media, it makes it even harder."