The Side effects of Epidurals on babies
By Dr.  J. J. Gregor DC, DIBAK, DCCN

We talked yesterday about how epidurals affect the mother, and now I'd like to focus on the side effects of epidurals on babies.  It's easy to see that the epidural can give instant relief to the mother.  However, what may not be so obvious, is what an epidural can do to your baby. 

First, when a drug is administered to mom, keep in mind the baby is still getting everything that she is.  When mom gets a dose of the narcotic and opioid (epidural), Magnesium or any other drug for that matter, the baby gets equal or even higher dose per weight.  The problem is that the baby doesn’t have the ability to metabolize these drugs as well as an adult, and they may be present in the fetal blood for up to 36 hours after the spinal anesthesia is administered. 

Second, studies have shown that some of the local anesthetics used with the epidural may have an adverse effect on the baby’s immune system, and can cause fetal b...

Balsamic Chicken and Proscuitto-Wrapped Asparagus

By J. J. Gregor

Another paleo and gluten-free meal of Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus.  For a change, we wrapped the asparagus spears in prosciutto.  It added a great salty flavor to the dish.   This is super easy, and your family won't even know it's healthy. Ingredients: (serves 6)

• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 4 T extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• dash of salt and pepper
• 6-6oz boneless and skinless chicken breasts
• 2 bunches of asparagus, trimmed
• 2 T minced garlic
• 6 large slices of Proscuitto

Directions:

For the Chicken:  Combine the balsamic vinegar, oil, and salt and pepper in a small bowl.  Brush the mixture over the chicken.  Let this stand for 30 minutes.  When ready, grill the chicken over high heat, 6 minutes per side or until done.

For the Asparagus: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine asparagus, oil, and garlic in a large bowl.  Dividing the asparagus into 6 bunches, wrap each bunch with prosciutto.  Bake for 15 min...

The Effects and Side Effects of Epidurals

By Dr. J. J. Gregor DC, DIBAK, DCCN

Potential Side effects of epidurals

Having seen the birth of both of my children, I will never be too arrogant to tell any person going through one of life’s most excruciatingly painful experiences to not take advantage of modern pharmaceuticals. I myself haven’t taken a prescription or over the counter drug for about 15 years, but if I was in as much pain as Erin during TJ’s birth I would have been first in line for drugs!

This is a very delicate topic , but I am going to present the potential downsides of the epidural by providing information so every woman can make an informed decision.

First, let’s talk about what an epidural really is.

Considered the most popular pain relief during labor, epi is defined as above in latin/greek, and the dura is the covering of the central nervous system (CNS). An epidural is an injection of a drug into your spine above the sack that covers your CNS. It is usually a ...

Cesarean deliveries pose many risks for babies

By Dr. J. J. Gregor DC, DIBAK, DCCN

Although it's been discussed that cesarean births are much less traumatic for the babies than vaginal births, I tend to disagree. In fact, I think cesarean’s are possibly more traumatic, just in a different fashion.

During a vaginal delivery, there is a tremendous amount of pressure placed on the baby, which makes sense because you're basically squeezing something the size of a cantaloupe through a lemon sized hole. However, this pressure is essential, as it ensures the baby’s lungs clear with their first breath. This would also explain why there is a huge increase in asthma and other respiratory disorders in c-section babies.

There are strong correlations from both Osteopathic and Chiropractic professions that the pressure and trauma from birth may be necessary and induces proper cranial motion. If this cranial motion doesn’t happen properly it Cesareans can lead to increased incidents of:

Colic du...

Elective C-section convenience or major risk to baby and Mother?

By Dr. J. J. Gregor DC, DIBAK, DCCN
When we found out we were pregnant with our first child; we received lots and lots of advice.  Some solicited, and well, for those who have had a baby, you know most of it is unsolicited.  One thing we were told quite often was to opt for an elective c-section because it was so easy.  It was an option that never sat well with us in the first place, and after more research, it became a decision we wanted to stay far, far away from.

C-sections are sometimes necessary, beneficial and life-saving.  However, in today’s world where uncertainty is never welcome, more and more women are opting for the elective c-section.  It allows them to schedule the exact day their baby will be welcomed into the world, and it cuts back on time ‘wasted’ in labor.  Doctors also appreciate the elective c-section because it also sets their schedule.  However, there are multiple risks to both mother and baby th...

Our Personal story of Advantages of a birthing center over hospital

By J. J. Gregor DC

Working in this field, I always had my opinions on delivering in a hospital versus a birthing center.  However, I'll be honest; I never thought it would be something I would experience first hand.  To say, my son, TJ was a shock, would be a massive understatement.  We took six pregnancy tests and never actually believed any of them.  It was finally the sight of a tiny bean-like figure on an ultrasound, that confirmed we were going to be parents.

The thought of a birthing center crossed our mind, but Erin was considered high risk.  So since we had no idea what we were doing, we decided to go the traditional medical route of a hospital birth with an OBGYN and the “safety” of a level 4 NICU.

TJ's due date was December 25th.  As much as we wanted to wait for him to come when he was ready, we also knew we didn't want to be in the hospital delivering on Christmas.  Our fear was we would have a doctor p...

Primal Shrimp Scampi & Roasted Broccoli
By J. J. Gregor

Since eating healthy can be difficult, I wanted to share some recipes we've tried and loved in our home.  This makes a great primal meal although If you're following a strict Paleo diet or are sensitive to dairy, simply remove the cheese in the broccoli dish.  

Shrimp Scampi and Roasted Broccoli
(serves 6)
Ingredients:
5 T extra virgin olive oil, divided.
1 1/2 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 t kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped shallots
2 1/2 t minced garlic (divided)
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 T lemon zest and 2 T lemon juice
2 bunches of broccoli
1/2 cup shredded parmesan

Directions: For the Scampi: Heat 2 T of the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Cook for 4 minutes. Remove shrimp.  Place shallots and garlic in the pan, and cook for 30 seconds. Add the white wine and cook until it's evaporated. Stir in the lemon zest and juice and add the shrimp back to the...

You Were Built to Be an Exceptional Athlete

Not Olympic-level exceptional. Hunter-gatherer exceptional.

Your ancestors tracked game for hours—sometimes days—at a conversational pace. Eight to twelve miles daily. Low heart rate. Fat-burning metabolism. Sustainable forever.

That movement pattern built your cardiovascular system, your metabolism, your mitochondria, and your stress response. That's what human physiology evolved for.

Modern fitness inverted this. We sit all day, then do chronic moderate cardio that's too hard to build a...