News

New technology improving IVF success!

Time-lapse imaging is now allowing scientist to watch over developing embryos to help identify the specific embryos with the most chance of achieving a successful pregnancy.  Scientists belive this could increase the IVF success rates by over 50%.  Although still in it's infancy, this amazing new technology is exciting news for all couples struggling with fertility.  

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mothers Day to all the new Mum's and 'Mum's to be'!  Being the best Mum starts well before birth.  You're already nurturing the health, development and long term well being of your precious baby from the minute you conceive.  You are the sole source of nutrition for this rapidly growing new baby and the nutrients you provide during this time set them up for life!  So even if your new bundle haven't made their entrance into this world yet, Happy Mothers Day! 

Choline - your Super Star pregnancy nutrient!

Hailed as the new 'rockstar' pregnancy nutrient in the US, choline is a vital nutrient during pregnancy and breastfeeding to support healthy neural tube closure and brain development.   As seen in the current issue of Cosmopolitan Pregnancy Magazine Australia, choline is the new super star pregnancy nutrient!

“The importance of choline cannot be overstated as we continue to unravel the role it plays in human health and development." said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal

The neural tube, which connects the brain and the spinal cord, develops and closes during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, which is often before many women realize they are pregnant.  So it’s recommended to start boosting your choline intake as soon as you begin planning for pregnancy. 

Requirements for this essential nutrient increase during pregnancy to 440mg per day and requirements then increase again during breastfeeding to 550mg.

Good sources include lecithin granules, eggs, beef, salmon, chicken, baked beans, kidney beans, lentils, brussel sprouts, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, wheatgerm, oats and milk.  Another sneaky source of choline is chocolate!  So mabye giving in to those cravings every now and then won't be so bad!

Zycia Natal Nutrients provides 500mg of choline per day to help ensure healthy levels during conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

At Pharmacy Direct Online

Interview with Zycia Director Tasha Jennings ND

Zycia Managing Director Tasha Jennings was recently interviewed by Open Colleges about her experience as a Naturopath and Nutritionist and the development of Zycia after her own conception journey.  Read the interview today.

Mushrooms, a great source of vitamin D

Vitamin D is an increasingly common deficiency, particularly amongst pregnant women.  Deficiency has been linked to reduced fertility, reduced ability to conceive, low birth weight, reduced bone and muscle strength, pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy complications.  Therefore it's imporant to ensure a healthy intake during this critical time.  Unlike many nutrients, vitamin D is not easily found through dietary sources.  Sunlight is our main source of vitamin D, however Australian and New Zealand guidelines recommend against relying on this source of vitamin D due to the detrimental effects of too much sun exposure and the inability to quantify exactly how much sunlight is enough and how much is too much.  However a new study presented at the American Society for Biochemistry and Microbiology showed that mushrooms, which have been grown in sunny conditions, are an excellent source of this important nutrient!  To help boost your intake of this essential vitamin check out our delicious mushroom soup recipe of the week and take your Zycia Natal Nutrients each day!

Experts establish a link between Vitamin D and pregnancy outcomes

Low vitamin D levels have long been associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes.  New conclusive research from the University of Calgary, Canada confirms this link in a systematic review and meta analysis of the current data.  This research showed that women with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to develop gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and lower birth weight baby.  

For more information on this study click here.

Zycia Natal Nutrients contains 1000IU of Vitamin D per day 

Increase in childhood food allergy linked to Vitamin D deficiency

A new Australian study by the Mudoch Childrens Research Institute involving 5000 children, found that children with a vitamin D deficiency at 1 year of age were three times more likely to to have a food allergy than those with healthy vitamin D levels.  Children who had one or more food allergies were 10 times more likely to have vitamin D deficiency.

Australia has one of the highest rates of food allergy, affecting more than 10 percent of infants.  Australia also has one of the highest rates of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the few nutrient deficiencies the mother passes on to the child during pregnancy.  It's also much easier to treat deficiency in the fetus before birth than it is once the child is born.  So it's important to maintain healthy vitamin D levels during pregnancy.

Sex doesn't enduce labour - New study

A new study published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, recently debunked the widely held belief that having sex during the later stages of pregnancy could help to enduce labour.  "We are a little disappointed that we did not find an association," said Dr. Tan Peng Chiong, an obstetrics and gynecology professor at the University of Malaya, and one of the authors of the study. "It would have been nice for couples to have something safe, effective and perhaps even fun that they could use themselves to help go into labor a little earlier if (they) wanted."  However some scientists still put forward reasons why sex may in fact help bring on labour, so if you're past your due date, why not!

Read more

Is chivalry dead?

A recent article in the Many times reports that more and more pregnant women are being forced to stand on public transport, with no one offering to give up their seat.  Even at more than 8 months pregnant, Sydney women are reporting that they're offered little courtesy.  This has lead one concerned husband to create a badge called 'bob', short for 'baby on board' for pregnant women to wear.  This would enable pregnant women to be more easily identified.  But is it just a case of not wanting to acknowlegde the pregnancy in case they're mistaken?  Or is chivalry really dead?

Click here to read the full article

Study finds need for more iodine during breastfeeding

A new Australian study by researcher at the Murdoch, Curtin and Flinders Universities, found that potential important nutritional deficiences exist for pregnancy and breastfeeding women, particuarly iodine.  Although 80% of women studied took some form of supplementation during pregnancy, this figure dropped to 30 - 40% during breastfeeding, when nutritional requirements are still high.

Dr Mi Kyung Lee, a senior lecturer in Nutrition in Murdoch's School of Chiropractic and Sports Science said that "In Australia, daily intake of iodine is recommended both during pregnancy and breastfeeding to ensure sufficient iodine content in the milk for optimal child development, particularly of the nervous system."

"During breastfeeding there is a need for around one-third more protein, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and B-group vitamins. Vitamins A, C and E as well as iron and zinc requirements also increase," Dr Lee said.

Read more at: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-11-breastfeeding-iodine.html#jCp

To find out more about nutritional requirements during these important developmental stages refer to the conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding sections of our website.

Aussies waiting longer to become parents

In Australia 301,647 babies were born in 2011 and increase of over 3,000 on the previous year.  According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 50,000 of these babies were born to parents over 40 years of age.  For the second year in a row, babies born to women over 40, outnumbered the number of babies born to teenagers. In fact women aged 45 - 49 years are the fastest growing group of new Mum's.  As many men and women are focusing more time on studies, career, travel and other personal pursuits, this trend is expected to increase.  Click here to read more.

The strength of a Mothers touch

We've always known a mothers touch can work wonders, commuicating so much in a language beyond words. New research reveals that stroking your baby in the first few weeks after birth may help change the effects that stress during pregnancy can have on early development.  Scientists at the University of Liverpool, Manchester and Kings College London, followed first time mothers through pregnancy to the first years of their childrens lives and are continuing to follow these children to assess further impact over time.  Click here to see the full study on ScienceDaily.

Thanks Melbourne for a wonderul Expo!

What a great weekend at the Melbourne PBC Expo!  Was wonderful to see so many familiar faces from last year, who came to see us this year with their beatiful new babies!  Congratulations to you all.  It was also lovely to meet so many new 'Mum's to be', we look forward to supporting you through your exciting pregnancy journey!  

I hope you enjoyed the presentation by Naturopath and Nutritionists Tasha Jennnings, in the Education Centre who provided some great information about pre and post natal nutrition, the important nutrients and the best dietary and supplemental sources.  If you weren't able to attend the packed session, make sure you check out the tips in the conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding sections of our website and feel free to contact us or message us via our Facebook page with any questions or queries you may have.   And be sure to join us on Facebook for exclusive access to our FREE weekly, nutrient packed recipes, tips and much more!  We look forward to seeing you again next year!

Pregnancy, Babies and Children's Expo!

Come and join us at the Pregnancy, Babies and Children's Expo in Melbourne this weekend!  Beginning this Friday 12th - Sunday 14th, our friendly Naturopaths and Nutritionists will be on hand to answer all your questions and provide expert advice about optimum nutrition for conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding!  We'll also have FREE nutritional recipes to give away and you can go in the draw to WIN a supply of Zycia Natal Nutrients for your entire pregnancy!

You can also attend the FREE informative presentation by our Naturopath, Nutritionists and prenatal expert Tasha Jennings.  Who will be presenting each day in the education centre at 12:40pm.

Click here to download your free ticket!  We look forward to seeing you there!

National Fertility Week 3rd - 9th September

Today is the start of National Fertility Week, an initiative from the Australian Government to suport the 1 in 6 Australians suffering from infertility.  In Australia we are waiting longer to start our families, with the average age of conception now 30 years of age, up from 24.  Unfortunately as we age, our fertility decreases with 1 in 3 women over 35 being infertile.  So if you are struggling with fertility, you're not alone.

Zycia has a range of tools and resources to support fertility including our free iPhone App to help track and predict fertile days, as well as our weekly nutritional recipes exclusive to all our Facebook likers plus expert advice on our conception page.  You can also contact our Naturopaths and Nutritionists with any specific questions you may have.

By taking Zycia Natal Nutrients daily you are helping to ensure your body is getting essential nutrients to support conception and the mainteance of a healthy pregnancy.

Zycia has already helped many couples acheive their dream of starting a family and we look forward to supporting you in your conception and pregnancy journey.

Zycia/Sea FM Promotion

Part 1 - Zycia Radio Announcement

Part 2 - Zycia Radio Announcement

Study shows Fathers still feel left out of the birthing process

Although Fathers have made leaps and bounds in terms of their involvement in the pregnancy and birthing process in the past decade, a new study shows that most still feel removed and excluded during this time.  Results were broken down into 6 main areas

1. Risk and uncertainty: This theme described fathers' interest in reducing risk for both mothers and babies, and their uncertainty about their role in meeting this goal. The concept of "risk" included physical, psychological, social, and financial concerns. Uncertainty about what was normal was a common theme, and this was minimized by attempts to collect information through childbirth education, sharing experiences with others, and individual research.

2. Exclusion: Fathers felt excluded during antenatal care and the early postnatal period. Appointments held during the workweek made participation difficult. Several of the studies concluded that men were disappointed that no educational opportunities were available to specifically address their learning needs.

3. Fear and frustration: Fathers reported a fear of the unknown, resulting in feelings of helplessness that were amplified in situations of higher risk, such as preterm deliveries. In some cases, this resulted in anger and resentment.

4. The ideal and the reality: The transition to fatherhood was perceived to not always meet the preconceived expectations of the new father. This gulf between expectation and reality was not always negative; some men simply defined it as "different."

5. Issues of support: This theme had 2 subthemes: the need to support the mothers, and the need for support from healthcare professionals.

6. Experiencing transition: Despite fear and uncertainty, the transition from childless man to father was perceived as profoundly life-altering, resulting in changes in numerous relationships.

Source: Medscape Medical News 14/08/2012

More Mothers opting for early c-section or induction

A new study shows that more Australian mothers are opting for for a c-section or labour induced birth, weeks before their due date.  Rather than lowering the risk of still birth, the study shows these babies are more likely to suffer complications.

Between 2001 and 2009, the number of births scheduled for induction or c-secion between 33 and 39 weeks rose from 19% to 26% with 4.5% of these babies suffering a major health complication and 43 of every 10,000 died.

In comparison, 3.3% of babies delivered spontaneously between 33 and 39 weeks had a severe health problem and 40 of every 10,000 died.

Although the study did not directly show a causative link between the schedued births and the health problems, the results do elecit further discussion into the reasons for, and the potential risks and benefits of early scheduled delivery.

Birth, captured on amazing new MRI technology

Using amazing new MRI technology, the birthing process and delivery has been able to be captured on film for the first time.  Enjoy this fascinating footage.

Source: New Scientist

Journal reference: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2012.01.011

Red Nose Day 29th June

June is Red Nose Day month!  Show your support for the fantastic work SIDS and Kids do by wearing your Red Nose and getting involved in the exciting fund raising activities.  A percentage of your purchases of Zycia Natal Nutrients will also be donated to this important cause.  For more information visit their website at www.rednoseday.com.au

FREE Pre and Post Natal Information Session

Naturopath, Nutritionist and Prenatal expert Tasha Jennings, will be presenting a FREE Information Session at the launch in the new Star Pharmacy in Kew, covering everything you need to know about pre and post natal nutrition to assist conception and support the progression of a healthy pregnancy through to breastfeeding.  As a new mum to baby Jonah, Tasha draws on both her professional and personal experience to provide you with todays current clinical nutritional data combined with experience gleaned from her own recent battle with conception and subsequent pregnancy.

Whether you're wanting to conceive, already pregnant or a new mum, this is a must for anyone wanting to provide the best start possible for their precious child.

Tasha will also be available on this day to answer any personal questions you may have and you can meet little Jonah!

FREE sample bags and other exciting launch freebies will be available at this new Star Pharmacy launch event!

FREE Pre and Post Natal Information Session

Date: Saturday 2nd June

Time: 11am - 1pm

Place: Star Pharmacy Kew - 157 High St Kew (the old Mitre 10 building)

Feeding in the first year of life

New research shows that introducing solids at 4 months of age, earlier than the current World Health Organisation recommendations of 6 months, may be better for your baby.  This comprehensive review shows that bringing complementary solids into the baby's diet at 4 months may help to reduce food allergies, coeliac disease and other immune related conditions.  Click here to read the full report.

Introducing baby Jonah!

Congratulations to our Managing Director, Naturopath and Nutrionist, Tasha Jennings who, after her own battle with conception which lead to the development of Zycia, gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Easter Saturday!  After enjoying a wonderful pregnancy and labour, Tasha is a glowing endorsement of the benefits of Zycia Natal Nutrients and is now home enjoying some well earned time with baby Jonah Ed.  

During her time at home, Tasha will be personally responding to our customer queries though our contact us page.  So if you have any queries or questions about your own conception and pregnancy journey Tasha is more than happy to share both her professional expertise and her own personal experience to assist you in acheiving your dream of having a happy, healthy baby.

Tasha will also be running a free information session at the launch of the new Star Pharmacy in Kew 127 High St Kew (the old Mitre 10 building) on Saturday 2nd June from 11am - 1pm.  (Postponed from the 11th due to construction)

This informative session will cover all aspects of pre and post natal nutrition to assist conception and support the health of mother and baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  Tasha will also be available on this day to answer any personal questions you may have.  She may even bring little Jonah with her!

Wishing Tasha, Jonah and her husband all the best as they embark on this exciting new phase of their lives!

Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy increases the risk of eczema and dermatitis in the infant

Results presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 2012 Annual Meeting yesterday 22nd March, showed that maternal exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy increase the risk of the infant developing eczema and dermatitis.  This was particuarly evident when exposed during the third trimester.  Those exposed to tobacco smoke between week 28 of pregnancy and birth had a 6 fold increased risk of developing eczema and dermatisis.

"Our results indicate that maternal environmental tobacco smoke exposure impairs the immune response of the fetus, which facilitates the development of AEDS [atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome]," note Miwa Shinohara, MD, PhD, a pediatric allergist from Kochi University in Japan, and colleagues.

Smoke exposure was believed to directly damage the airways in the lungs; however recently, researchers linked smoke exposure to higher rates of respiratory infections, suggesting an immune component, explained Dr. Shinohara.  This immune involvement would also explain the increase in skin problems.

Boy or Girl?

Did you know boy sperm swim faster than girl sperm, but die off sooner.  Boys have the speed, girls have the stamina!  So it's said that having sex prior to ovulation can favor the conception of a girl, because the boys may die off leaving the girls to win the race to the egg.  Having sex at or just after ovulation may favor the conception of a boy, as they can beat the girls in a straigh forward sprint to your egg!

Whether boy or girl, all children are a gift and there's more than science involved in the creation of life.  A healthy, happy baby is a wonderful priviledge, so make sure you take your Zycia Natal Nutrients daily, and keep up to date with our yummy, healthy conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding recipes to make sure you're providing the best for your growing baby.

The year of the Black Water Dragon

 The year of the Black Water Dragon officially runs from the 23rd January 2012 until the 9th Feb 2013.  2012 is a very prominent year in the Chinese calendar and a wonderfully 'lucky' time to conceive a healthy baby.  

The Dragon is a symbol of good fortune and power.  Combined with the Water symbol, this has a calming effect of the Dragon's power allowing them to direct and chanel their energy and enthusiasm and acheive great things.  The year of the Water Dragon only occurs every 60 years, with the last Water Dragon year being 1952. 

The 2012 year of the Dragon is very favorable for the establishment of family and the birth of a healthy and smart children.  It is a time to be bold, step out of our comfort zone and take charge of the goals and dreams we may have been to scared to reach for.  This is a year for great deeds, innovative ideas and big projects.  

It is belived that children born in this year will be naturally gifted with a special charisma, energy, passion, intelligence, power, talent and luck; they wear the 'crown of destiny' and are capable of great acheivements.  Those born in this special year will set high standards for themselves and be naturally strong leaders as well as loyal, open hearted friends.  They are said to be extremely self motivated, creative and imaginative.  These qualities also mean they are intolerant of laziness, they dislike rules and routine and need constant stimulation or they become easily bored.   They are incredibly honest and sincere in all they do.  They also expect the same of others and are very trusting souls who can easily be hurt when others don't live up to their high expectations.  Their infallable honesty can also mean they can be oft tactless and although well meaning, their criticisms can be hurtful.

Dragon babies are said to have vivid personalities from birth.  They are independent, active and can be very noisy!  Parents should stimulate their mind and imaginations and soon as possible.  This intense energy and intelligence can be an amazing asset if properly focused however they can also be capable of being naughty and troublesome if they are allowed to become bored. 

Dragon children have amazing energy but they are generally very capable of entertaining themselves, often thinking up imaginative games and puzzles for themselves.  They love responsibility and enjoy taking on and completing new projects to give them the sense of accomplishment they crave.

For all those wonderful babies born this year we look forward to the wonderful energy and enthusiasm you will bring to our world.

Safe Sleeping FAQ's 2011

As updated in our previous News release below, new safe sleeping guidelines have now been introduced, based on new 2011 research.  These new guidelines outline the best sleeping practices for your baby.  SIDS and Kids have now released a quick and easy FAQ reference guide, which simplifies the research provides answers to all your questions about the best sleeping positions, the best matresses, cots v bassinetts, slings, baby monitors, wrapping your baby, pillows and bumpers, bouncinettes, prams, strollers and more!  This comprehensive document also includes a great safe sleeping checklist so you can be sure you've provided the best sleeping environment for your precious new baby!  Click here to download your free copy of Safe Sleeping FAQ's.

Are you too stressed for pregnancy?  

A recent study published December 2011 shows that high maternal stress levels during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of a broad range of childhood diseases.  Although we think we can do it all (and more!), during pregnancy it's important to remember that you are not the only one living in your body.  You are supporting a the complete growth, development and health of a new life.  High stress can drain the body of essential nutrients as well as impacting the immune system, the brain, the heart as well as a myriad of other complications.  So although mild stress is fine and in fact normal and healthy; during pregnancy it's important to help keep stress levels under control.  For those wishing to conceive, stress can also disrupt ovulation and impact fertility.

If you're a self confessed 'stress head', try some of our tips to help calm your mind and body

• Keep a notebook.  if you're someone who keeps everything bottled up in their head, don't!  Keep all your 'to do' lists in a notebook (for for the tech savy, in your smart phone!).  Getting them out of your head will help free your mind and enable you to view things more clearly.  
• Exercise. Yes, exercise can help releive stress.  Regular light exercise during pregnancy will help keep your body fit and strong as well as stimulating mood enhancing neurtransmitters.  So even if it's just 15 minutes a day, being active helps keep your body and your mind healthy.
• Yoga/Meditation.  Yoga and meditation are wonderful ways to calm the mind and the body.   
• Reading or just time out!  If yoga and meditation aren't your 'thing', set aside time each day to read a good book or magazine, or even visit a park and breathe in the summer sunshine.  Even just 15 minutes a day of 'me time' can help recharge your batteries.
• Supplement.  Pregnancy places a high demand on the body without adding extra stressors.  Taking your Zycia Natal Nutrients daily helps replace vital nutrients to help both mother and baby thrive.

Optmising Prenatal Nutrition - Adelaide Radio Interview

In this informative interview Naturopath, Nutritionist, Resercher, prenatal expert and company founder Tasha Jennings ND gives her top tips and advice to help promote conception and support a healthy pregnancy through to breastfeeding and beyond.