Ep 020: How Light Affects Pregnancy, Delivery and the Developing Fetus with Doula Nikko Kennedy

In this episode, we go deep on how and why it is crucial to optimize circadian rhythms during pregnancy and beyond with doula and certified quantum biologic practitioner, Nikko Kennedy. Nikko has a Bachelor of General Science with a focus on Biology and Psychology and brings an evidence-based approach to her work which focuses on the connection between the light environment of the mother and the development of the fetus - that’s right, mom’s screen time affects the baby in utero. We also talk about light and its role in labor, delivery and postpartum. This is a fascinating, fact filled conversation that’s incredibly important.    “Spending a week in the NICU is really what kicked me off with making the connection between circadian dysregulation and pregnancy,” shares Nikko Kennedy. Nowadays, mothers give birth in bright white hospital rooms and then they bring their newborn home to an environment filled with artificial light. Even before the baby is born, pregnant women are constantly experiencing circadian disruptions due to maladaptive sleeping and eating schedules, lack of outdoor time, and a toxic addiction to blue light. Research has shown a strong correlation between circadian disruption and common pregnancy problems like pre-eclampsia and postpartum depression. It has even been shown that mental illnesses like autism and ADHD can be tied back to circadian disruption experienced by the baby while in the womb. When a mother’s circadian rhythm is disrupted, so is that of the fetus. This can lead to lifelong health complications.   Circadian rhythm is incredibly important, especially for a pregnant woman and her developing baby. New research suggests a clear connection between the role of light and the health of both the mother and the baby.    Quotes “Spending a week in the NICU is really what kicked me off with making the connection between circadian dysregulation and pregnancy.” (5:55-6:02 | Nikko) “We find circadian disruption being a uniting factor between some of the most mysterious yet common pregnancy problems.” (17:59-18:08 | Nikko)  “Circadian disruption is highly correlated with infertility.” (30:48-30:51 | Nikko) “The breast milk is making the melatonin that the baby needs to transition into being an air breathing being. And so that's where it's really important for the mother to have a strong circadian rhythm through labor and delivery and postpartum so that the baby has protective melatonin to counter the natural oxidative stress that it experiences at that time.” (36:02-36:31 | Nikko) “Babies who are premature tend to have higher oxidative stress, and mother's milk of premature babies actually tends to have higher levels of melatonin in it than babies who are full term.” (38:26-38:40 | Nikko)   Links Connect with Nikko Kennedy: IG: @brighterday.darkernights  Website: https://www.brighterdaysdarkernights.com  Local doula website: https://sunkissedbirth.com  Papers Nikko discussed: Population wide study https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-022-02028-3 Newborn case study with maximal daylight and no artificial light at night: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/22.3.303 Bilirubin and SAD: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3223(01)01254-9 To receive a FREE infographic of the Ideal Circadian Day & join our email list: https://www.quantumbiologycollective.com/qbc-newsletter-aqb To find a practitioner who understands quantum biology:www.quantumbiologycollective.org To see details about the Applied Quantum Certification: www.appliedquantumbiology.com Follow on Instagram & Facebook: @quantumbiologycollecitve Twitter: @quantumhealthtv   Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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Is your light environment more important than the food you eat? Can sunlight treat depression? Does a barefoot walk outside boost your immune system? The Quantum Biology Collective is a group of pioneering health professionals who study, apply and explain the emerging field of applied quantum biology: a new paradigm of understanding how human health REALLY works that is light years beyond the current traditional medical model. From the vast research showing that circadian rhythms regulate every important process and pathway in the body, to emerging research that quantum mechanical processes are taking place in our cells—this new world is the missing link that you’re searching for, whether you’re a health practitioner, or someone trying to optimize your own health and your family’s. We feature a variety of experts, from medical doctors to researchers to entrepreneurs to health coaches, who all have first-hand experience applying these principles—and getting incredible results—in their health practices and in their own lives.