Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

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While there is often much talk of how to support a pregnant woman there is not a lot of information about how to look after yourself postnatally and during breastfeeding. There are just as many nutritional needs as when pregnant – making milk is hard work too! As is recovering from 9 months of growing a tiny human. Adequate nutrition throughout breastfeeding and post pregnancy ensures a healthy supply of nutrient dense milk and support for the health of the feeding mother through sleepless nights. Our diets are not always as nutrient filled as we would like. Nausea and fatigue can contribute greatly to reduce intake of vitamins and minerals needed for growth of the baby and support for the mother through a time of increased nutritional needs. When there is a deficiency of certain nutrients the body will continue to do its job of growing a healthy baby at the expense of the mother. Welcome to motherhood!! Essential fatty acids are beneficial to support a babies developing brain and eyes. It also supports a pregnant woman’s brain function (think, baby brain). There are studies that suggest there is a real decline in brain function while pregnant, particularly during the third trimester. Supplementing with Essential Fatty acids can have a supportive effect. A Prenatal multi-vitamin is commonplace during pregnancy and breast feeding. These formulas will support the pregnant woman by increasing the quantity of nutrients to support an overworked body. Nausea and vomiting can be an issue for many women. Ginger and Vitamin B6 have been said to reduce the severity of nausea. Iron deficiency can be a common complaint throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. With increased nutritional demands a woman’s iron levels can become depleted. Particularly from the second trimester