Photo credit: Juli Kosolapova
There is rarely a more nutritionally demanding time during a woman’s life than during pregnancy, healing after childbirth and while breastfeeding. Nutrients from food and supplements are needed to support you and nourish your developing and growing baby. Proper nutrition is crucial at all stages of fetal development, and especially so before conception. Everything mama does from preconception through breastfeeding affects the health of the child. Nothing can replace the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle during pregnancy, including the right supplementation and self-care practices. It is the single most important thing you can do for yourself and your baby.
A nutrient-dense diet is crucial during the preconception, prenatal and postpartum periods. Eating a balanced diet helps to ensure that all essential nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, minerals and water) are available to the body, which helps with normal organ development and functioning; normal reproduction, growth and maintenance, and for resistance to infection and disease. Eating properly during pregnancy also helps with your body’s ability to repair itself after giving birth.
Good nutrition should continue into the 4th trimester, after you have given birth. Sometimes eating well can be the first thing sacrificed when a new baby is in the home. This is unfortunate because proper nutrition and nutrient-dense foods are a preventive and health boosting measure against emotional distress and exhaustion. It will also be crucial in proper healing of the body and offering optimal nutrition to your little one!
A holistic and functional nutrition consultant will provide guidance, instruction, education and be a true partner in your journey to enjoying your new baby and finding balance instead of feeling isolated and stressed. Too often new mamas are sent home from the hospital or birthing center with no support or clue on how to care for themselves and their new babies. I’m here to help and become a partner with you! Please contact me, Katie, for a free 20 minute consult, I’d love to talk with you!