You are what you eat: Pregnancy & Postpartum

Good nutrition is essential for you during pregnancy, as your dr or midwife has told you. That old saying "You are what you eat" is true! Over the past several years, I have become more interested in nutrition and am currently studying to obtain my nutritionist certificate. It all started after I gave birth to my son in 2019. I was about four months postpartum and postpartum depression started to creep into my life. One of the best decisions I made at that time was to put my health first. I started to exercise daily and focus on my nutrition.

As I was feeling better and becoming healthier, I saw how food affected my body and mind. I believe if you eat like crap, you'll feel like crap, and vice versa; if you eat good, you'll feel good. Whether you are pregnant or already had your little baby, PROTEIN is the most essential food group, in my opinion. There are so many benefits that are essential to women.

Here are a few benefits:

1. Fetal development: Protein is essential for the development of the baby's organs, muscles, and tissues. It provides the building blocks for growth and helps ensure healthy development.

2. Maternal tissue repair: Pregnancy and childbirth can significantly affect your body. Protein aids in tissue repair, helping to heal and rebuild muscles, skin, and other body tissues after delivery.

3. Hormone production: Protein is involved in the production of hormones, which regulate various processes in the body. During pregnancy and postpartum, hormones play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy, supporting lactation, and aiding in recovery.

4. Lactation and milk production: Protein is a key component of breast milk. Consuming adequate protein helps support milk production and ensures that the baby receives the necessary nutrients for growth and development.

The other food group to focus on is FIBER! Our hormones both during and after pregnancy, like to wreak havoc on our digestive system. Here are a few reasons why fiber is essential to a good diet:

1. Hormones can slow down digestion, leading to constipation and other digestive issues. Fiber will work within your body to help keep things moving and promotes regular bowel movements.

2. Blood sugar regulation: Fiber slows down the absorption of sugar, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

3. Nutrient absorption: Fiber helps promote the absorption of nutrients from food, ensuring that both the mother and the baby receive optimal nutrition during pregnancy.

4. Heart health: Fiber-rich foods, especially those high in soluble fiber, can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, which is extremely important for women.

My top tip AFTER you give birth to your baby and you are in the recovery room, when you order your first meal, make sure it is FILLED with fibrous food. The first bowel movement post-birth can be difficult to pass ( and extremely uncomfortable). Trust me, include prunes, pears, oatmeal, broccoli, etc., and you will thank me later. Bonus tip: ask for the stool softener 😉

If you would like to see more posts about recipes and pregnancy & postpartum nutrition, comment " FOODIE" below and stay tuned! Thanks for being here