Nutrition
- Why is nutrition so important?
I recommend that all women planning to conceive cleanse their bodies prior to conception. This helps to prevent toxins being transferred to the fetus and ensures that the mother’s body is able to assimilate foods and naturally eliminate toxins appropriately. This also allows the mother’s body to handle the increased nutritional demands of a growing fetus.
- Whole food vs. Synthetic prenatal vitamins
Please review this excerpt from our “What Every Mom Should Know” presentation”, including the benefits of whole food supplementation to support pre-natal and post-natal nutrition. These guidelines are not specific to any one patient, and are only a guideline to follow. Please note that most pre-natal vitamin products are synthetic – not from whole foods – and will not have the same nutritional value. Synthetic supplements are also harder for the body to assimilate. (You can also view the larger presentation, “What Every Mom Should Know”, detailing general nutritional concerns with babies and children.)
- Pregnancy Nutritional Protocols
Patient note: Please consider the following whole food supplements as a nutritional foundation. With any kind of nutritional protocol, it is critical to consult with your healthcare provider prior to starting.
- Pre-Natal Protocol
- Standard Process: Catalyn (multivitamin), Calcium Lactate, Magnesium Lactate, SP Greenfood, Folic Acid B12, Ferrofood (only if not eating red meat on a daily basis), Linum B6 (for morning sickness only)
- Nordic Naturals: Pro-Omega (higher concentration of DHA in liquid or capsule form)
- Other dietary considerations: Eliminate food allergens (such as soy, pasteurized dairy, and wheat), add sea salt to diet, add good fats to diet (such as raw butter, coconut oil or butter, extra virgin olive oil). The Weston A. Price Foundation®is an excellent resource for these concerns.
- Post-Natal Protocol
- Standard Process: Same as pre-natal protocol above, adding in Thiamine (B1) if consuming alcohol, Niacinamide B6 (recommended 150-200mg per day due to potential of lowering lactation), and Cataplex D and Mammary PMG (to increase lactation if needed)
- Nordic Naturals: It is recommended to increase dosage of Omega-3 depending on the severity of post-partum depression. Consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
- Other dietary considerations: Same as pre-natal protocol above