Dr.
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Blue Ribbon Baby
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for healthy pregnancy
Interactive Slideshow
NUTRITION
CLASS
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with Herbal Guide
A
well-balanced diet includes a variety of fresh, whole foods.This helps you have a healthy pregnancy and gives your unborn baby the best start possible.
All of the basic food groups are important, expecially when you are growing a baby!
The greater caloric and protein needs of mother/baby require an emphasis on quality foods so that they can be assimilated (absorbed) into the system and put to the best use. She must also drink enough good water and other healthy fluids.
Maternal blood volume expands up to about 50 - 60% by 28 to 30 weeks of pregnancy. To help prevent maternal toxemia (pre-eclampsia) and other serious problems, and to adequately provide nutrients to the unborn baby, the mother must be nourished with sufficient healthy foods and liquids. This is also true during labor.
The
expectant mother needs high quality, usable proteins. Many animal sources
such as fish, naturally raised eggs and meats contain balanced proteins
that are easily digestible for most women. Many kinds of beans, peas,
mushrooms and whole grains are also rich in proteins and amino acids.
Recommended intake of quality proteins during pregnancy is 80 - 100 grams daily and up
to twice that much if a woman is carrying twins. Certain meats and beans
are also rich in B vitamins, which help the body to utilize proteins.
Grains
such as in whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, brown or white rice, and
other foods provide complex carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and
minerals.
Each type of grain includes different amounts of nutrients, so it is good
to include a variety of these foods every day.
Dairy
products are a common source of calcium and some vitamins. 
When
choosing a vegetarian diet, it is important to combine as many different
kinds of protein foods as possible to have the benefit of balanced protein
intake. 
A variety of beans, peas and other legumes (also rich in B vitamins), with seeds (i.e. raw sunflower
seeds or sesame seeds), nuts, and whole grains such as brown rice or
sprouted wheat, can be used. Other protein-rich plant type of foods
include mushrooms and soy products.Be creative!
A
great source of omega 3 fatty acids is salmon and also albacore tuna. A source is flax seed.
Good unsaturated fats are extra virgin olive oil and canola oil. Butter
can also be on of the good fats.
Of course, fresh vegetables and fruits can not be duplicated for the
vitamins, minerals, and fiber they provide, plus some amino acids that
provide the body with needed protein.
Many leafy greens contain absorbable iron that is necessary to prevent
anemia in the pregnant woman. Fresh foods also contain live enzymes which
help with digestion and the absorption of nutrients. A variety of baked
and steamed vegetables along with uncooked produce at each meal, and as
snacks, are of great importance for healthy cell growth.
Enjoy!
by Julia Swart, CPM
copyright 2004 - 2007
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Herbal Guide Here are examples of simple herbal preparations that have remained beneficial for centuries. Most of these types of herbs are naturally sweet and are best used unsweetened. Some prefer to add a little honey. (These are considered as balanced, whole food forms, without any of the constituents isolated nor used in large quantities. However, as for any foods or supplements, consult with your health care provider for your specific needs.)
An herbal infusion (tea) of: 
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High in chlorophyll, iron, calcium and vitamin D. Also amino acids, to build proteins. |
Possible
Benefits Tone uterus Strengthen urinary tract Cleanse the liver Blood-sugar balance Promote healthy circulatory, respiratory and hormonal systems of the body Increase amount and quality of breast milk |
A C D E F K P |
Iron Calcium Potassium Sodium Copper Manganese Chromium Zinc |
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Rich in calcium and iron. |
Possible
Benefits Strengthen uterus Reduce nausea Help prevent hemorrhage Promote more comfortable labor Decrease postpartum swelling |
A B C D E G F |
Calcium Phorphorous Manganese |
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Soothing; adds flavor. |
Possible
Benefits Calm stomach Cleanse liver Oxygenate circulatory system |
A B C |
Potassium Copper Iodine Silicon Iron Sulpher |
An herbal infusion (tea) for the days following birth: 
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Promotes lactation and soothes postpartum cramping. |
Possible
Benefits Increase mother's milk Increase oxygen in circulatory system Reduce cramping Balance hormones Tonic for the liver |
B-complex |
Iron Manganese Phosphorus Potassium |
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Strengthens circulatory system. |
Possible
Benefits Reduce bleeding after birth Stimulate involution of uterus Reduce hemorrhoids |
A B C E K |
Calcium Magnesium Potassium Sodium Sulphur Zinc |
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Urinary antiseptic. |
Possible
Benefits Cleanse urinary tract Help prevent infection Lower blood sugar |
(contains glycosides, flavonoids, tannins) |
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How to Make an Herbal Infusion  Quantities can be standardized as 30g of dried herb or 75g of fresh herb, to 500mL of water. A standard dose for infusions is 1/2 cup, 3 times per day. The tea can be diluted with more water for a larger cup of tea. copyright 2004 - 2007 Disclaimer: *The statements included in this website are for information purposes and to be used as educational tools only.* |
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2002 - www.homesteadbirth.com - 2008