Pregnancy Nutrition
The Bradley Method®, as well as many midwives, recommend the use of the “Brewer Diet”, named after Dr. Tom Brewer, for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. A big part of my childbirth classes is to help women with their pregnancy nutrition so they can eat well for their babies and stay healthy and low-risk!
The mother’s body goes through many changes in pregnancy to provide for the growth of her baby and to prepare for labor, birth, and the postpartum period. She needs good nutrition for her body to make these healthy changes. Good nutrition in pregnancy is important for…
THE BABY’S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
- The baby relies on the mother to supply the nutrients it needs for normal development and for physical growth.
- The baby enters a period of rapid brain development in the last few months of pregnancy, which continues through the first year of life. A lack of nutrition during this time can inhibit the baby’s brain development. Good nutrition is not only important for the baby after it is born, but before it is born.
- The baby needs good nutrition to be born at full term, to be strong and in healthy condition. Premature and low birth weight babies can suffer lifelong mental and physical disabilities.
- The baby needs good nutrition to develop a strong immune system
THE MOTHER’S EXPERIENCE OF PREGNANCY
- Good nutrition can help prevent some types of edema (swelling)
- The mother often feels more healthy and energetic if she is eating well.
- The mother may have more healthy flexible and stretchy skin and internal body tracts.
- Can prevent pregnancy complaints such as constipation and hemorrhoids
- The mother will have positive weight gain—a healthy weight gain that is appropriate for her body and for her baby
AVOIDING COMPLICATIONS DURING PREGNANCY AND BIRTH
- Pre-eclampsia (toxemia)
- Anemia and low blood volume
- Infections (such as bladder and kidney)
- Difficult labor due to a weak, inefficient uterus
- Cesarean section due to an inefficient uterus… if you do have a cesarean section, you have less risk of infection and better healing if you have had good nutrition
- High blood pressure
- Gestational diabetes
ENTERING LABOR WITH HEALTHY BODY AT PEAK EFFICIENCY
- Mother’s uterus is strong and will perform well in labor
- Mother’s body is healthy and able to endure the stamina it takes to give birth
- Healthy and strong baby is able to handle the normal stresses of labor
- Blood volume is high as a protective factor after birth
- Body will heal quickly after delivery
Remember, your baby is depending on you to provide it with the best possible nutrition. With so many unpredictable things that can go on during pregnancy and birth, the good news is that you have control over the nutrition you provide yourself and your baby! This single factor can greatly increase your chances for a healthy pregnancy, birth, and baby!!
Here is the recommended diet in pregnancy—“The Brewer Diet”:
Protein Sources make up the foundation of your diet. You need 80-100 grams daily.
- 4 milk servings
- 2 eggs
- 2 other protein servings like lean meats, fish, nuts, beans & legumes.
3 Vegetable Servings-
- 2 green vegetables and 1 other
2 Fruit Servings-
- 1 Vitamin C source and 1 other
1 Yellow or Orange colored fruit or vegetable 5 times a week
Whole Baked Potato 3 times a week
4 Servings Whole Grains
3 Fats & Oils
Plenty of Water and Salt to taste
For More Information on the Brewer Diet go to www.BlueRibbonBaby.com or for a down-loadable excel sheet of the pregnancy diet and protein counter go to www.bradleybirth.com.