a beautiful mother feeding her newborn with breast
A healthy pregnancy takes two, the father and the mother. Every parent’s dream is to have a healthy baby…ten fingers and ten toes. Today some hope for more – free of allergies and no learning issues. The reality is a healthy pregnancy starts with education and ends with putting it into play.
Five main factors to consider for a healthy pregnancy are the preconception stage, the mental and emotional states, the lifestyle habits, the activity and nutrition.
Nutrition is foundational to a healthy pregnancy and includes hydration, a clean diet and certain key essential nutrients for the development of the baby and for the healthy functioning of the mother, two of which are omega-3s and vitamin D.
Adequate omega-3 and vitamin D are part of the nutrient base that is essential for full fetal and infant development. Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent premature deliveries and can also improve the baby’s intelligence. It also supports a healthy digestive system and immune function which has everything to do with avoiding allergies, asthma and cancer.
Almost 40% of children suffer from allergies
According to the government, almost 40% of children suffer from allergies, a sign of a dysfunctioning immune system. Doctors agree that this is the same for cancer.
Due to the fact that our bodies cannot make omega-3s (essential nutrients – DHA, EPA, DPA), it is imperative that a mother’s diet is rich in properly balanced omega-3. DHA is necessary for the development of the central nervous system of the fetus which controls both the brain and cardiovascular function. It is especially vital during the last 3 months of pregnancy and the first three months after birth.
DHA is also necessary for the development of cognitive ability and vision. Recently published articles suggest that SIDS and autism may be related to nutritional deficiencies of omega-3 and/or vitamin D. Over 80% of children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD are deficient in omega-3.
The US Food and Drug Administration advises pregnant women against eating too much fish weekly due to the risk of toxicity, whereas nutritional scientists are saying that women need more fish in their diet in order to get adequate amounts of omega-3 for fetal brain development.
Over the past seven years, I have researched omega-3s and vitamin D and there are healthier ways to achieve this. There are different sources to select from. I am currently focused on mammalian omega-3s for effective absorption and results.
The breast milk, most required by an infant, can be a source of bio-identical mammalian omegas but the mother requires stored amounts of them in her system from her diet.
The baby requires not only a bio-identical DHA but also the critical bio-identical omega-3 DPA which is not found in fish oil. Mother’s breast milk is composed of small amounts of EPA, and larger almost equal amounts of DHA and DPA.
The right amount of omega-3 helps with postpartum depression – avoiding the blues.
In my professional opinion, optimum levels of key nutrients equates to a healthy happy mom and baby.
Healthy mothers, healthy babies, a healthy future.
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Published in Village Living Magazine Issue No. 29 – June/July 2015
http://villagelivingmagazine.ca/bouncing-babies-start-with-a-healthy-pregnancy-by-cheryl-millett/
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Cheryl Millett
Champion for your better health…
Before the age of 20, it never dawned on me that what I chose to put in my mouth would have such a dramatic effect on my wellbeing.
On my path of discovery, I learned that our eating choices directly affected how much energy we have first thing in the morning or that it would build our immune system strength during flu season. I came to understand how gentle nutritional cleansing directly helped overcome my health challenges. People keep telling me how beautiful my skin is or how I look younger.
As my studies continued, it became obvious that there is an intrinsic connection between the mind and the body which directly affects our health and happiness. I learned that Omegas are another critical piece of the wellness puzzle. I became convinced when the Auum omegas alone turned on some switches in my brain in just one day.
I have developed a deep appreciation for the wonderful miracle workers our bodies are in the recovery process. Our bodies have a natural intelligence. I am passionate to sharing the connection between nutrition and wellness in my practice and my presentations.
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