Nourishing breast milk…and more nourishing for the baby than a green smoothie!
Many moons ago and in various cultures, babies/children were breastfed with nourishing breast milk until 5 years old. Then there was a time when moms were encouraged to take up formulas for convenience…then back to breastfeeding and only several years ago the recommendation was to breastfeed for 4 months, but now it is 6 months according to the Public Health Agency of Canada:
Today, most women are breastfeeding their babies. Breast milk is the best food you can offer your baby. Health Canada and the World Health Organization recommend that it should be the only food or drink for the first 6 months of life and after that breastfeeding should continue – with the gradual introduction of solid foods – for 2 years and more.
A healthy pregnancy needs participation from the father and the mother. Every parents dream is to have a healthy baby. Today some hope for more than just ten fingers and toes, they also hope to be free of allergies and 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.
According to the government, almost 40% of children suffer from allergies, a sign of a dysfunctioning immune system. Nutrition is foundational to a healthy pregnancy and includes hydration, a clean diet and 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 creating nourishing breast milk and 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.
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 the healthiest ways to take them. 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.
Lastly, 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.
Article Published in Village Living Magazine June 16 2015 (Online version)
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Cheryl Millett
Champion for your better health…
Hi Cheryl: Will you be posting something on protein and protein powder, including who should use the powder and for what purpose? I was recently told the best protein powders to help lose fat and build lean muscle mass contains 20G of protein, and is vital in a woman’s diet, especially as she ages. I was also told that, in general, women don’t get enough protein from food alone, and that medical protein recommendations are far too low. Can you elaborate?
Hello Vera,
It is a great question, and I can see why you ask it because muscle is important. The idea would be to look at the bigger picture and I would ask if you know that you are in fact loosing lean muscle. Active people of all ages would help protect the lean muscle but as women age it could be an issue – prevention is wonderful. Depending on how the digestive system is working, the protein powders would be helpful because they are easy to digest over meat, eggs, etc. There is a number for the maximum amount of protein people should eat at one meal and of course this number can vary whether an elite athlete or not. This max number is approx 35G. The kinds of protein powders do vary from plant based to whey. My preference is the undenatured whey protein and one would need to consider the other ingredients present when shopping. I have been using a particular brand for over 11 years for a variety of reasons from weight loss to building muscle. The quality is great that one should make their shake then drink within 10 minutes. Let me know if you have any questions. Depending on which shake, there are different amounts of protein in one serving. Some are balance with carbs while other are plain whey. Best to ask how do you expect to use the protein powder. If you wish to have the website link to the product info, let me know. At any time, I can order what you would like then you just pick up from my office or you can order online and have it directly sent to you. These protein shakes are used by elite athletes as well as for busy people, but ideal for a variety of reasons. Any questions?
Hope this helps.
Warmly,
Cheryl