Pregnancy Health & Fitness
A transcript from interview with Jayne Parish for Health & Fitness Magazine
Q1: With respect to your area of expertise what are the three most important things a women should do in preparation, term and post birth?
JP: For many couples falling pregnant comes as a surprise. If however you are planning to start a family it is a great idea to talk with a naturopath about preconception care. Simply put, preconception care is a conscious and planned commitment by both parents to the future health and well being of their child. It may require some changes to your diet and lifestyle and even some nutritional and herbal supplements, but any costs incurred at this stage can be counterbalanced by the benefits of a healthy child.
Reducing stress, stopping smoking, detoxifying and improving diet are key factors to a healthy pregnancy. At Moontides Women’s Health Centre, we run a preconception care workshop, providing all the details needed to make informed choices about becoming pregnant.
During pregnancy
Most nutritional needs will increase while pregnant because of the huge growth and development demands of the foetus. It is imperative that a woman takes folate to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Essential fatty acids, iron, B-group vitamins, protein and numerous other nutrients will be required in higher amounts during pregnancy.
There are many off the shelf pregnancy products available although I suggest that you see a naturopath or your GP to determine your individual needs and to ensure you are receiving the right quantities of vitamins or minerals.
One of the most useful things your naturopath can provide during the last trimester of your pregnancy is a Partus prepator which is a herbal tincture taken from 6 weeks prior to the birth to help improve uterine tone, soften the cervix, and strengthen contractions during labour.
Post birth
Herbs can be used to prevent the afterpains that can occur after a second baby, they can also be used to encourage the let down and flow of milk to the breast. nlist as much help as you can from family to ensure you can catch every moments rest possible, especially in those first few weeks. If it is your first child, there will be some moments of fear, doubt, and bewilderment. Most of all, be gentle with yourself. Once again your naturopath can provide a specifically tailored herbal tonic to help improve your energy and strength following the birth.
