Optimal nutrition is crucial during pregnancy because a woman is eating to support herself and a growing baby. Good nutrition can also make up for other stresses in a pregnant woman’s life such as a difficult work environment or a non-pregnancy related medical problem.

The midwifery model of care encourages a pregnant woman to get her nutritional needs as much as possible from food. I encourage my clients to choose from a variety of whole foods to cook with and avoid processed foods, white flour and white sugar. As well, I also encourage women to eat plenty of protein rich foods, salt food to taste and drink at least eight to ten glasses of water a day. Some of the most common pregnancy related complications can be avoided if a woman will eat at least 70 grams of protein daily, eat a wide variety of vegetables and fruit and stay well hydrated throughout her pregnancy.

Vitamin and mineral supplements do not and cannot take the place of real food, however, during pregnancy they are essential to the health and well-being of both mother and baby. There are many benefits to taking supplements in addition to the obvious benefit of a healthy baby. B Vitamins help with emotional balance, prevent nausea, aid with stress and help assimilate proteins. Vitamin C aids in iron absorption and keeps the immune system functioning well. Minerals aid in iron absorption as well as keep teeth healthy and help facilitate bone growth in the baby. Minerals also help with leg cramps and help keep the liver and kidneys in optimal shape during pregnancy. I also personally recommend that my clients include either alfalfa tablets or nettle infusion daily during the last trimester. Both nettles and alfalfa provide crucial support for the liver and the blood supply, which must work double time during pregnancy.

A large part of my care is devoted to helping my clients eat right so they can experience a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.