No-Nonsense Guide To A Naturally Healthy Pregnancy

I remember my first pregnancy like it was yesterday.  I stared down in disbelief at the plus (+) sign on my pregnancy test. A terrifying sound of happiness mixed with pure unadulterated fear began to pour out of my mouth.  My husband, having never heard me make such a noise, rushed into the bathroom. “I’m pregnant!” I exclaimed.

Once the shock wore off, the anticipation began.  I shared the news with my co-workers from the local health food store.  I was absolutely bombarded with questions.

• Are you going to vaccinate?
• You’re going to breastfeed, right?
• Are you having a home birth?
• What prenatal are you going to take?
• Are you going to wait to cut the cord?

All these questions caused me to feel overwhelmed, to say the least.  I knew I had a lot of research to do. I was about to pioneer natural pregnancy and childbirth amongst my friends who had not yet had a baby.  I had made a choice that I would be doing this the most natural, healthy, non-invasive way possible.  In this article, I hope to cover what I feel are some of the most important natural approaches during pregnancy, birth and beyond.

The Foundational 3

The most common question I get from pregnant women is, “What supplements should I take during pregnancy?”  There are 3 things I believe are extremely beneficial for pregnant mothers to take throughout their pregnancy and even while nursing after the baby is born.  They are safe and important in the overall health of mommy and baby.

1.  A Quality Prenatal

I have taken several brands and forms of prenatal vitamins.  It has become my belief that a whole food prenatal is the best form you can take.  The price point is typically higher than your run of the mill prenatal, but in this case, I believe you definitely get what you pay for.

The biggest complaint you run into with prenatals is nausea.  Companies like New Chapter, Megafood, and Garden of Life have pretty much solved this problem.  Their prenatals are so gentle that you can take them on an empty stomach!  This is especially important during the first trimester, when it can be hard to eat much more than saltines.

2. Omega-3 DHA

Another important supplement during natural pregnancy and breastfeeding is DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, which is crucial for focus and concentration.  DHA is not only important for Mommy’s brain, but for baby’s developing one.  If the mother is not taking an adequate amount of DHA, the developing or nursing infant will get it from their mom’s reservoir.  I believe many new mothers experience foggy brain and forgetfulness because they are lacking DHA. Many experts even believe that the lack of omega-3 fatty acids contributes to postpartum depression.

DHA is most commonly present in fish oil.  It is imperative, especially during pregnancy, that your fish oil be contaminant free.  Make sure the company guarantees that it is been tested for purity and is free of PCBs and heavy metals.  Nordic Naturals and Carlson’s are two of my favorite fish oil brands and are known for their quality.

3. Red Raspberry Leaf

Red raspberry leaf is famed for its use during pregnancy.  It is one of very few safe herbs to take while pregnant.  Most pregnancy teas have red raspberry as their main ingredient.  I personally was not a fan of the taste and opted for the pill form.  However, both can dramatically improve and prevent pregnancy complications.

Here is a list of just a few of the things red raspberry leaf can do:

• Ease morning sickness
• Prevent miscarriage
• Reduce pain during labor
• Make labor faster
• Increase milk supply

One of red raspberry’s greatest benefits is its ability to tone the uterus. This is how it is able to prevent miscarriage, reduce pain and increase labor speed.

I typically recommend 3-4 cups a day of the tea.  For the pills, I recommend:

• 2 pills during the first trimester
• 3 pills for the second trimester
• 4 pills a day during the third trimester

Solaray and Nature’s Way are my go-to brands for the pills.  Most women I know who were diligent with their red raspberry leaf had their babies in less than 5 hours.  This is including myself.  My longest labor was only 2 hours.

During the last trimester I also recommend alfalfa, which builds red blood cells and helps prevent hemorrhaging.  Adequate vitamin D is also very important during pregnancy. Thirty-five (35) IU per lb of body weight is my standard recommendation.

Natural Options for Pregnancy Discomforts

There is nothing quite like the thrill of having a life formed inside of you.  It is truly beautiful.  Unfortunately, pregnancy can also have some pitfalls.  Carrying a life may be beautiful, but it is far from comfortable.

Natural Morning Sickness Remedies

Ginger

Ginger is world-renowned for it’s anti-nausea properties and has been used for centuries for morning sickness.  The key is using REAL ginger.  Most ginger ales beverages do not contain real ginger.  Real ginger comes in many forms including:

• Fresh ginger root
• Ginger pills
• Ginger tea
• Real ginger ale
• Ginger candy

You can tell when it’s true ginger because it will have a kick to it.  My favorite is crystallized ginger, which is essentially real ginger candy and is great to suck on for nausea relief.  You can find true ginger products at your local health food store.

B6

Experts aren’t exactly sure why or how it works, but studies have shown that supplementing with vitamin B6 can help end nausea and prevent vomiting.  It is important to keep the dosage below 100 mg. Studies also show it works best taken at night.  I prefer the P-5-P form, which is more absorbable than regular B6.

Goji Juice

Goji berries are extremely high in antioxidants.  Goji worked very well when I took it for nausea and is becoming more and more popular amongst pregnant women.  Sip on 2 to 8 ounces of goji berry juice diluted in a liter of water throughout the day for nausea relief.

Dealing with Constipation Naturally

Constipation is very common during pregnancy. It is always important to have regular bowel movements so that toxins and waste are eliminated from the body.  If you are not having at least one significant bowel movement a day, you are constipated.

Chia

Most people know that fiber is important for good bowel function.  My absolute favorite fiber is chia.  You can sprinkle it on your cereal, bake with it or throw it in liquid and drink it. The great thing about chia is that it is also a great healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids.  As with any fiber, make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

I like to make something called chia pudding, which tastes very similar to tapioca. It is delicious and super easy to make!

Chia Chocolate Pudding

• ¼ cup chia seeds
• ¾ cup milk (almond, rice, or regular)
• 1 heaping tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp of maple syrup
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Mix ingredients together and let it sit for 10 minutes.  Stir and place in the fridge for an hour to thicken.

Magnesium

Magnesium citrate is a very safe natural laxative.  It draws water to the colon helping to “flush” the waste out.  Most laxatives are stimulants and are not safe during pregnancy.  I prefer to take magnesium citrate in a powder form called Calm.  Magnesium is also a natural muscle relaxant and “calms” helping you sleep at night

Safe Cold and Flu Remedies

You should take great caution in taking herbal preparations while pregnant.  Luckily, there are several that work well in building the immune system.  These healthy options are still safe while baby is growing and developing.  My top recommendations are:

1. Echinacea
2. Garlic
3. Elderberry
4. Vitamin C

Birth and Beyond 

I will touch briefly on some subjects that I encourage you to look into pertaining to the birth of your baby.  These are options that you will have to include in your childbirth plan if you are having a hospital birth.

Delayed Cord Clamping

There is a lot of positive evidence that waiting to cut the cord after labor can be very beneficial to your baby.  That extra blood can prevent jaundice and increase baby’s hemoglobin, blood volume and iron stores. 

The Hepatitis B Vaccine

With a hospital birth, you will sign a waiver determining whether or not you want your newborn baby to receive the Hep B vaccine.  Their little immune systems are so weak that I recommend waiting or forgoing the vaccine altogether.

Antibiotic Eye Ointment

This ointment is used for one reason.  It prevents the spread of gonorrhea or chlamydia to the baby.  If you have neither STD, then it is simply unnecessary.

The Vitamin K Shot

This is given to the baby in cause of a rare condition of bleeding on the brain. This shot, like vaccines, can contain toxic preservatives.  If you opt out of the vitamin K shot, you can ask about the oral form.

Postpartum Depression and Milk Supply

Two of the most common complaints after baby is born are postpartum depression and reduced milk supply.

Postpartum depression occurs during the rapid readjustment of hormones after birth.  Preventing it is easier than treating. Breastfeeding your baby is one of the best ways to prevent postpartum depression.  It helps regulate hormones and increases your endorphin levels.  As I mentioned earlier, omega-3 from fish oil can also help prevent postpartum.  Adequate vitamin D intake is also very beneficial.

Blessed thistle is an herb that is recommended for not only postpartum depression but also for increased milk supply.  My favorite is combining blessed thistle with fenugreek for maximum milk production.  I believe this herbal combo is the fastest and most efficient at increasing milk supply.  Eating well and often and drinking enough water are also very important.

The Joy of Choosing Natural 

Six years have passed since my first pregnancy.  I felt much more prepared and relaxed with my next two pregnancies.  All three of my children were born naturally and two were even water births.  I have also personally used all the recommendations and supplements in this article. My “pioneering” has paid off and I’ve become known in my community and beyond for natural pregnancy, birth, and children’s health.

Pregnancy and childbirth are so exciting. There is truly nothing like the feeling you experience once your baby is placed in your hands.  Scientists have found that there is actually a love cocktail released in your body during birth and breastfeeding.  Endorphins combined with Oxytocin, the love hormone; create a feeling of euphoria and joy.

I encourage you to walk out your pregnancy and birth, not with fear and trepidation, but with happy anticipation.  You can do this!  And you too can be a pioneer of a natural healthy pregnancy amongst your friends.

Are you still looking for natural pregnancy health solutions?  Take a moment now to tell us a story, provide a tip or ask a question!

 

Amanda Box is a Doctor of Naturopathy and a graduate of Clayton College of Natural Health. She’s been in the health and wellness industry for over 10 years and currently has a Naturopathic consulting practice in Sioux Falls, SD.  Her passion is helping others achieve wellness of the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. If you don’t have a good local naturopathic doctor to turn to for your personal needs, Dr. Amanda does phone consultations! She can help you with weight loss, detox/cleansing, acute and chronic illnesses, skin and body care, grocery shopping, pantry overhauls, and more! Visit her blog “My Life in a Healthnut Shell” at http://amandabox.blogspot.com/ for contact info.