Healthy Eating Baby's Requirements*During pregnancy, you are your baby's only source of nourishment. Every calorie, vitamin, or gram of protein that your baby needs must be eaten by you. You are the sole manager of your unborn child’s nutrition; you, and only you, can make sure that the best quality food reaches her. You will fulfil all of your baby' requirements if you eat lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, beans, peas, wholemeal cereals, fish, fowl, and low-fat dairy products. (A Danish study showed that eating oil-rich fish – salmon, herring, and sardine – may help lessen the risk of pre-term birth.) Make your diet as varied as possible, choosing from a wide range of foodstuffs. Don't Forget Mum*The other important person you must eat for during pregnancy is yourself. A good diet will mean that you have better reserves to cope with, and recover from, the indisputable strain of pregnancy and the hard work of labour. Anaemia and pre-eclampsia are much more common in those mothers who have a poor diet, and some problems, such as morning sickness and leg cramps, may be exacerbated by what you do or don’t eat – not eating enough salt, for example, is thought to cause leg cramps. Overall, good nutrition will help minimize excessive mood swings, fatigue, and many common complaints. In addition, a sensible eating regime that cuts out or restricts the amount of empty calories you consume will mean that you will be left with less excess fat to lose after your child has been born. Eating for Yourself*Your body will never work harder than it does during pregnancy and childbirth. To cope with the increased demands, maintain your strength, and enjoy your pregnancy, you must eat well.
* Dr Miriam Stoppard MD FRCP, Conception, Pregnancy & Birth, Dorling Kindersley, Australia 2002. |
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I am a mum of 3 years and find the best routine for when they are babies to put them to bed is 'bath, feed, bed' Ally |
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