The Interrelationship Between Health, Safety and Nutrition in Children

The Connection Between Health, Safety and Nutrition

The interrelationship between health, safety, and nutrition regarding children is very important. Understanding certain guidelines, and potential hazardous conditions can help prevent physical and emotional incidents.

Some preventive health care practices that people can take are avoidance of smoke and substance abuse such as drugs and alcohol, eat a healthy diet low in fat, exercise routinely, brush teeth regularly, and frequently washing your hands. To help promote good health, individuals must realize that to a certain extent, that they can prevent certain health problems. Instilling healthy habits and practices in children can help prevent accidents due to lack of proper nutrition all the way to making sure they wear a safety helmet when riding their bicycle. It has been documented by the World Health Organization that health is a state or quality of total physical, mental, and social well-being.

Some factors that may affect childrens health are heredity and the environment. Through heredity, this is when the childs characteristics are transmitted from the parents to their children at the time of conception to determine genetic traits. Understanding a childs heredity can help determine the predisposition of health problems including heart disease, cancer, allergies, etc. Environment can play an equally important part in a childs development. The environment includes physical, social, economic, and cultural factors. These factors often influence how children think, perceive, and act on certain situations in their surroundings. There are some positive environmental factors that can affect children such as good dietary habits, recreation with regular exercise and adequate rest, an access to medical and dental care, limited stress, and a safe and clean place for children, also opportunities to form stable and respectful relationships.

Childrens safety is very important. Safety is the behavior and practices that protect children from risks or injury. Controlling safe environments for children such as having developmentally appropriate equipment, will help prevent accidents. Even minor accidents have immediate effects on a childs health. It is imperative that adults scan the area of which children are to eliminate and put away hazardous materials out of reach of young children. So strict monitoring is needed. Another form of protection is setting rules and limitations. Rules help children to learn what is expected, and ensures safety.

Nutrition is defined as all processes used by a child to take in food and to digest it, absorb, transport, utilize, and excrete food substances. The substances found in foods are called nutrients. Eating food is a very important component of life. Eating proper foods that ensure good nutrients increases a childs energy, growth and development, normal behavior, resistance to illness and infection, and tissue repair. The intake of nutrients affects the behaviors of children. A child who is well nourished is usually more alert and attentive, and has better physical and learning experiences. The way a child responds to resistance of illnesses, proper nutrition plays an important part. Well nourished children are less likely become ill, and when they are ill recovery is quicker.

All in all, health, safety, and nutrition play pertinent roles with each other. The way a child feels in each role is dependant upon the others. Each role affects the other. If a child becomes physically injured, they may become disinterested in eating. When this occurs, they begin to lack in certain nutrients causing the injury to last longer. Therefore, good nutrition plays an important part in accident prevention. There may even be cases where children who lack in nutrients become increasingly accident prone because of low blood sugar. Maintaining a healthy and safe weight can also prevent accidents. Through regular exercise, eating, and safety precautions, children can ward off many illnesses.

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What Cheese Is Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?

Check the Label to See If It's Pasteurized

When you're pregnant, it's best to eat cheese made from pasteurized milk. As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains, "pasteurization kills harmful organisms responsible for such diseases as listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria and brucellosis." The harmful bacteria in raw milk can be especially dangerous to pregnant women and babies. Therefore, when pregnant, it's best to avoid any cheese made from unpasteurized milk.

Soft cheeses like brie, feta and blue cheese are more likely than hard cheeses to come from unpasteurized milk. Rest assured, though, if you like soft cheeses, there are plenty of pasteurized options available. Most cheeses sold in the U.S. are pasteurized, but many are not, so it's important to check the labels.

If a cheese says Made from Pasteurized Milk, then enjoy! If, however, you see the words Raw Milk or Unpasteurized, avoid that cheese while you're pregnant. Also be careful at farmer's markets and farm stands -- if the label doesn't say Pasteurized, then don't buy it. If you're unsure and can't find a reliable source to ask, don't risk it.

Many imported and gourmet cheeses available at cheese shops and specialty markets are unpasteurized and should not be eaten during pregnancy. These include Roquefort, a blue cheese made from raw sheep's milk; Camembert, a creamy cheese made from raw cow's milk; and Crottin de Chvignol, made from raw goat's milk. Unfortunately, all these mouth-watering cheeses must be saved for after pregnancy.

It's also important to think about cheese when dining in a restaurant, buying take-out food or attending parties. Is that delicious salad tossed with a crumbled unpasteurized blue cheese? Does that yummy Greek pizza have unpasteurized goat cheese? Don't hesitate to ask your server about the restaurant's cheeses. If you're at a party and offered a tempting brie, ask the host if you can see the wrapper so you can check the label. It may feel silly, but it's well worth it for the health of you and your baby.

In addition to the general dangers of eating unpasteurized cheeses, the bacteria Listeria poses a heightened risk to pregnant women. Listeria, which may be present in raw milk, can cause miscarriage or illness to the baby. Even if a pregnant woman does not feel sick, there may still be harm to her baby.

Pregnancy is supposed to be a fun time to eat whatever you want -- how can you deny the power of a pregnant woman's craving, even if it is for pickles and ice cream at 2:00 a.m. in the morning. But if that craving is for cheese, limit your cheese options to hard cheeses, like cheddar, and pasteurized soft cheeses, like pasteurized brie.

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Vitamin D Might Lower Your Risk for Uterine Fibroids

Vitamin D has been shown to be beneficial for many health conditions. A new study released in 2013 revealed yet another benefit: women with adequate vitamin D levels had lower rates of uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the muscle in the uterus. They may often lead to abnormally high bleeding during or between menses, difficulty with pregnancy, as well as pain with pressure, particularly pain during intercourse. Treatment for fibroids may require a surgical procedure, and is the leading cause of hysterectomy ( removal of the uterus ) for women in the United States.

Results showed that women obtaining the recommended amount of vitamin D had a 32% lower rate of uterine fibroids. Women who received one-hour exposure to sunlight per day had a 40% lower rate.

All women are at risk for developing fibroids. Their growth is relatively slow, and may take years to develop symptoms. The findings suggest that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels early in life might help prevent the actual development or slow the rate of growth of fibroids.

The skin when exposed to sunlight naturally produces Vitamin D. Concerns for skin cancer have resulted in no official recommendations for sun exposure by the medical community. Mushrooms, fortified milk, eggs and fish are excellent sources of vitamin D. Cheese has relatively low levels of vitamin D as a result of its natural processing. Most yogurts have no vitamin D, unless specifically stated in the label. Dannon and Yoplait are two of the leading brands that fortify their yogurts.

Supplements are an efficient source of vitamin D, but care must be taken to avoid obtaining more than 4,ooo International Units ( IU ) per day as such high levels might be dangerous. General recommendations by the FDA are for women to obtain from 400 to 1,000 IU's per day.

Considering the many health benefits of vitamin D, it should be a part of everyone's diet.

Vitamin D might interfere with many medications, especially those used for blood pressure and heart disease. You must consult with your physician before starting a vitamin D3 supplement regimen.

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Pregnancy Advice I Wish I Received

Advice Pregnant Women Never Talk About

When you are pregnant, it seems like everyone has unsolicited advice for you. From "how to tell if your having a boy or girl," or "how to sleep," to "what to eat or not eat." It's what people love to do best. I, however, don't recall getting any advice that was helpful. So, I decided to come up with a list of things I wish someone had told me from my own pregnancy experience:

1. It's okay to formula feed, despite breast being "best"

I had always assumed that breastfeeding would be one of the easiest and most natural things to do. But it just wasn't meant to be - I couldn't breast feed. The first few weeks with my new son were so heartbreaking for me. I was offered so much advice on how to hold him, how to pump, and even had nurses plopping my boobs in my son's mouth for me, just for him to spit it out and turn his head away. Never once did anyone say to me "It's OK to feed him formula." I found that once I did, my son would bond with me as well as if I breast fed him, and he would be just as happy and healthy.

2. Less is best!, get only as needed.

What I mean by this is you shouldn't stress yourself trying to get all the baby must haves and researching what's best, safest, fashionable. I spent months searching for the best baby changer and guess what? You want to know where my son was changed 99.9% of the time? Our bed! It was a better height for me, and gave me a bigger surface to place his changing items, PLUS the drawers in the bed fit everything that needed to be put away. Don't get me wrong, shopping for baby is a lot of fun but most of the time you will not use it.

3. It's more then okay to accept offers for babysitting

Who doesn't love a newborn baby? A toddler whose got the tantrums won't be receiving as many offers. However, if you do receive an offer, then by all means take them up on it even if it's just so you can shower, cook a meal, use the toilet or more importantly take a nap.

4. Keep a emergency diaper bag in the car

It takes some getting used to carry one around, and with the impending newborn diaper blow outs, you will be glad you had a back up. What I wished I was told was to put a shirt in the bag for myself for when my son spits up, pees or poops on his favorite target (because if it's going to happen, it will happen away from home) and you may not be going home right away!

5. Point it down!

This may seem obvious but no one ever forewarns you. To prevent a leak with boy diapers be sure to point his pee pee downwards when changing.

6. Never be ashamed to ask for help

I remember being in line at the grocery store when my son was only a few weeks old, and he spit up everywhere. I was so thankful to the lady behind me who had three kids. She quickly offered me a big handful of wet wipes and my son was soon cleaned up. Her kindness taught me to never be ashamed to ask for help. We all need it at some point and there are millions of moms who have stood in our shoes beforehand.

7. Try not to buy clothes with lots of snaps or buttons

Baby clothes can be some of the most adorable little things you've ever seen. However, dealing with lots of buttons or snaps for late night or early morning changes can drive you crazy. If you are anything like me, you will be nervous enough to handle your new baby. So try to think of the practicality of the clothes first before buying.

8. Lastly try to relax and enjoy it

Your new adventure will go by so fast. The first few months really are the easiest so have fun, enjoy parenthood, and enjoy your child!

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Is Soy Safe During Pregnancy or While You're Breastfeeding?

Most pregnant women will need to make changes their diets during pregnancy. This can be complicated if there is a certain food that you love and can no longer eat or if the food is an ingredient in many products. Soy milk plays a role in many diets and is also an ingredient in more foods than you might realize. Is soy safe during pregnancy or while you're nursing? Here's what all women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should know.

Is Soy Healthy During Pregnancy?

Soy is thought to play a healthy role in your diet during pregnancy. It is a good source of protein, which makes it an ideal option for women who are vegetarians or who do not eat much meat. There is not a lot of research which has been done on the effects of soy during pregnancy, however, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are a few concerns about soy consumption during this time.

One of the biggest concerns associated with consuming during pregnancy is isoflavones, which contain estrogen-like compounds. Animal studies have shown that when mothers were fed high doses of isoflavones, their offspring were more likely to experience tumors and reproductive changes, according to the Mayo Clinic. More research needs to be done to confirm that the same effects would occur in humans, however. Although some studies have found no abnormalities among infants whose mothers consumed soy during pregnancy, the Mayo Clinic reports that one did find that there was an increased risk of hypospadias, a urethral meatus birth defect.

There is also some concern about how isoflavones may affect a mother during pregnancy, according to BabyZone. An overabundance of isoflavones, which contain estrogen-like properties, might not be beneficial for your body at a time when your estrogen levels are already higher than usual. Consuming moderate amounts of soy are not thought to cause these effects, however.

Can You Consume Soy While You're Breastfeeding?

In theory, it might seem like you should be bulking up on soy milk while you're breastfeeding so that you can provide your baby with nutrients. This isn't necessarily true, however. Isoflavones are known to be transferred to babies through breast milk. Since the research which has been done on isoflavones and newborns so far is limited, it's best to only consume soy in moderation while you're breastfeeding or avoid it altogether.

Until more research becomes available, the best thing that you can do is limit how much soy you are consuming. Although it is probably safe to consume soy in moderation, there may be a risk of birth defects if you drink it while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For more suggestions on protein and calcium-rich foods, talk to your healthcare provider.

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Formula is Not the End of the World!

I know lots of women that formula feed, probably as many women as I know that breastfeed. I mix my son's bottles with tender loving care, and enjoy feeding him even though he isn't getting "the good stuff". It is hard to forgive yourself when the world is telling you that Breast is Best and you don't have the physical ability to feed your baby with your body.

My Journey

There was never any doubt in my mind that I wanted to breastfeed my son. Cloth diapering and breastfeeding were the two things that I was dead-set on. Sometime around hour 6 of his life I had two nurses bring us some pre-mixed formula and a deep depression set in. My son wasn't getting enough from me; I couldn't sustain this perfect little life on my own, so I would need help. I cried so hard, thinking that if I just got the tears out I could get past it and be okay.

I breastfed my son before every bottle for as long as he would eat. Sometimes he would be on the boob for hours! Sometimes he would just go until he got so hungry he'd just start crying. I returned my breast pump and got a new one, alas, it didn't work either. How did I keep getting faulty pumps? I ate right, drank my weight in water every day, made lactation cookies, I took mother's milk supplement, fenugreek and all the other pills. I fought with my doctor, my OB and my lactation consultant when they said that I was "just one of those women that won't produce enough". I bawled my eyes out at the WIC office, with three lactation consultants standing in front of me refusing to help me because I have a job.

I kept my baby on my bare skin as much as possible. I tried to keep him on a feeding schedule so I could make my body produce more. I rented a hospital pump for a period of three weeks and in that time I pumped 2 ounces, pumping 3 or more times a day. Not 2oz per pumping session. Two ounces in the entire three weeks.

Learning to Deal

Some women have trouble getting their babies to latch right. Others get cracked nipples. Some don't produce enough milk. EVERYONE says, "just keep at it, if you are dedicated it will work out!" Me, I just cried. I cried with nearly every bottle of formula that I mixed, I cried when my son cried from hunger while I was trying to nurse him. I cried when he lost weight and then wouldn't gain it back. I cried when he got constipated from the formula and every time he spit it up. I cried because I never once got engorged, I wanted to badly to feed my own baby When other people were around I tried to keep my tears bottled up. I was trying everything. I was dedicated. It WILL work.

The day I was supposed to go back to work was the day I decided to get help for my post-partum depression. I couldn't breastfeed while taking anti-depressants, and I couldn't produce anything from pumping anyways. Almost 7 straight weeks of trying, I never got the relief of being able to feed my son without supplementing with formula. Today my son is a chunky, happy little squirt that is unendingly happy with his bottles.

Why I Felt Attacked

Everyone seems to have an opinion about how you chose (or are forced) to feed your baby. "Babies that are formula fed aren't as smart." "Babies that are formula fed aren't as healthy". I've seen a breastfed and formula fed babies act and do all the same darn things! I've seen a two and a half year old formula baby that has mastered seven different languages. I've seen breastfed babies that have autism or ADD. I work with Doctors that after I explain to them everything I've just written down, simply shake their heads and say, "I don't understand why you didn't have better supply. Why didn't you try harder?"

Yes, yes, we all know that "Breast is Best", but it is not the only option. Some people chose to formula feed. Some chose to breast feed. It is most important that baby is happy, healthy, and well-fed. My son smiles and laughs all day long, he is smart and he is on par with the other babies in his day care class. I enjoy feeding him even more now because (I'm not crying) I don't feel an overwhelming amount of pressure and I know I am doing what is right for our family. I no longer let anyone make me feel like I'm doing wrong by my son, or that I'll "get it right next time", or that my son is suffering because he is on formula.

I Learned the Truth

I took my son with me to the mall a few weeks back, and in the food court I sat to have a drink of water and give him his bottle. A group of people walked by and one of them murmured, "That is so inappropriate!" I looked around and saw a mom breastfeeding her baby under a cover just a few tables away. Her eyes cast to the floor she apologized as one of these idiots came up to her and told her that she's in the wrong place to be doing that. I got up, walked over, may have *slightly* bumped the lady talking out of her tush. Whoops didn't see you there. "Yeah," I said, "The baby feeding table is over here, come join us!" I helped her move her things over to my table, and we sat and had a nice chat while feeding our babies.

It was then that I realized that it was never about the breast or the bottle, but the people that had them. Formula is not the end of the world. A coworker, a stranger, even a friend or family member not approving of me breastfeeding or bottle feeding is not the end of the world. There should be no more tears spilled over this predicament. Please know that if you are giving it your all to breastfeed, there are so many areas of support out there, so many people willing and able to help you. If you are bottle feeding, know that you are supported too! No matter your race, background, culture, continent or how you feed your child, you are still a mom. Moms need to stick together.

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Is It Safe to Take Prenatal Vitamins When You’re Not Pregnant?

Many women consider taking prenatal vitamins while they're not pregnant. You might be thinking about using them because you have heard that they can help you grow long nails and beautiful, shiny hair. Or maybe you're thinking about taking them because you're trying to get pregnant, and you've heard that they can help you conceive quicker. Is it safe to use prenatal vitamins when you're not pregnant? Here are some things that all women should know.

If You're Not Trying to Get Pregnant

Prenatal vitamins are not recommended for women who aren't pregnant or trying to become pregnant, according to the Mayo Clinic. The reason is because healthy adult women who aren't pregnant do not require the same amount of certain vitamins as women who are pregnant. In fact, non-pregnant women can actually experience adverse reactions to certain vitamins which prenatal vitamins contain higher or lower levels of.

Prenatal vitamins do not contain enough calcium to satisfy the requirements for non-pregnant women. They also contain higher levels of folic acid, which can hide the symptoms of vitamin B 12 deficiencies, as well as levels of iron which can be toxic to non-pregnant women and can cause constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and death, according to the Mayo Clinic.

If You Are Trying to Get Pregnant

The idea that prenatal vitamins can help you conceive quicker is a common misconception. That said, women who are trying to conceive are recommended to begin taking prenatal vitamins because it is believed that they can offer protection against certain birth defects. The amount of folic acid that is found in prenatal vitamins (600 mg), for example, helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, according to the Mayo Clinic.

New research also shows that beginning your prenatal vitamins prior to conception can help reduce the risk of autism. A study found that children were less likely to develop autism if their mother began taking prenatal vitamins three months prior to conception and throughout the first month of pregnancy, according to WebMD. This is just another reason for women to begin taking their vitamins a few months before they are planning to conceive.

While it is ideal for women who are planning to become pregnant to begin taking their prenatal vitamins, women who have no intentions of conceiving in the near future should avoid taking them. If you have any questions about what your vitamin requirements are, be sure to talk to your doctor.

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What’s New with Magnesium?

Signs, Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

It's likely you don't think about magnesium on a daily basis unless it's as the less-than-celebrated partner to calcium. Although the work that calcium and magnesium do together is important magnesium stands alone as one of the most useful nutrients in your body. As the catalyst of over 300 chemical processes that take place in your body every day, magnesium is essential for the health of every organ in the body. Magnesium is also required for healthy teeth and bones, energy production and the proper functioning of calcium, copper, zinc, potassium, Vitamin D, and many other nutrients.

According to most experts true magnesium deficiencies are rare and usually only occur due to chronic alcoholism or in the case of health conditions or medications that deplete magnesium. Signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency include:

• • Loss of appetite

• • Nausea and vomiting

• • Weakness and fatigue

• • Numbness

• • Tingling

• • Muscle cramps

• • Seizures

• • Personality changes

• • Abnormal heart rythms

• • Coronary spasms

Those same experts do recognize significant health issues across the majority of body systems due to magnesium "inadequacy". Magnesium inadequacy occurs when there is a consistent lack of magnesium in the diet and has been associated with a variety of health conditions and concerns that improve when magnesium is added to the treatment regimen. Health issues associated with magnesium inadequacy include:

• • Asthma

• • Depression

• • Diabetes

• • Fibromyalgia

• • Noise related hearing loss

• • Arrhythmia and heart failure

• • High blood pressure

• • Migraine headaches

• • Osteoporosis

• • Preeclampsia and eclampsia

• • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• • Restless legs syndrome

•

Researchers offer a long list of health conditions that put people at risk for magnesium deficiency or inadequacy including:

• • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• • Ulcerative Colitis

• • Pancreatitis

• • Hyperthyroidism

• • Kidney disease

• • Type II Diabetes

• • Alcohol Dependency

• • Aging

• • Intestinal virus

• • Heavy menstrual periods

If you think you may be experiencing a magnesium deficiency or inadequacy speak to your healthcare provider before starting a nutritional supplement program. A healthy, well-balanced diet and moderate exercise is always a great first step toward better overall health.

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Do Peanut Allergies Pass to Baby in Breastmilk?

Peanut allergies affect millions of young children. Reactions range from skin rashes and diarrhea to full-blown anaphylaxis. Pregnant women with peanut allergies are warned to stay away from peanuts and peanut-containing products during pregnancy, but there is little information on the effect of peanut allergies on breastfed babies. Will your peanut allergy pass to your infant while breastfeeding?

Breastmilk Supplies Antibodies - Including Harmful Antibodies

Breastfeeding is the healthiest form of nutrition for baby. Antibodies pass from mom to baby in breastmilk. Those antibodies strengthen baby's immune system, but what happens when mom has a peanut allergy and she comes in contact with peanuts? Her body will react to the peanuts as a foreign substance. If she has a food allergy, the antibodies are already present in the body. Eating peanuts while breastfeeding may increase your infant's risk of developing a peanut allergy.

How Will Baby React to a Food Allergy?

If your infant has developed a food allergy they may experience a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptoms of a food allergy reaction in infants include diarrhea, eczema and crankiness. Reactions may be progressive. The first reaction could be a case of diarrhea and the next extreme crankiness. By the third contact your baby could experience anaphylaxis.

My son has a severe peanut allergy. His first contact came at 13 months. About 24 hours after the contact his face swelled to the point where his eyes no longer opened. The second ingestion occurred nearly two years later. This time he started having trouble breathing within 15 minutes of eating a peanut candy. By his third interaction with peanuts, he experienced facial swelling when someone in the room ate a single peanut butter cracker.

Can I Avoid Passing My Peanut Allergy Through Breastmilk?

Some experts believe complete avoidance of peanuts while breastfeeding reduces the risk of passing peanut allergies to infants. Peanut allergies tend to be genetic - passed from parent to child - so complete avoidance is necessary. The fewer antibodies present in breastmilk; the fewer antibodies passed to baby. Read every food label, never eat foods you did not prepare and avoid restaurants that cook with peanut oil.

The number of infants and children with peanut allergies are growing exponentially. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and other food allergy groups are a great source of allergy information and support for mothers with food allergies who choose to breastfeed.

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Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Using herbs instead of medications is becoming more popular. It's scary enough when it's just the individual. If you are a pregnant woman you need to be extra careful. Some herbs can do damage to both you and your unborn child.

Uterine Contractions: Several herbs can do this. Some are mild, like chamomile. That doesn't make them safe. You may be able to use it without untoward events in one pregnancy and have it cause miscarriage in another.

Other herbs are stronger and will either cause a miscarriage outright or (if it's time) cause labor to begin. Blue cohosh is the strongest one I'm aware of…and the most dangerous. While it could bring on labor and make it go more quickly it also raises blood pressure of both the mother and the child. Babies have been born in the process of having a heart attack when the mother has taken this herb.

Birth Defects: Some herbs can cause birth defects. Aloe vera is a good example. It can also cause uterine contractions so there are two very good reasons to avoid it. The problem seems to be caused by ingestion rather than topical applications, though both should be avoided. There are other, safer remedies if you suffer a burn.

Hormones: Pregnancy alters a woman's hormones quite enough. Adding herbs that contain estrogen like substances does not help. Black cohosh is a good example in this category. It is often given, along with blue cohosh, to start or hurry labor and delivery. Neither are good ideas.

Laxatives: There is a persistent myth that if you take enough laxatives you will start labor. This is not true. Senna, aloe and other herbal laxatives can cause cramping and diarrhea. If labor happens to start while you're still feeling the effects of these herbs it will be much more uncomfortable, probably messy and having a baby and a bowel movement at the same time is something I don't even want to imagine, though it has probably happened.

The best way to find out which herbs are safe and which aren't is to talk to your OB, your pharmacist and a qualified herbal practitioner. Never start taking herbs on your own and always clear it with your doctor. The doctor knows your medical history and how your pregnancy is progressing.

Mary Bodel has been interested in medicine from an early age. Her particular interests are herbal remedies and eldercare. She started studying herbal remedies in 1981 and achieved the status of master herb...

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Eat This Not That: Eating Right During Pregnancy

Your Guide to Getting Good Nurtition During Pregnancy

From the moment that you find out that you are pregnant, you make a vow to your baby that you will do everything in your power to make sure that you have a healthy pregnancy. That includes eating right during your pregnancy.

Good nutrition during pregnancy is important. By making sure that you are eating right during your pregnancy, you can help make sure that your baby is getting the nutrients it needs to grow and thrive. Good nutrition during pregnancy is good for you as well. Your body will be providing nutrients and vitamins to your baby, by eating right, you will be able to replenish those reserves.

So, what should you eat during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, you want to make sure that you are eating more of the good stuff and less of the bad. That does not mean that you have to cut out all chocolate from your diet. It simply means that you should increase the amount of the good stuff.

Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Feta and Gorgonzola are now OK to eat during pregnancy as long as it is made with pasteurized milk. Most cheese sold in the US is, but still check the labels. If you live in a border state such as Texas, steer clear of Mexican cheeses (eg: Queso Blanco) as those typically are not pasteurized.

Cooked deli meat, veggie burgers, bean burritos or chicken are great sources of proteins during pregnancy

Fruits and vegetables should be a staple in your diet during pregnant. They are high in vitamins and fiber. Just make sure to wash them before you eat them.

What Foods Should I Eat In Moderation?

The verdict is out when it comes to caffeine. Studies have shown that caffeine in moderation during pregnancy is not harmful. So limit your consumption to no more then 2 or 3 8 oz cups of coffee a day.

Foods that are rich in nitrates, such as hot dogs, bacon and sausage should be eaten in moderation during pregnancy. Nitrates have been called into question for possible links to brain tumors and diabetes. These foods are not the best nutritional choices anyhow.

What Foods Should I Not Eat During Pregnancy?

Eggs in products such as restaurant made Caesar dressing, homemade eggnog, raw cookie dough and soft scrambled or sunny side up eggs...basically any dish in which the eggs (both yolk and white) are not fully cooked. Once the egg is cooked, the risk is gone.

Sushi,except for California rolls, is not safe to eat during pregnancy. It may contain parasites that could make you sick.

Anything that is unpasteurized such as juice that is sold at farm stands. Even though a majority of milk and juices sold in the stores today are pasteurized, it is a good idea to double check the labels.

While fish has omega-3 fatty acids, which help the baby's brain develop, is a good meal choice right now, some varieties should be avoided due to high mercury content. These include swordfish,shark and tile fish.

Many types of fish contain traces of mercury, so you want to limit your weekly consumption to safer varieties such as salmon, catfish,shrimp and light canned tuna. Try to keep consumption to around 12 oz a week.

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Breastfeeding During Pregnancy

Answers to Common Questions

Many women who have become pregnant while still breastfeeding find that they want to continue the nursing relationship with their child but have many questions about breastfeeding during pregnancy. Most moms have the same concerns of safety, nutrition and comfort when it comes to breastfeeding during pregnancy.

Will breastfeeding during pregnancy cause pre-term labor?

The stimulation of the nipples causes the release of a hormone called oxytocin. After childbirth, breastfeeding helps to the uterus to return to a normal size because of the contractions caused by oxytocin. Oxytocin is also important in labor because it causes contractions.

However, in the normal, healthy pregnancy there is little need for concern about breastfeeding causing contractions. The reason for this is the "oxytocin receptors sites" on the uterus. These uterine cells detect oxytocin when it is present and respond by causing contractions of the uterus. In a pregnant woman who is less than 38 weeks gestation there are very few of these "oxytocin receptor sites" on the uterus. By 38 weeks, the cells begin to increase gradually. Once a woman is actually in labor, the cells increase 300 times. The uterus is further protected from oxytocin stimulation before term by the absence of "gap junction proteins" which enable the oxytocin receptor sites to respond to oxytocin. The high levels of progesterone during pregnancy also stand in the way of oxytocin causing contractions during pregnancy.

While most women should consider breastfeeding during pregnancy to be a safe act, those women who have experienced preterm labor in previous pregnancies or are at risk for preterm labor in their current pregnancy should not continue breastfeeding during pregnancy. On some occasions women at risk for preterm labor have continued breastfeeding during pregnancy. This is only advisable if permission is given by the obstetrician who knows the history of the pregnancy and any previous pregnancies of the woman.

Will breastfeeding during pregnancy take nutrients away from my unborn baby?

No, breastfeeding during pregnancy will not take precious nutrients from the fetus. Not eating correctly will cause the fetus to be undernourished, however. A mother who is breastfeeding during pregnancy requires even more nutrients than a mother who is not breastfeeding during pregnancy. Extra liquids are essential to keep a milk supply going and to keep the mother hydrated. Nutrients that are taken in will go directly to the fetus first. If a mother breastfeeding during pregnancy does not practice good nutrition, she and her nursling will suffer before the fetus will.

Will pregnancy cause my milk supply to diminish or disappear?

Yes, it can. Around four-five months of pregnancy many mothers who are breastfeeding during pregnancy will find that their milk supply has either diminished or is completely gone. Some mothers may find that this period of 'dryness' lasts for weeks and some may find that it lasts much longer. In my own experience of breastfeeding during pregnancy I had both situations to occur. In my second, full term pregnancy my milk diminished slightly until around 22 weeks when it was completely gone. By 25 weeks I had colostrum. In my third, full term pregnancy my milk supply was completely gone by 14 weeks and I did not have colostrum until closer to eight months into the pregnancy.

Again, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a nutritious diet can help a mother who is breastfeeding during pregnancy to maintain her milk supply for longer.

Will I have to supplement with formula because of a lack of supply?

It is possible. If your baby is under the age of one when you become pregnant, it may be necessary to supplement his or her feedings with formula. The older baby or toddler is likely taking enough solid food to sustain his or her nutritional needs. To be sure that a nursling is thriving, regular weight checks are a good step.

Will my baby or toddler wean during the pregnancy?

Many times a nursling will react to the change in breast milk supply or taste by weaning. In my experience with breastfeeding during pregnancy, one of my children weaned and one did not. It totally depends upon the child.

Will the taste of my breast milk change?

It is likely. The breast milk of a pregnant woman becomes saltier in taste. Some nurslings dislike this new taste and wean while others continue to nurse as though nothing has changed.

The taste change usually occurs in the second trimester and due to an increase of protein and sodium in the breast milk and a decrease in glucose and lactose.

Will breastfeeding during pregnancy be painful?

Most likely, yes. Unfortunately, the same nipple sensitivity that occurs in early pregnancy for all women does not stay away for those who choose breastfeeding during pregnancy.

I have talked with many women who actually feel depressed at the thought of nursing. Their skin will crawl and they become agitated due to the pain. Using breathing exercises that they used during labor has helped some women to cope with the discomfort.

Many times a mother breastfeeding during pregnancy will limit nursing sessions to the frequency and duration that she is comfortable with in order to preserve the nursing relationship.

My experiences of breastfeeding during pregnancy were different. In my second, full term pregnancy the pain was excruciating and I limited my son to three nursing sessions per day. The most painful time was between 22-25 weeks when my milk supply was completely gone. Once I had colostrum at 25 weeks, the pain lessened tremendously. In my third full-term pregnancy, I had very little pain, only minor discomfort and I was tandem nursing. My milk supply was gone from 14-32 weeks and still the discomfort was much less than it had been in my previous pregnancy.

Will I run out of colostrum for the baby before he or she is even born?

No. The clock does not begin ticking for colostrum until after child birth. Your body will continue to make colostrum until your milk comes in after the birth. Mothers who are breastfeeding during pregnancy actually have the added advantage of giving their nursling another chance at getting the health benefits of this "liquid gold".

Once the new baby is born it might be best to allow him or her to get the majority of the colostrum since it is so important in building the immunity of a new baby.

Breastfeeding during pregnancy is completely doable for most women. Always talk with your obstetrician or midwife so that he or she knows your plans and address any concerns. Be sure that your nursling is thriving by having him or her weighed and let his or her pediatrician know if you suspect that supplementation is necessary.

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