As I write this brief – I am aware that we are all feeling such a mixture of emotions namely – fear, anxiety, stress for our loved ones, health concerns, financial concerns, physical health concerns and the list is endless.
As I work in the amazing field of Women’s, family, newborn and child health, there must be a million questions going through each of my clients’ minds.
I am aware that a healthy mindset results in a healthier physical body. I, therefore, would like to encourage all of us and in particular pregnant couples and parents of newbies to start your day with a cup of hot tea/lemon H20/coffee/herbal teas etc.
We also want to encourage regular snacking during the day. 6 smaller meals throughout the day are Great. The regular snacking allows each individuals blood sugar levels to be maintained, allowing for improved cortisol levels and better stress management.
Water also helps to keep the human body hydrated and the skin more polished.
Light exercise allows good oxygenated blood to pump through the placenta towards the growing foetus.
Did you know? Your unborn babe develops a taste profile towards food depending on what foods you eat during your pregnancy. Yes, taste receptors in the amniotic fluid expose your unborn baby to nutrients in utero. That being said, the placenta helps to protect the foetus against unwanted viruses and bacteria.
Did you also know? Breastmilk is a live substance containing Stem cells, anti-cancer cells, cytokines and immune cells to kill and destroy foreign and dangerous pathogens from harming your newborn. The importance of providing Breastmilk over these uncertain times cannot be stressed more than now. No other milk has these Immune-saving properties inside!
Perhaps take five minutes quiet time to reset your mind for the day ahead.
Each of us needs to focus on Deep breathing to help exercise our lungs.
This exercise can also help reduce known and internal anxiety.
Okay – so we all know – we are what we eat! Well, I am starting to look slightly rounder😂. I feel it’s okay – this time will pass and tomorrow is a new day!
The latest research shows that pregnant and breastfeeding/expressing women should eat the following foods often and regularly during the week. Foods high in omega 3 and 6 are especially helpful for the pregnant, breastfeeding and well actually every human.
These foods include, e.g., smoked and cooked salmon, trout, pilchards, oily fishes, nuts like almonds, cashews, peanuts, peanut butter.
Healthy veggies like avocados, spinach, berries and apples etc
We know that these foods above are essential for brain 🧠 function, mood and development. During the 1st and last trimester of pregnancy, the developing infant’s brain is growing substantially, important neuron connections are being made.
For pregnant women, please try and rest in the last trimester. This time in the pregnancy is essential for the vital organs to develop and “cook” mature into their designed functional parts.
Did you know that the baby’s developing brain roughly TRIPLES IN WEIGHT in the last 13 weeks of pregnancy? So being on bed rest, taking things easy and resting a lot is vitally essential for ALL PREGNANT WOMEN.
We also know that Breastmilk is Brain Juice. Breastmilk can strengthen and increase the number of developing neurons within the brain and thus helps to improve Brain growth and mass. This means your child’s BRAIN develops the best from your Breastmilk. Breastmilk also enhances the myelination of the neuron sheaths within the nervous system of the developing body. So, in essence, during this lockdown period, please practice with breastfeeding and expressing.
Please reach out to me or a fellow Lactation Consultant for extra support via WhatsApp or Zoom consultations.
The benefits of doing things right during this time are often only measurable in the future.
I want to please say to all pregnant couples, family’s of newborns and toddlers, we are here to provide support and care to you.
Please look at my website and videos for support (www.beststartbaby.com).
I am also available on my cellphone and WhatsApp on 082 562 1986.
Be Safe and Take Special Care.