As hopeful, expectant, birthing and parenting people, all the uncertainty and unknown around conception, childbirth and the postpartum year can often feel overwhelming at times. To simplify some of the congestion, we can look to evidence based information to inform our choices. We can turn to findings from neurobiology and endocrinology, the study of our…
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Acupressure is an alternative therapy, part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate healing and relieve various ailments, including pain and discomfort during pregnancy. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative therapies during pregnancy to ensure they are safe…
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“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.” – Suzuki Roshi When you have a baby on the way, you inevitably put a fair amount of energy into planning, anticipating and preparing for what to ‘expect’. We help families both become informed but also, encourage some confidence in all…
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While scientists around the world are exploring the impacts of meditation via brain imaging techniques and measuring hormones and biochemical responses, the practices of yoga and meditation have been serving as perhaps the oldest science of psychology and wellbeing that we know of. Western psychology and its clinical application of psychotherapy is a very new…
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ALL ABOUT CARBOHYDRATES Macronutrients: Carbohydrates We have already covered protein and fats in your diet during the childbearing year, so let’s talk carbs. The body’s fuel If fat and protein are building materials, carbohydrates are the ‘fuels’ we take in to sustain our body’s energy needs and to meet the…
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ALL ABOUT FATS Macronutrients: Fats As I mentioned in my last post, our bodies require the macronutrients of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to function well. This week we are focusing on fats and learning about their role in your health and the health of your baby. What we need and what we…
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ALL ABOUT PROTEIN Introduction: What our bodies need Our bodies require the macronutrients of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to function. We also need vitamins and minerals, the ‘micronutrients’. We are also discovering there are more and more benefits from ‘phytonutrients’, or plant elements, that serve to clear our bodies of free radicals, protect tissues, and…
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Calories: How many? How many more calories should you consume daily during pregnancy? Growing your baby takes some added energy, but exactly how much energy will vary from woman to woman. As a general guideline, an average of 340 additional calories each day is needed to accommodate your pregnancy. Your energy needs will increase as…
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I have had many requests to provide good resources for prenatal nutrition over the years and I hope that you find the following posts helpful. I will introduce some concepts about pregnancy nutrition that are easy to use, but challenge you to examine your diet and work toward understanding your body’s needs before and during pregnancy.…
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An introduction: Why you should stay tuned If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you are on an exciting journey! You are probably experiencing a range of emotions as you ask yourself, “What can I do to help ensure that all will be well with my baby and with me?” That’s a key…
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