PREPARING FOR A HEALTHY BABY
Health Tips for Before, During and After Pregnancy
Congratulations on your decision to have a baby! Bringing a new life into the world is a joyful and exciting experience, but also a great responsibility. It is important to take steps to ensure that you and your baby are as healthy as possible at every stage of pregnancy. In this article, we will give you tips on how to prepare for a healthy baby before, during and after pregnancy. We will also introduce some key products from NewLife™ International that are helpful for pregnant women and new mothers.
Before Pregnancy
If you are planning to get pregnant, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy. The health of the baby depends on the health of both parents before the baby is conceived. We would recommend that both parents have their bodies overhauled by going through Dr. Lynn’s Detoxification & Rejuvenation Programme (DRP), so that both are ready for the conception of a healthy baby.
The DRP restores balance to your body’s system, strengthens your immune system, and stimulates healing and repair of any organs or areas that are not healthy. It is a great way to kickstart the health of your body!
A health-building programme such as the DRP is even more essential for couples that are struggling to conceive. Although there are a variety of factors for this, for some, it may be due to a partner’s body not being in the right state of health to conceive or carry a child. We have had many couples succeed in conceiving healthy babies after going through Dr Lynn’s DRP despite years of futile efforts. The DRP is one of the best ways to prepare your body for pregnancy and may increase your chances of both conceiving and also having a healthy/safe pregnancy.
A balanced diet is important for your overall health, especially if you are planning to get pregnant. Make sure you are getting enough folic acid, iron and other nutrients that are important for a healthy pregnancy.
Cold-pressed green juices are a great way to naturally supply the body with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as iron and folate, which are important nutrients for conception and a healthy pregnancy.
Smoking, drinking alcohol and taking illegal drugs can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, it is very important to avoid these.
If you are trying to conceive, NewLife™ Kelp is a natural supplement that you should add to your diet. Kelp is one of the best natural sources of iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid hormone production and can help to indirectly promote ovulation. According to a recent U.S. study, women who are deficient in iodine and trying to get pregnant may have half the chance of conceiving compared to women with healthy iodine levels [Reuters Health]. Iodine is also a critical nutrient during pregnancy and lactation.
During Pregnancy
Once you are pregnant, there are several things you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Eat healthy: A healthy diet is important for the health of you and your baby. Make sure you get enough folic acid, iron and other nutrients that are important for a healthy pregnancy. These can be obtained by drinking fresh green juices daily. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy products and certain types of fish, which can contain high levels of mercury.
Many pregnant women suffer from water retention due to overconsumption of salt (sodium). This can be prevented by reducing or removing altogether added table salt from the diet. The body will naturally obtain sodium and other electrolytes from fresh fruit, vegetables and juices in a more balance way.
Homemade yoghurt is a great source of easily-digestible protein, calcium and probiotics. The best way to take yoghurt is together with a tablespoon of flaxseed oil, which supplies essential fatty acids to the body (see next page for more information on flaxseed oil).
Stay active: Regular physical activity can help you stay healthy during pregnancy, and it may also make it easier for you to return to your pre-pregnancy weight after birth. Talk to your doctor about what types of physical activity are safe for you during pregnancy.
Get enough rest: Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally demanding, so it is important to get enough rest. Try to sleep at least 7 to 9 hours every night and take a nap during the day if you need to.
Avoid risky behaviours: It is important that you don’t smoke, drink alcohol or use illegal drugs during pregnancy. These behaviours can be harmful to the health of you and your baby.
Consider taking natural supplements: Pregnancy can take a toll on your body. Natural supplements can support your health and the health of your baby. NewLife™ International offers a range of natural health products that are helpful for pregnant women and new mothers:
NEWLIFE™ 5 ESSENTIALS
Herbal Klenz Powder helps to prevent constipation during pregnancy while keeping the digestive tract healthy. Also helps to control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which is very important for pregnant mothers.
Super Green Food ++ contains extracts from 29 different superfoods. It helps to nourish your cells and meet your nutritional needs. This is especially important for pregnant mothers who may be having trouble eating certain foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables.
K-Salt supplies the body with potassium, which helps to counterbalance the excessive sodium intake in our normal diets.
Immuflora® contains probiotics (friendly bacteria) and prebiotics (“food” for the friendly bacteria) that can help to support a healthy pregnancy. Probiotics are 100% safe to take while pregnant and taking them has been linked to benefits like fewer pregnancy complications, reduced risk of eczema in babies, and improved markers of metabolic health in expectant mothers.
Omega Gold Flaxseed Oil is rich in the essential omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Since the body cannot produce omega-3 itself, it is important that we get it from food. Flaxseed oil taken during pregnancy can promote brain development in the foetus. Babies who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids during development are more likely to have low birth weight and a small head circumference at birth, and the placenta is likely to be smaller while in the womb, according to The Franklin Institute. DHA has been linked to brain and eye development in particular. A pregnant woman’s body can only supply the developing baby with DHA if she ingests it by eating seafood or if she creates it in her body after consuming ALA.
Calcium Complex contains a blend of calcium and boron, along with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin B-12, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and Vitamin B6. Health experts recommend pregnant mothers to consume at least 1000mg of calcium daily as the body actually takes calcium from your own bones to give it to your little one. Taking a calcium supplement will help a pregnant mother’s bones stay strong. In addition, calcium also helps to keep your blood and muscles moving and helps your nerves send messages from your brain to the rest of your body.
We also recommend for pregnant mothers to take 2-4 glasses of fresh juices such as green juices, carrot and apple juice. Fresh juices help to provide high quality, easily-digestible nutrients to the body and are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Post-Pregnancy Health Tips
After your baby is born, there are several things you can do to ensure a healthy time after pregnancy.
Take care of your physical health: It is important to take care of your physical health after the birth of your baby. This includes getting enough rest, eating healthy food and staying active. Exercise can help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight, improve your mood and boost your energy levels. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise programme.
Take care of your mental health: It is common for new mothers to experience mood changes after giving birth. This is known as postpartum depression and can affect up to 1 in 7 women. Symptoms include sadness, anxiety, sleep disturbances and difficulty bonding with your baby. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to talk to your health care provider. They can help you get the support you need.
Get support: It can be overwhelming to look after a new baby, especially if it is your first time. Do not be afraid to ask your partner, family or friends for help. It is also a good idea to join a support group for new mothers. This can be a great way to connect with other mothers who are going through the same thing and get support and advice.
Nutritional support: After giving birth, your body may need some extra support. You should continue taking the supplements that you have been taking before and during your pregnancy and below are some additional products that will help to build your health after having a baby:
- C Complex contains 1000mg of sustained release vitamin C as well as bioflavonoids that help to support the function of vitamin C in the body. Vitamin C helps your body to heal and boosts your immune system to fight off illnesses.
- B Complex is another important supplement for post-pregnancy as it contains B12 which helps the nervous system to function properly and B6 which can help to regulate breast milk production. B vitamins may also help to alleviate the symptoms of post-natal depression.
In summary, there are many things you can do to prepare for a healthy baby in the period before, during and after pregnancy. From prenatal care to a healthy diet to taking natural supplements and getting support, these are steps you can take to ensure the health of you and your baby.
If you need health advice in planning for or managing your pregnancy, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team at info@newlife.com.my for a free consultation!