Crunchy Pregnancy + Tips For New Moms
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**Disclaimer – This post is strictly based on my opinion and consultation with my naturopath. I recommend you make the best choice for you and your family based on your own due diligence and research on these topics.
If you are reading this post, you may be expecting- if so, CONGRATS! Modern medicine has somewhat hi-jacked pregnancy and birth for modern moms, and crunchy moms everywhere are taking a closer look at the birthing industry.
These days, a standard hospital birth may go a little something like this:
Mama is induced on her due date.
She spends the majority of labor flat on her back.
She’s likely strapped to a machine for continuous electronic fetal monitoring.
If she doesn’t progress rapidly enough, she may have her water broken or be put on a Pitocin drip.
And rather than being guided through natural pain-relief techniques, she’s encouraged to just go ahead and get that epidural.
Lot's of crunchy moms are looking for a more natural approach to pregnancy and birth. If this is your first pregnancy, you probably have a million questions- and you should! What prenatal vitamins to take.…to vax or not...what food to avoid...how to care for your own body...do you need a birth plan?
As a mom of 3, I have a few tips of my own that you may find helpful!
Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal supplement formulas on the market are pretty much one-size-fits-all, and not every ingredient will work well for everyone. Working with your doctor to create a specialized regimen will work best. Whole food base organic multivitamins with no fillers or synthetics are a good idea as well Increasing probiotics, calcium, vitamin D and magnesium (which helps with sleep) and reducing sugar in your diet, will serve baby well.
Getting Sleep
Vitamins and minerals can really help as a natural sleep aid. I recommend a nightly bath with Epsom salt, this will relax your muscles and ease discomfort. Lot's of moms swear by a pregnancy pillow like this one. You might also like just a large body pillow between your legs.
Exercise
There are lots of classes and exercises you can try at different stages in your pregnancy. You may be able to do pilates, and barre classes all way up to your due-date- at your own comfort level of course. During the first and second trimesters, spinning may be something that could work for you as well. I always enjoyed long walks outside- the fresh air improved my mood and it was easy to stick to. If you are a mama who lifts, talk to your trainer and design a routine that is safe and effective for pregnancy.
Morning Sickness
I was so incredibly lucky to never be ill or have "morning sickness". I have had several friends who were extremely sick- and that is no bueno! Drinking ginger tea can definitely curb nausea. Also, eating first thing in the morning and getting in a little exercise can help as well.
Foods to Avoid
Sushi – especially Tuna (and other high-mercury fish): Avoiding mercury is recommended- so it's just not worth the risk in my eyes. If you want to eat fish, I would stick with wild salmon, as it is usually low mercury. Other high-mercury fish to avoid are halibut, sea bass, swordfish, shark, marlin, orange roughy, and mackerel.
Processed foods: Anything that comes in a package or box or container, eat waaay less of! Maximum micro-nutrition is what's important for the baby, so ditch the chemically processed crap.
Soda and sugary drinks: We know sugar is evil! If you like the occasional soda- try to switch it up with fruit flavored water or even home-made treats like this Watermelon Cooler.
MSG, yeast extract, hydrolyzed proteins, natural and artificial flavors: Fun Fact! Baby can actually start to taste the food you are eating- in the second trimester! Steer clear of food additives that mess with your sense of taste and satisfaction- such as "natural flavors".
Processed and cured meats like sausage, ham, and deli: These are more likely than other foods to be contaminated with listeria, which can cause a miscarriage or infect your baby.
Dealing With Heartburn
OMG! Heartburn is the worst- and I had it the worst with my last babe. I know lots of moms who had never experienced heartburn prior to pregnancy. Skip the Tums and go with a natural remedy.
1 tsp apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water- simple as that, and it works! Try walking after meals and prop yourself up at bedtime, if needed.
Preventing Stretch Marks
If you are consuming lot's of fruits and vegetables, you are already boosting your skin's elasticity. Try using organic coconut oil or sesame oil on your body, every day. Neal's Yard Remedies also has this amazing set!
Mother's Organic Collection $60
An especially nourishing massage oil for new mothers and all mothers-to-be. This nourishing oil with organic soya and almond helps to tone the skin and prevent stretch marks. Combined with essential oils chosen for both their beneficial properties on the skin as well as their gentle aromatherapeutic benefits on the mind, creating a confident sense of calm and well being.
Drinking The Glucose Drink
These sugar water drinks are made with hazardous artificial colors and preservatives. Not to mention- they are made to have a very long shelf life. Obviously, it's important to monitor your glucose levels during pregnancy, there are safer alternatives. Ask your doctor what alternatives they recommend. A blood test and self-monitor may work for you. I refused to drink this concoction of flame retardant, artificial dyes made from petroleum, controversial preservatives and GMOs.
Flu Shot
I don't get the flu shot- and I don't give it to my kids either. I don't think a pregnant woman should be taking it at all. The risk is too high, and the research doesn't show that it is safe. I take steps to prevent the flu – wash hands, reduce stress, exercise, drink lots of water, eat well, and avoid toxins.
Should I Vaccinate My Child
You are bringing a child into this crazy, beautiful world. You owe it to them, and yourself to do the research. It is your job to become educated about everything you put in your own and your family's bodies. This should apply to the food we eat, the products we use and the pharmaceuticals we inject. Vaccines are not one-size-fits-all, and a good doctor will agree on that. I encourage you to study this, discuss it and make the best decision for your family. Here are some sources to get started.
Birth Plan
Having a plan in place works for just about any event in life- right? So, it makes sense that we have a birth plan and be make sure everyone is on the same page. Every mom will have a different plan, and you should speak with your family and health care providers to help determine your own. I was young, and unaware with my 2 oldest children, but I did have a plan in place for our 3rd. If I were pregnant today, this is the plan I would use.
Labor Preferences:
A Natural Birth. I will use natural pain relief techniques. Please do not offer any medication, I will ask if needed.
Interventions only following opportunity to discuss options with husband and doula.
I prefer minimal internal exams. A vaginal exam only when I ask to be checked.
I prefer to move freely during labor and eat and drink as needed.
I prefer only intermittent monitoring when needed.
I prefer to have no IV but will consent to a saline lock, if medically necessary.
I prefer no induction of any kind. I prefer the bag of waters to break on its own.
I would like perineal support with massage, hot compresses and various positions to avoid a tear.
I prefer no episiotomy unless required for baby’s safety.
I prefer that no vacuum or forceps are used.
Birth Preferences:
Please place baby on my bare chest immediately.
Please do not cut cord for 15 minutes or until it stops pulsing. Father will plan on cutting cord.
Please allow placenta to expel on its own.
Newborn Preferences:
Please conduct newborn procedures in arms, at least 2 hours after birth.
We have chosen to DECLINE: erythomycin, Hep B vaccine (baby will follow up with Pediatrician), and Vitamin K shot (baby will be taking liquid Vitamin K per Stanford University Protocol).
We consent to: newborn screening (including PKU), necessary emergency treatment. Please conduct all in room. Father will accompany baby for hearing test.
Afterbirth Preferences:
Baby will be breastfed exclusively. Please do not offer sugar water or formula.
I wish for baby to remain with me following birth. Father will accompany baby out of room if needed.
I do not wish to receive any medication post labor, including stool softener.
I prefer to leave the hospital as soon as possible after birth.
Should a transfer be necessary for baby, please allow me to accompany baby.
In case a Cesarean becomes necessary:
Husband and doula present in operating room.
Father holds baby immediately for skin-to-skin and stays with baby continually.
Doula present continually during recovery.
Newborn reunited with mother as soon as possible.
FREE BIRTH PLAN PRINTABLE
Even if things don't go completely as planned, you can prepare yourself for what's to come. Wishing you the most perfect pregnancy and delivery mama! What tips do you have for natural moms? Do you have a birth plan? I would love to hear from you.
xoxo Christina
