Holistic Details: Some Ramblings On Food & Lifestyle

When I think about all the important nutrients for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum my brain gets a mini traffic jam - there are many different vitamins and minerals that play into the incredible process of conception, birth, and matrescence (which is the transformation - mind, body, hormones - a woman makes when becoming a mother. Like adolescence, once you go through matrescence in some ways there is no going back - you are a new being). 

Vitamins and minerals are each doing a dance on their own and working together in various ways to keep your body functioning (and when combined with lifestyle and movement your nutrition can bring you to a place of thriving not just functioning.) 

Food Component

Eat balanced meals of whole foods with lots of variety as much as possible. Aim to have a high quality protein, a high quality fat, a carbohydrate (from root vegetables, pseudo grains, Non-Gluten whole grains, or fruit), colorful veggies (at least twice a day & try for variety), dark leafy greens (at least once a day), and a bonus would be to add fermented food for gut health. 

This might seem like a lot - a lot of food, a lot to think about - but so many women are not eating enough, period, and therefore not enough to be getting even close to everything they need to have optimal health for preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum (and yes, you need A LOT more nutrients during postpartum than just a regular time of your life whether you breastfeed or not.) 

At first it seems like a lot to consider and change, but that is part of what I help you with when we work together - how you can easily incorporate every nutrient regardless of your dietary preferences. 

And sometimes that does mean adding an extra supplement. I am a food-first advocate but I also recommend supplements as needed based on each individual. The benefits of keeping your nutrient stores up during this immensely taxing time greatly outweigh the negatives or expense of a high quality supplement. 

Lifestyle Component

Optimize your body’s ability to absorb nutrients or at least know where / how certain things are making it harder for your body to absorb nutrients. For example, birth control and stress both can deplete certain nutrients that are imperative for reproductive function and fertility - something to consider when looking to optimize health before trying to conceive, egg freezing (your health at the time you freeze your eggs is locked into that egg), or beginning the IVF process. 

Exercise and intentional movement are ways to aid in your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, support circulation, and aid in sleep. Movement is also key for labor preparation. I always say - don’t let labor be the first time you sit on the birth ball or the first time you get into a low lunge position. You may know how to do these things, but practicing creates muscle memory so there can be less thought going toward the various movements and you can really let your body take over. 

Toxin exposure and your body’s ability to get rid of toxins are other areas to consider and take action in (for both male and female fertility) prior to becoming pregnant, freezing eggs, or starting the IVF process. Moving toward a low-tox life benefits fertility by improving hormone balance and function, implantation, egg and sperm health, and the overall health of the fetus and child long-term. 

Long Story Short (Too Late) 

There is a lot we would cover in a nutrition coaching session and follow up. I am all about the little details - the little things here and there that can take your health to a higher level. You may think you eat well and take your vitamins but there is still a lot of space in that (most likely) for optimization, for relief from pregnancy related symptoms or fertility issues, for a more regular cycle. 

Taking your health seriously on the nutrient level has long term effects for you and your child(ren). 

Think of all the ways you may spend money and particularly spend money on your health - how much of that is individualized, one-on-one, compassionate nutrition coaching specific to the preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum phases of life? This is what I do and what I am excited to help many individuals and couples achieve.