I have three friends expecting babies, and coincidentally, it happens to be all of their first pregnancy.
Since everyone loves unsolicited advice (just kidding), I would like to share some useful information on this topic.
As a father of four, I have experienced the growth and birthing process. Although I only cried four times while witnessing the arrival of my precious babies.
The Better Baby Book by Dave Asprey is a practical guidebook for parents to optimize their child’s health and development. It covers various topics, such as nutrition, sleep, environmental toxins, exercise, and cognitive development. By making simple lifestyle changes and providing a nurturing environment, parents can help their child reach their full potential.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of optimizing parents’ health before conception. Asprey recommends a nutrient-dense diet, adequate sleep, and reduced exposure to environmental toxins such as plastics and pesticides. These lifestyle changes can help improve fertility and create a healthy environment for the developing fetus.
During pregnancy, Asprey recommends a diet rich in foods such as leafy green vegetables, grass-fed meat, and wild-caught fish. He also suggests reducing exposure to environmental toxins such as chemicals found in personal care products and household cleaning agents. Additionally, the book provides information on the importance of exercise during pregnancy, such as low-impact activities like yoga or swimming.
Now onto my favorite topic: Supplements!
One thing that worries me is supplementation.
The standard advice is to take a prenatal, and you’re good. I think that’s terrible advice. The first reason is that most prenatals use folic acid for their folate.
Your OB-GYN should be well-versed in this aspect, so work with your provider to find the best multivitamin.
If you’ve followed my work, you know the MTHFR gene variation is much more common than many realize. Folic acid can and will cause issues. I think everyone should see if they have the variation. It’s an easy thing to find out and should cost under $150 in total.
I cover more in-depth in the article “Do We Need a Multivitamin?” https://meandmcgeemarket.com/do-we-need-a-multivitamin/
Gene test link https://www.seekinghealth.com/products/strategene-report
Folate is crucial to the development of a fetus, and a deficiency can lead to spina bifida, a neurological defect of the spinal cord.
A woman’s body is giving everything to the baby, and it takes its toll. There is evidence that nutritional deficiency is a cause of postpartum depression. Again, get Asprey’s book for a phenomenal breakdown of nutrients needed for pregnancy.
Minerals are crucial to include. Work with your OB as an integral part of your team. We have to have minerals as a foundational aspect of health. It’s a boring topic that gets overlooked. It’s so important.
The most common mineral advice to be taken is magnesium. This is the first line for preeclampsia, an elevated blood pressure condition in pregnancy that is very serious.
While it’s the first-line recommendation in pregnancy, it’s not for the average person with high blood pressure, which I’ve never understood.
Fish oil for omega 3s is another common addition to the pregnancy protocol. I recommend finding the best one you can afford. DHA and EPA are vital for the development of the baby’s brain. But some fish oil supplements can be oxidized and toxic.
Gut health is another crucial aspect of overall health. Soil-based organisms, typically called SBO, are my favorite.
Diet matters a lot; I think Asprey’s guidelines are amazing.
To recap
- Get The Better Baby Book
- Know if you have the MTHFR gene variation
- Take methyl folate, not folic acid
- Take supplements like a multivitamin, omega 3, and probiotics in conjunction with your OB
Toxins are a massive concern. I believe wholeheartedly they played a significant role in the development of Lander, my son’s cancer. If the awareness of things to conder prevents another person’s suffering, especially a baby, that’s a win.
Also, drinking high-quality water with electrolytes is essential. Clean-filtered water is a must, and if you want to explore further, check out structured water. The analemma wand is a unique product that you might find interesting. I have one, and it has become a staple for us.
Additionally, having an air filter in your bedroom can be highly beneficial. I use Molecule and AirDoctor, but there are plenty of options to choose from. Even house plants are an excellent inclusion for your home, as they can remove toxins and provide oxygen.
We Live in a Toxic Soup https://meandmcgeemarket.com/we-live-in-a-toxic-soup/
Managing stress is crucial during pregnancy. You can do this through sunlight exposure, mild exercise, meditation, and walking. It is understandable to feel overwhelmed with all the contradictory advice out there, but taking it step-by-step will help you get there. The recommendations mentioned earlier are great ideas to be aware of, but you do not have to be perfect.
A step at a time, all of the information can be overwhelming, and you don’t have to be perfect.
Better Baby Book
P.S. The Wellness Mamma is a great podcast, blog and online store!
You got this!
Logan Duvall