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Sweet Pea Births

Chandler, Arizona

Sweet Pea ​Births

...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth

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Q&A with SPB: What do you feed your baby after breastfeeding?

Posted on November 15, 2016 at 9:56 AM Comments comments (0)


Q: What do you feed your baby after breastfeeding?

A: Anything healthy!!! 











Bear in mind that the transition from breastfeeding to solids is a gradual one.  Start with the mindset that "Food before one is just for fun!"  Your body is wonderfully equipped to nourish your baby and help them grow tremendously through their first birthday.  As long as your baby is peeing, pooping, and reaching their developmental milestones, then your breastmilk is doing the job of nourishing your Sweet Pea and helping them thrive.  If you are having your doubts, schedule a visit with a local International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to see if they can help you reach your breastfeeding goals.

So how does the transition happen?

Typically, we start to replace one feed at a time with solids.  Start by offering the breast first, so that you know your baby is getting some nourishment.  Then offer them the solid food of the day.  Many people start with vegetables first and then move onto fruits.  Then offer the breast again after the feeding session to fill up any space that might be left in the tummy.  Try not be offended if your Sweet Pea turns away...it just means that your efforts to feed solids were a success!!

The transition from exclusively breastfed to eating solids is a gradual one for most families.  You alone know when you are ready to night wean, then take away feeds throughout the day until you are left with an occasional nursing session at waking or before bedtime.  Rest assured that I do not know anyone who was still breastfeeding their college-bound child!

Once your baby is weaned from the breast, they simply need water.  You do not have to feel pressured to continue on with another animal's milk for drinking.  If you want to avoid other dairy foods altogether, there are many food based sources of calcium.  Check out healthaliciousness.com for three different lists of calcium-rich foods: Top 10 Foods, 33 Vegetables, and 17 Fruits.

More about solids:
One of by-products of Bradley training is that our couples are much more aware (if they weren't already) that our body and our baby are what we eat. A healthy diet is one of the cornerstones of a healthy mom, healthy baby pregnancy. 

Once you are used to eating a whole food diet, picking up a box of baby cereal and reading the ingredients might be a scary proposition!!  Here are some sites that have helpful information about introducing solids that skip over the baby cereal and go straight to whole food:


  • Baby-Led Weaning website teaches parents how to feed solids without making purees or buying jar food - simply whole food from you to your baby

  • Annabel Karmel - books available at Modern Mommy Boutique in Chandler if you are local to Phoenix

See our post HERE that answers the question: How do I know my Sweet Pea is ready for solids?

It is exciting to see your baby learn to eat other foods! You can read our food chronicle with Otter HERE.

Disclaimer: 
The material included in this video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The viewer should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog and video contain information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.
 

Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson

Q&A with SPB: When is it time to go to our birth place?

Posted on September 21, 2016 at 7:47 PM Comments comments (0)
Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, PaysonWe get this question a lot, and it came up again when we taught class on Friday evening.  The most common answer uses the acronym "5-1-1".















When you have this pattern established:
5 ~ Contractions are five minutes apart
1 ~ Contractions are lasting one minute
1 ~ This pattern has been established for one hour

...then it is probable that a change in activity is not going to slow down your labor.

There are other variations of this...some providers will say 4-1-! (four minutes apart, lasting a minute and in this pattern for an hour), and I have even known some hospital-based midwives say 3-1-1 (three minutes apart, lasting a minute, and in this pattern for an hour).

However:

  1. Consider how far you are going to travel to your birth place: if you are going to be driving 45 minutes or more, you many consider getting a hotel or bunking down with a friend who lives withing a few minutes of your birth place so that you can head there when you think you are in labor.
  2. Consider what time of day you might be driving: have a couple of alternate routes in mind.
  3. TRUST YOUR INSTINCT: If for any reason, anything feels off or like it needs more attention, never hesitate to head to your birth place for more information, not matter what kind of labor pattern you happen to be experiencing.  Just go get more information and ensure you and your baby are well and ready for labor.


So hopefully that gives you a little better idea of what to plan for when it's time for your Sweet Pea's Birth-Day!!

Here is another video from our archives that you might like...it offers some suggestions to make that transition from home to birth place as smooth as possible in order to continue the good work you have started at home.

How to make a smooth transition during labor:

Do you have any "going to the hospital" tips to share? Please leave us a comment below!

Disclaimer: 
The material included in this video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The viewer should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog and video contain information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.
 

Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson

Q&A with SPB: Is there anything I can do to make more milk?

Posted on August 30, 2016 at 10:01 AM Comments comments (0)

Today's question on Q&A with SPB: 

Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson
We are joined by Jennie Bever, PhD, IBCLC at the Arizona Breastfeeding Center to answer that question:




Recap:
You are not alone! This is a common question/worry that many moms have during pregnancy and postpartum.

There are many myths, tips and tricks that people share that may work for some moms, but really don't get to the core of the issue: how much milk is moving through the breast? The fact about milk production is that the more milk that is demanded, the more milk will be made.

So a lot of the time it's not really a supply issue, as much as it is a removal issue. In order to make milk, the body needs the signal that more milk is needed.

Some things to consider:
  1. Is the baby breastfeeding well, e.g., does the baby have a good latch?
  2. If the baby is working on latching, then get busy moving the milk! It's may be time to start pumping.
  3. Maybe it's time to call an IBCLC to find out what is needed for your situation.

Krystyna's little side note about pumps to consider:
  1. Do I have the right pump for the job I need it to do?
  2. Are all the parts working and do I have the right size flange?

An IBCLC can help you with both evaluating how you and baby are moving milk, and also answer any questions you have about pumping.

The bottom line:
While some of the galactagogues out there may help, you don't want to create more milk that still can't be moved...that may cause another hurdle (i.e., pugged ducts, mastitis). So before you spend lots of money on the "magic" herbs, teas, and foods that help some moms make more milk, check in with a lactation counselor to make sure that you and your baby are doing your best to remove the milk that is already being made.

Thank you again to Jenny for taking the time out of her busy day to answer today's Q&A with SPB!


Disclaimer: 
The material included in this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog and related videos contain information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of Birthing From Within or The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our blog do not necessarily reflect those of Birthing From Within, The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.   

Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson


Q&A with SPB: How does thyroid function affect breastfeeding?

Posted on August 23, 2016 at 12:35 PM Comments comments (0)

Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson

Today's question is answered by Jennie Bever, PhD, IBCLC* at the Arizona Breastfeeding Center:






https://youtu.be/21HGacWaOCc


Synopsis:
Breastfeeding is an "energetically expensive" activity for the human body.  In order for breastfeeding to work well, a mother's thyroid has to be working well to adjust for the mother's energy needs.

Postpartum thyroiditis is more common than you might imagine.  If you are tired (more than usual for postpartum), you notice that your hair is falling out more, and you suspect that your milk supply is affected and/or lower than you would expect, you might have a low functioning thyroid gland.

Hypothyroid: low-functioning below normal levels for pregnancy+lactation
Moms with a low-functioning thyroid typically experience low milk supply.  If you suspect that you might have a low-functioning thyroid, have your thyroid levels checked by your IBCLC* or your primary care provider.  Once your thyroid function is regulated, you will probably see your milk supply go back up.

Hyperthyroid: high-functioning above normal levels for pregnancy+lactation
Moms with a hyper-functioning thyroid typically experience the ability to make enough milk, but it won't come out.  Basically, the ability to "let-down" is inhibited. If you suspect that you might have hyper-functioning thyroid, have your thyroid levels checked by your IBCLC* or your primary care provider. Once your thyroid production is regulated, you will probably be able to let-down when your baby latches as one would expect to when breastfeeding.

Three notes:
  1. The body's thyroid needs change throughout the course of pregnancy and lactation.  Be sure to check in with your care providers and let them know if you have a pre-existing thyroid condition as you enter the childbearing phase so that your levels can be monitored. 
  2. If you have a family history or suspect that your thyroid function has changed, don't hesitate to ask to have your thyroid levels checked.  The ranges for thyroid level during pregnancy and lactation are different than the needs of the general population, so be sure you are following up with a professional care provider.  
  3. If the thyroid function needs to be addressed, treating moms tends to also resolve the breastfeeding issues associated with thyroid function.

I hope that you received some answers and/or validation if you have pre-existing thyroid conditions, or if you suspect your thyroid is a little off. Never hesitate to ask the questions that will get you the help you need so you can breastfeed your Sweet Pea and meet your breastfeeding goals.


*IBCLC: International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant

Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Phoenix La Leche League: Live, Latch, Love
As part of the LLL area conference 
 August 26th, 5-7 PM 
 Embassy Suites Biltmore   

 La Leche League Conference 
 August 26-28, 2016 
 Embassy Suites Biltmore 

Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson
Disclaimer: 
The material included in this video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog and related videos contain information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of Birthing From Within or The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our blog do not necessarily reflect those of Birthing From Within, The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.

Q&A with SPB: How does finger-feeding work?

Posted on August 16, 2016 at 2:55 PM Comments comments (0)

Today's Q&A with SPB might be helpful to families who are anxious to avoid "nipple confusion", something that makes it harder for babies to breastfeed when they have had an early introduction to bottle feeding.

Instead of supplemental feeding of breastmilk or formula with a bottle, this technique is one of the feeding strategies that a family might want to try in order to feed baby and keep things happy at the breast.

Here is our Q&A with SPB question of the week, answered by our friend Michelle Hottya the IBCLC over at The Milk Spot.














Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa,
If you should have questions about today's information, be sure to reach out to your local IBCLC for help.  You can find one in your area by visiting www.ilca.org.

I hope you enjoyed and learned something from today's special Breastfeeding Edition of Q&A with SPB.  We'll be back next week with another installment with the IBCLCs from the Arizona Breastfeeding Center!


Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa,

Do you have a question for the IBCLCs this month? 
Be sure to leave a comment so we can have them answer it for you.

UPCOMING EVENT 
Phoenix La Leche League: Live, Latch, Love
As part of the LLL area conference
August 26th, 5-7 PM
Embassy Suites Biltmore
 
La Leche League Conference
August 26-28, 2016
Embassy Suites Biltmore


Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa,

Disclaimer: 
The material included in this video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The viewer should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog and video contain information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.

Q&A with SPB: Is there hope to breastfeed baby number two if it was hard with our first?

Posted on August 9, 2016 at 5:42 AM Comments comments (0)
Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson

I had the pleasure of attending the Arizona Department of Health's LATCH-AZ event last Friday. The seminar was presented by Dr. Katie Hinde, Associate Professor at the Arizona State University School of Human Evolution & Social Change; Center for Evolution & Medicine.  Her perspective on the biological and evolutionary development of lactation was fascinating!! Be sure to follow her blog, Mammals Suck...Milk!, to read her layperson's version of her published work, as well as insight into her work in progress.

One of the gems that she shared from research (not yet published - and coming soon!!) confirmed the anecdotal evidence collected across years of teaching students who choose to breastfeed.  The first breastfeeding experience is not necessarily a predictor or indicative of what a mother may experience with subsequent pregnancies/babies.  Even if a mom had trouble with her milk supply the first time around, there may be hope if she wants to try to breastfeed the next Sweet Pea.

It was encouraging to know that "the coming-soon evidence" shows there is quite possibly a chance for mothers who want to grow their families to have a different breastfeeding journey; even if the first breastfeeding experience didn't work out as expected.  (I will update this post with a link to the published research as soon as it is available).  To that end, I want to share a VLOG we did last year with our friends Desiree Allison, IBCLC at the Arizona Breastfeeding Center and Michelle Hottya, IBCLC, who is now at The Milk Spot.

In this VLOG, they share ideas for mothers who do want to give breastfeeding another go as they grow their family:



















You can read the full text with "how-to" tips from the original post HERE. We will be back next week with a new VLOG and special installment of Q&A with SPB: Breastfeeding Edition; the Q&A portion will be answered by one of our amazing local IBCLCs.

Do you have a question for our local IBCLCs? 
Leave it in the comments and we will get it answered as best we can this month!

Breastfeeding Awareness Month events happening this August:

Chandler-Gilbert La Leche League
Live, Latch, Love
August 13, 2016 from 4:30 – 8:30 pm
Click HERE for more info
 
Phoenix La Leche League: Live, Latch, Love
As part of the LLL area conference
August 26th, 5-7 PM
Embassy Suites Biltmore
 
La Leche League Conference
August 26-28, 2016
Embassy Suites Biltmore

Birthing From Within and Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson

Disclaimer: 
The material included in this video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The viewer should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog and video contain information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.
 

Q&A with SPB: Mother's Milk Bank of CO Donation and Outreach Center in Phoenix, AZ

Posted on August 2, 2016 at 8:59 AM Comments comments (0)
Bradley Method® natural childbirth and Birthing From Within classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson

I am happy to kick-off our 2016 Breastfeeding Edition of Q&A with SPB with a very special announcement from The Milk Spot, a local lactation support resource, located in Phoenix, Arizona:

Central Arizona now has a milk donation and outreach center, where mothers who are interested in donating excess pumped milk can be connected to a resource that provide precious liquid love to sweet peas that are most at risk. Now mothers in central Arizona can help families with babies that are receiving hospital NICU care. 



Mothers will undergo a screening process, and once they are accepted, their milk can be received and transferred to regional NICUs.  Learn more about milk donation at the INFO NIGHT at The Milk Spot, this Wednesday, August 3, 2016:


We will be there live, broadcasting on Periscope. Be sure to follow our twitter handle, @sweetpeabirths, for exclusive access to this launch and info meeting.  Michelle Hottya, IBCLC will be sharing information, answering questions, and facilitating a forum with area IBCLCs who work in the NICU.  We will be able to hear the impact stories of babies fed with precious mother's milk.  See you there or see you online!

Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: 
The material included in this video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The viewer should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog and video contain information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.
 
Bradley Method® natural childbirth and Birthing From Within classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson
Bradley Method® natural childbirth and Birthing From Within classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson
Bradley Method® natural childbirth and Birthing From Within classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson

Q&A with SPB: Variations and Complications

Posted on May 17, 2016 at 3:41 PM Comments comments (0)
Q: How can I tell the difference between a variation and a complication when I'm in labor?

A: It's the difference between waiting it out with a variation; and choosing interventions for a complication. What ever the birth journey, give yourself permission to do what it takes to have a Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby outcome.






Let's start with some basics:

A "variation" in labor is something that is still within the range of normal, and just needs time to resolve itself.  With watchful waiting and allowing for time, a variation usually leads to the birth of the baby without any further intervention. 
 
A "complication" is something that would require an action or an intervention.  There may be a greater urgency for intervention since it may be outside the range of normal.

How will you know the difference?  {Shameless plug} Take a Bradley class, or any other good childbirth preparation course to learn the difference.  In the Bradley Method, part of our philosophy is to educate couples to be informed consumers. So in class, we talk about many of the different variations and complications not to scare you or burst your bubble of peace, but to equip you with knowledge so that if on the outside .02 percent chance that you would face some of the complications, you have a general idea of what your options are to preserve the intention of your birth journey.  

By the same token, by having a basic understanding of the different variations of labor that don't necessarily follow the flow chart your care provider is following, a couple is better able to decide whether they want to wait it out or "do something" to move labor along. 

There are two questions that will tell you the difference between a variation and a complication.
Is Mom okay?
Is Baby okay?

Once you know the answer to those questions, you will have more information to use as you navigate the course of your birth journey.

There are also some behaviors that will indicate the difference:
Variation: lights stay low, you are just having a conversation with a nurse in the hospital or maybe the student midwife in a home setting.

Concern: the nurse may bring in another nurse to look at the record from maternal/fetal monitoring. Lights may stay off or be turned on for a moment.

Complication: the room starts to fill with people. Usually the lights are switched on and you are seeing a higher level of care providers. Interventions are suggested and you will need to choose a course of action sooner rather than later.

I hope this helps you distinguish the difference between knowing you have time to "wait it out", and being in a situation where decisions need to be made along the birth journey.

Please leave me a comment if you have any questions you would like to see answered on Q&A with SPB.

Disclaimer: 
Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, PaysonThe material included in this video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The viewer should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog and video contain information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.

Q&A with SPB: Vitamin A

Posted on March 22, 2016 at 10:25 AM Comments comments (0)
Give me an A!!




Vitamin A is involved in immune function, vision, reproduction, and cellular communication . Vitamin A also supports cell growth and plays a critical role in the normal formation and maintenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs.

Most fruits and vegetables that are high in Vitamin A have yellow or orange-colored flesh. (We looked up bananas in class - they don't count! Sorry if you are banana lover - check them off in the fruit box if you are using a nutrition tracking sheet). Other sources of Vitamin A are meat and eggs. You can check the list on THIS page for foods that have Vitamin A.

Find a pregnancy nutrition tracking sheet HERE 

One of the biggest advantages Dr. Brewer saw in Vitamin A was in its role in preventing infection. During pregnancy, when the pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder is constant, extra Vitamin A helps protect you against bladder and kidney infection and is also good for the skin.
 
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, so be sure to eat lots of good fats and oils to help your body use this nutrient.  One common question is "can I overdose"?  Again, quotes from the same article referenced above: 

"Although excess preformed vitamin A can have significant toxicity (known as hypervitaminosis A), large amounts of beta-carotene and other provitamin A carotenoids are not associated with major adverse effects"

"Preformed vitamin A is found in foods from animal sources, including dairy products, fish, and meat (especially liver). By far the most important provitamin A carotenoid is beta-carotene;"

Beta-carotene is a red-orange pigment found in plants and fruits, especially bright yellow, orange, and red colored vegetables.  In short, if your source of Vitamin A is plant-based, you are not likely to consume more than your body can use. 
 
 
Vitamin A Info Sheet:
 
Top 10 List from Healthaliciousness

Disclaimer: 
The material included in this blog and video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The viewer should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog and video contain information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.
 
Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson


 

Q&A with SPB: Salt

Posted on March 15, 2016 at 10:05 AM Comments comments (0)
 
Salt is an essential nutrient. If you were to completely eliminate salt from your diet, your body would cease to function. There is an increased need for salt during pregnancy because of the extra demands the baby places on the mother's body.  It helps to maintain an adequate blood volume for a safe, healthy pregnancy.



                 
Dr. Brewer encouraged his patients to use common sense - let your body tell you how much salt you need.  You will know that your body needs more salt when your food tastes flat. 

Women who have conditioned themselves not to eat salt must be especially careful and may have to look for the symptoms of hyponatremia (salt deficiency) in addition to paying attention to their taste buds.  

"Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia  
include nausea and vomiting, headache, short-term memory loss, confusion, lethargy, fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability, muscle weakness, spasms or cramps, seizures,"
(Source: Wikipedia)
 
Adequate salt intake can help with some of the discomforts of pregnancy, such as swelling and leg cramps. Without enough salt, (hyponatremia), you could be more likely to develop either of these.

The salt that you shake on your food is just one source for the sodium you need. There is also a good amount in most high-protein foods, such as milk, cheeses, meats, and seafood, and in some vegetables. Kelp powder and non-GMO soy sauce, or other Asian sauces, can also be good sources of sodium.  HERE is a top-10 list from healthaliciousness.com. (Note that some of these are processed foods that may not be optimal during pregnancy).
 
You need extra salt if you live in a hot climate, do vigorous exercise, or perspire a lot.  Your body loses salt and other essential nutrients when you sweat.  Consider replenishing your body with la pinch of salt added to your drinking water, or water infused with trace minerals and/or electrolytes.  Coconut water has been touted as a "natural" way to replenish the minerals the body needs.


Read more:

Top 10 Foods Highest in Sodium from Healthaliciousness.com


Emergen-C Electrolyte Mix - click on ELECTROMIX when you get to the page (not an affiliate link - nor are any of the links on our site!)

Other posts in our nutrition series:

Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson
Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson

Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson
Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson
Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson
Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson
Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson
Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson

Disclaimer: 
The material included in this blog and video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader / viewer should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog and video contain information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.
 
Bradley Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Payson

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