Sensitive Midwifery - Issue 44 - October 2019

We weren’t born with a degree in nutrition but we were all born with nutritional instinct, says Sister Lilian, founder of SensitiveMidwifery Food, the original medicine T his doesn’t mean that a pregnant woman should not care what she eats, nor that there are no warnings needing heeding. Instead, it means that the best nutritional status, with the least potential for any adverse e ff ects, is quite possible for the lay mom to achieve. Information overload robs a woman of a direct line to her three most powerful nutritional allies: instinct, common sense, and Mother Nature’s plentiful pantry. Moms-to-be are primed to eat well The ancient ‘ gatherer ’ instinct emerges during pregnancy, when beta-endorphin releases pleasure (read, enjoyment of good food) and the ability to rise above limitations others impose on the mom-to-be. Adrenalin and noradrenalin ensure elation and that the expectant mother is focused on protecting her baby, including nutritionally. Noradrenalin will also nurture her instinct to eat healthily. Just as birth should be instinctive, so should eating be, and there are ten guidelines that midwives can confidently use to help empower women nutritionally. Season these with respect for individuality – after all, not everyone likes the same foods or responds best to the same mealtime ‘schedule’: 1. Respect taste buds, but with healthy choices 2. Increase plant foods; decrease animal foods 3. Include plant foods from all colour groups 4. Eat as few refined foods as possible, and choose organic, chemical-free produce 5. Eat smaller meals more often, and chew food properly 6. Know that dairy is not the ideal calcium provider, that protein is not synonymous with animal flesh, and that dairy and wheat-rich vegetarian meals are not the healthy choice 7. Fasting can be therapeutic but is not advisable in pregnancy 8. Avoid drinking large amounts with meals 9. Fruit juices disrupt nature’s way of providing fructose – eat fruit; drink water 10. Eat healthily most of the time – aim for at least an 80/20 ratio Pregnancy Continued on page 11 10 eSensitive Midwifery Magazine Issue 44