Maternity – Prenatal Nutrition Blog
Welcome. You’ve arrived at a trusted resource for all things related to pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum nutrition. As a dedicated team of experienced dietitians specializing in maternal health, our mission is to provide you with accurate, science-backed information that empowers you to make informed choices about your nutrition and well-being during every stage – from conception to postpartum.
Get great snack ideas for gestational diabetes. Enjoy myth-busting articles that separate fact from fiction. We understand the importance of nourishing both your body and your growing baby, and we’re here to guide you with practical advice and evidence-based recommendations. Whether you’re seeking guidance on maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy, boosting your fertility, or navigating the postpartum period, our blog is designed to be your go-to resource for all things maternal nutrition.
What is perinatal nutrition?
In a nutshell? Perinatal nutrition focuses on empowering pregnant moms to make the best food choices for their health and their developing baby and newborn’s health. Its main purpose is to ensure a healthy pregnancy, support fetal development, reduce risks during childbirth, and improve the health of both mother and child during the critical early stages of life. Perinatal nutrition recognizes nutrition’s strong impact on the health and well-being of both Mom and baby. Many...
22 September, 2023
What is postpartum nutrition?
The postpartum phase, often referred to as the "fourth trimester," is a significant period in a new mother's life. OK. This is a gross understatement. You've just been hit by the baby train. And all those great happy hormones that were coursing through your body during pregnancy have been flushed out. Your body hurts from childbirth, your milk coming in, and you're not sleeping at all. It's so overwhelming, and the last thing you probably can imagine is eating a balanced diet.
21 September, 2023
Can I drink wine while pregnant?
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) writes, “There is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. There is also no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy. All types of alcohol are equally harmful, including all wines and beer.” As healthcare professionals and prenatal dietitians, we recommend you do not drink alcohol while pregnant. What are the risks if I drink alcohol while I am pregnant? Impact on...
21 September, 2023
Can I drink coffee while pregnant?
Oh, what we would do for that morning cup! Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to our bodies and diets, and a common question women have is, “Can I drink coffee while pregnant?” Absolutely. With moderation. The Coffee-Caffeine Connection: Key Considerations Understanding Caffeine: Coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant known to cross the placenta, potentially affecting both you and your developing baby. Caffeine is a diuretic (causing you to urinate more, and putting you more at
20 September, 2023
How many calories should a pregnant woman eat?
Pregnancy is one of those times in a woman’s life when it seems everybody knows everything, and everybody is quite happy to share their vast knowledge. Add books, blogs (yes, we know we’re no exception here), articles, and the dreaded Google Search, and it’s hard to get a straight answer. One of the most common questions we get is, “How many calories should a pregnant woman eat?” And, we have to say, it depends. There is...
20 September, 2023
What happens if you don’t take prenatal vitamins while pregnant?
Studies have shown that most women do not get the essential nutrients and vitamins they need through diet alone while pregnant. Prenatal vitamins are meticulously formulated to cater to the heightened nutritional requirements during pregnancy. Their absence can potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies that may affect the health of both the mother and the fetus. Here are key considerations regarding specific nutrients that support a healthy pregnancy. What nutrient needs change during pregnancy?
20 September, 2023
Can I eat avocado every day during pregnancy?
Guacamole, avocado toast, avocado smoothies, tomatillo breakfast burritos, rainbow rolls … avocadoes are everywhere. And if we’re to believe the hype from advertisements, avocados “make it better.” (We must agree!) When it comes to nourishing yourself during pregnancy, avocados stand out as a fantastic choice. They are safe. They are delicious. And they are JAMMED with key nutrients. 1. Rich in Healthy Fats: Bring on the healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats. Th
19 September, 2023
Is it okay to take prenatal vitamins while not pregnant?
While it is generally not advised to take prenatal vitamins if you are not pregnant or planning a pregnancy, exceptions exist. This is a common question many women ask. It makes sense. Prenatal vitamins are packed with nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy and the physical and cognitive development of that growing baby. So, why not take them all the time? There are important considerations for anybody considering supplements, prenatal vitamins, or regular multivitamins. ...
19 September, 2023
Should I weigh myself during pregnancy?
Monitoring Your Weight During Pregnancy: A Balanced Approach Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s body goes through incredible changes, both physically and emotionally. Many women struggle with weight gain: not enough, too much, or simply just feeling uncomfortable with the changes to their bodies. And many women might feel embarrassed to discuss this with their partners, family members, or even ObGyn. Healthy, appropriate weight gain is part of every healthy pregnancy. One common question..
18 September, 2023
What is the role of a dietitian in pregnancy?
Guiding Healthy Beginnings: The Crucial Role of a Dietitian During Pregnancy Dietitians play a pivotal role in pregnancy, providing expert guidance and personalized nutrition interventions to ensure the well-being of both the expectant mother and her developing baby. This essential partnership plays a vital role in addressing unique nutritional needs and challenges at every stage of a woman’s pregnancy (even pre-conception and postpartum). 1. The Core Responsibilities of a Dietitian During
18 September, 2023
Is Intermittent Fasting Safe During Pregnancy? An RDN Discusses Prenatal Health and Time-Restricted Eating
Though intermittent fasting (IF) is the latest health trend, it has been part of many people’s cultural and religious practices for thousands of years. What is IF? Intermittent fasting is a dietary strategy that alternates fasting and eating periods. Methods include the 5:2 diet (5 normal days, 2 non-consecutive, low-calorie days), alternate-day fasting (alternating normal and 500-calorie days), and time-restricted eating (e.g., 16:8, with an 8-hour eating window). Research shows benefits
15 September, 2023
What is a Nutritionist vs Dietician?
Nutrition is trending, and we’re all for that! That said, buyer beware. A nutritionist and a dietitian are both professionals in the field of nutrition, but they differ in terms of their qualifications, training, and the range of services they offer. ‘Nutritionist’, simply put, is not a regulated title. Anybody, anybody can call themselves a nutritionist, not so for dietitians. Let’s take a closer look at the differences. Nutritionist: A nutritionist is a term that anyone
15 September, 2023
What trimester is nutrition most important?
This is a trick question because, while eating healthy is important throughout pregnancy, each trimester has unique nutrient requirements to support a healthy pregnancy and the healthy development of your baby. We’d like to emphasize, it’s never too late to start eating healthy, no matter what stage of pregnancy you’re in. Though each woman’s pregnancy is unique, there are some common dietary recommendations for each trimester. Each trimester holds its own significance, c
15 September, 2023
What is the impact of nutrition on prenatal development?
The choices a pregnant woman makes regarding her diet have far-reaching consequences, touching upon aspects such as fetal growth, organ development, and overall well-being. Expecting mothers, even women who are considering starting a family, should not underestimate the role nutrition plays in reducing chances of complications during pregnancy and birth as well as reducing chances of their baby’s having neural tube defects, developmental delays, congenital hypothyroidism, low birth weight
14 September, 2023
What is a pregnancy nutritionist?
A pregnancy nutritionist (RDN) is a specialized healthcare professional whose expertise lies in helping expecting mothers maintain optimal dietary and nutritional practices throughout their pregnancy (ideally before and after, as well). The nutritional needs of a woman going through pregnancy are incredibly unique, and varied, depending on the woman. We, as dietitians, love to say, “every bite counts.” During pregnancy, this is true tenfold. Our goal, when working with expecting moms
12 September, 2023
Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy: Myths, Facts, and Nutrition Advice from a Prenatal Dietitian
You’re pregnant and are probably getting a lot of advice from … everyone. If there’s something everyone is an expert on, it’s your pregnancy diet. “You’re eating for two now, so fill that plate.” “You can’t have seafood … or tuna … or cheese.” “If you drink coffee, you can have a miscarriage.” “Just listen to your body. It knows what you need.” Advice abounds from telling pregnant women to avoid tropical fruits and sushi...
05 September, 2023
Can a Nutritionist Help with Fertility?
Can nutrition improve egg quality? Can nutrition improve sperm quality? What role does nutrition play in fertility? According to the WHO, 1 in 6 people are affected by infertility globally. There is a real need for fertility care around the world. Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School published a review of past studies that examined the impact of diet on fertility, and there is...
04 September, 2023
Improve PCOS Symptoms and Fertility with a Diet Plan from a Women’s Dietitian Nutritionist
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic condition in which a woman’s ovaries produce an excess amount of androgens, often causing small cysts to form on ovaries. Because this is a hormone disruption, women who have PCOS might experience a number of symptoms that affect day-to-day life. What are the most common PCOS symptoms? Missed or irregular periods Weight gain, especially around your midsection Hirsutism — excess body hair (stomach, back, chest) Acne or oily...
16 August, 2023
Nutrition Tips to Manage Postpartum Thyroiditis: Three Things Every Woman Can Do for Better Thyroid Health
Postpartum thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland after giving birth. It’s similar to what we see in Hashimoto’s without the same degree of fibrosis or follicular atrophy. It causes a disruption of the gland, releasing high or low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. An estimated 5 – 10% of women experience postpartum thyroiditis; however, many are never diagnosed. There are two phases in postpartum thyroiditis – thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism. And...
09 August, 2023
6 Quick, Easy Prenatal Breakfast Options from a Pregnancy Dietitian
What’s for breakfast? Sometimes it’s hard to get inspired, and for some reason, healthy has become synonymous with flavorless. This is far from the truth! While pregnant, starting the day off with a healthy breakfast is incredibly important for a number of reasons. A healthy breakfast: Here are six nutrient-rich, delicious, easy-to-prepare breakfast ideas from our team of prenatal nutritionists.
02 August, 2023
What does a dietitian do for gestational diabetes?
Up to 10% of all women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Though it’s relatively common, it can be scary for parents-to-be. It also requires a significant amount of nutrition education to modify your pregnancy diet so you can control blood sugar levels. By working with an experienced dietitian nutritionist, you can get the care you need, ensure you’re getting the portions and nutrients you need, and manage your gestational diabetes with a healthy eating plan....
26 July, 2023
What are fertility superfoods? Nutrition support to optimize natural conception from a fertility RDN
Wouldn’t it be great if we could eat a quinoa-kale salad or a Greek yogurt-blueberry parfait and call it a day? Fertility, unfortunately, can be an incredibly complex and elusive thing for many couples. The Mayo Clinic reports that in the United States, between 10% and 15% of couples experience infertility. This can cause physical, emotional, economic, and psychological strain on couples who are trying to conceive. Though there are many factors that may influence...
14 July, 2023
Is a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet Safe While Pregnant? Prenatal Dietitian Tips and Plant-Forward Diet Plans During Pregnancy
Is it safe to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet while pregnant? Plant-forward diets (including vegetarian and vegan diets) have become more common over the years for a number of reasons. Sometimes women who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are concerned about how safe it may be for them and their developing babies. The key to getting the nutrients you need while pregnant and nursing as a vegetarian or vegan is planning your diet....
12 July, 2023
Why are prenatals so important? What to look for, side effects, and how to choose the best prenatal vitamin
Prenatals, or prenatal vitamins, are vitamins that doctors and pregnancy dietitian nutritionists recommend women who are trying to conceive, or women who are pregnant, take. During pregnancy, a woman’s body has unique needs that a balanced diet might not meet. Likewise, before pregnancy, while trying to conceive, these vitamins can ensure a woman and her developing baby are getting all they need. Prenatal vitamins are available in tablets capsules, gummies, powders, and softgels. The best...
05 July, 2023
Which food is best for increasing breast milk? Breastfeeding Nutrition Myths Busted by Postpartum Dietitians
There are so many more myths out there about breastfeeding and diet. They do more to scare new mothers than support them during this very challenging time. Another big myth: breastfeeding is easy. Breastfeeding takes planning and support, and ideally, a healthy balanced diet. Today, we want to discuss breastfeeding lore, addressing these myths one by one. Breastfeeding isn’t as tricky as people make it out to be. It’s not easy. But if you’re eating...
30 June, 2023
Postpartum Exercise Tips from Postnatal Dietitian Nutritionist
Pregnancy and childbirth are incredible. A woman grows an organ (the placenta) and a baby, in her body. The changes women’s bodies undergo during this time are phenomenal. While pregnant, women have numerous doctor’s visits. Prenatal checkups. Sonograms. Blood sugar tests. Blood tests and more. It’s like her calendar fills up with doctor’s checkups. Postpartum, new moms usually only have one or two visits. (Two is stretching it). This is concerning, as all women experienc
28 June, 2023
Nutritious Snack Ideas to Curb Your Sweet Tooth With Gestational Diabetes: Implement a Nutrition Plan with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Gestational Diabetes is incredibly common, in fact, an estimated up to 10% of pregnancies are affected by it. You’re expecting. You’re learning to manage blood glucose levels with diet, checking levels on your glucometer. It’s summertime and you really, really want a sweet. We get it. Those cravings! And in a sugar-coated world, one in which our tastebuds have become accustomed to sugar in everything, it can be challenging to satisfy your sweet tooth ....
21 June, 2023
Manage Gestational Diabetes with a Diet Plan from a Prenatal Dietitian: Identify Hidden Sources of Sugar, Modify Your Diet, and Reduce Risk for Complications During Pregnancy and Labor
Gestational diabetes affects up to 10% of women. During pregnancy, all women experience insulin resistance to a point, as their bodies go through hormone and weight changes. Between weeks 24 – 28, your ObGyn will check for gestational diabetes. And though some women are more at-risk for developing it (pregnant women older than 25, women who are overweight, or women who experienced gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy), many women who are diagnosed are the...
16 June, 2023
Can You Have a Healthy Pregnancy With Thyroid Problems? Thyroid Health, Nutrition, Fertility, and Pregnancy
The thyroid is the butterfly-shaped gland in our necks. This small organ is the engine of our bodies, producing Triiodothyronine, also known as T3, Tetraiodothyronine, also called thyroxine or T4, and Calcitonin. These hormones are our bodies’ control center, regulating our metabolism. Thyroid health is a big deal. When our thyroids are not functioning, and when thyroid disease isn’t managed, this can affect fertility. Likewise, untreated thyroid problems can put both the mother and baby...
14 June, 2023
The Importance of Dads for Breastfeeding Success: Tips to Support Nursing from a Lactation Nutrition Consultant
First of all, Happy Father’s Day! If you’re reading this, you might be a new dad or are preparing to be a new dad. Your life has (or is about to) changed a lot! It’s safe to say that most of the focus after the baby arrives is on the new baby (as it really should be). Then comes Mom. And often, Dad is left in the shadows. Welcoming a new human to the world...
07 June, 2023
Easy, Nutrient-Rich Postpartum Snack Tips from Postnatal Dietitian for Vegetarian Moms
It’s summer. It’s hot. And you’re hungry. Healing after having a baby requires a nutrition plan to ensure vegetarian and vegan moms get the nutrients they need. Postpartum vegetarians and vegans have similar nutrient needs as their non-vegetarian counterparts, but they may need to pay closer attention to certain nutrients that are more commonly found in animal-based foods. Some of the key nutrient needs for postpartum vegetarians and vegans include: These summer snacks are grea
31 May, 2023
Why Can’t You Eat Hummus While Pregnant? (And other common questions about favorite foods you might need to avoid)
Hummus has made its way to the blacklist when it comes to foods not to eat while pregnant, and while there is so much research to sift through, and so many opposing points of view, as prenatal dietitians, we want to make sure our patients, and readers, get the best information available to them on which foods are safest for them while pregnant. So, here’s the good, the bad, and the questionable, when it comes...
24 May, 2023
Does Nutrition Prevent Miscarriage? Reduce Risks of Complications During Pregnancy and Childbirth with Guidance from a Prenatal Dietitian Nutritionist
According to the Mayo Clinic, between 10 and 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Miscarriage is technically the loss of a pregnancy before reaching the 20th week (with most miscarriages happening before the 12th week). When the body miscarries, it’s likely the fetus was not developing as expected. The majority are due to genetic instability (too many embryonic chromosomes in dividing cells). This doesn’t make having a miscarriage easy, and it can be heartbreaking...
17 May, 2023
Do dietitians help with breastfeeding? Postnatal Nutrition Coach for Nursing
The American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC recommend breastfeeding exclusively for six months, then a diet of breastfeeding and complementary foods for up to two years; however, less than 25% of women in the United States feed exclusively for those first six months. Let us be the first to say it: breastfeeding is not easy. It takes time and planning, and in a world where we’ve been used to go-go-go, new moms feel like they...
12 May, 2023
How Do I Nourish My Body Postpartum? Nutrition and Meal Prep Tips for New Moms
In May we celebrate mothers! It’s a month of cards and flowers and brunches. It’s a month where new moms are probably feeling equal parts grateful and overwhelmed. But so many women come to us when they’re getting ready to have their babies (or after) and ask, “How do I nourish my body postpartum?” New mothers need a lot of extra love and nourishment. These initial days, weeks, even months, after baby arrives take a...
10 May, 2023
8 Nutrition Tips to Help Manage Morning Sickness from a Prenatal Dietitian, Snack Away the Nausea
Morning sickness is a bit of a cheat because it doesn’t only happen in the morning, and, unfortunately, it can last an entire pregnancy. Most women who experience it do so during the first trimester and feel much better after they reach that magic 12 to 13-week mark. That said, some, feel nauseous their entire pregnancy. If you’re experiencing extreme bouts of nausea and vomiting, you need to see a doctor immediately because you are...
05 May, 2023
Mental Health & Nutrition: Manage Stress, Depression, and Anxiety with Dietary Interventions
Stress has become a way of life, it seems. Busyness, stress, and feeling the crush of time are seemingly more American than apple pie. You don’t have to live a life of anxiousness. Recognize the symptoms of stress. Stress can manifest in various ways, making it important to recognize its symptoms. Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach pains, muscle pain, sleep problems, fatigue, and decreased libido can all be indications of stress. If you are...
03 May, 2023
7-Day Postnatal Meal Plan for New Moms from a Postpartum Dietitian, Lactation Dietary Coach
Congratulations on your new addition! That first week can feel like a century while you’re dealing with postpartum healing, caring for a baby, managing hormone fluctuations, learning how to breastfeed, and trying to deal with all the people who are calling and visiting and more. By creating a meal plan for this week ahead of time, cooking and organizing what you can before baby comes, the last thing you’ll have to deal with is wondering...
28 April, 2023
Can gestational diabetes be treated with diet?
Many women, when diagnosed with gestational diabetes, feel overwhelmed, even guilty. It’s important to understand that during pregnancy, women’s bodies go through many changes, including hormonal changes and weight gain. These changes cause a woman’s body to use insulin less efficiently. All women experience some insulin resistance during late pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually develops around week 24 of pregnancy, and all women should be tested for it. For women who do test positive
26 April, 2023
What is a good diet for breastfeeding? 6 Tips to Healthy Eating from Breastfeeding Nutrition Coach
Breastfeeding can be intimidating and breastfeeding nutrition even moreso. Most women are so tired during those first few weeks, eating a balanced diet seems as realistic as aliens invading. They can’t imagine being able to maintain a healthy diet while breastfeeding. Others have concerns about how their own nutritional needs may impact the quality and quantity of their breast milk. Some women may worry that certain foods or beverages they consume could cause their baby...
19 April, 2023
Can you eat yogurt in the first trimester?
With the refrigerator shelves packed with different kinds of yogurt, it’s hard to know which is the best to buy. For pregnant women, most commercial yogurts are safe and, in fact pasteurized yogurt is a great snack choice throughout your pregnancy. Your developing baby needs calcium, proteins, and vitamin B12. Yogurt (PASTEURIZED) promotes healthy digestion, strengthens the immune system, and supports fetal development. What’s not to love? Why would somebody say not to eat yogurt?...
12 April, 2023
What fruit is not good for pregnancy?
You might have heard about the dangers of papaya, pineapple, and grapes. Really, it seems like everything comes with a warning label these days. Rumors abound about the fruits that can cause harm to you and your developing baby. We’re here to tell you that you can breathe easy. That fruit salad you had at breakfast was most likely a healthy choice! With so much information out there, it’s hard to know what to believe....
05 April, 2023
How to lose weight while pregnant
Is it safe to lose weight while pregnant? Should women try to lose weight while pregnant? Now is not the time to diet. Now is the time to nourish yourself and your developing baby with good nutrition and exercise. By establishing healthy eating patterns and exercise habits, before and while pregnant, you can sustain them throughout your lifetime. As pregnancy dietitian nutritionists, we want to stress how important it is to see your ObGyn and...
28 March, 2023
Can poor nutrition cause birth defects?
Here are some sobering statistics about birth defects from the CDC. Some birth defects are easy to identify (cleft lip). Others, like hearing loss, heart problems, and even some kinds of spina bifida are not easy to identify and can take years to diagnose. Birth defects are a mix of genetics, environmental, and behavioral factors, and the cause isn’t always clear. Most birth defects happen in a woman’s first trimester. This is when the baby’s...
21 March, 2023
How many times a day should a pregnant woman eat?
There’s the saying you’re eating for two, but really the recommendations for a healthy diet plan during pregnancy don’t vary significantly from everyday life. But good nutrition is more important now than ever, as it is critical for both your and your developing baby’s health. We always recommend a nutrient-dense diet, keeping highly processed foods and fast food to a minimum. But what about the when? How many times a day should a pregnant woman...
14 March, 2023
What nutrients should a pregnant woman avoid?
You’re pregnant, or maybe thinking of getting pregnant, and as soon as the cat’s out of the bag, you’re a walking target for opinions, advice, and everything in between. You might have heard any number of these phrases about prenatal nutrition – Don’t eat cheese. – No more coffee. – No more seafood. Prenatal nutrition is key to reducing risks during pregnancy and birth. Before making radical changes in your diet, please consult with your...
06 March, 2023
What happens if you have poor nutrition during pregnancy?
While pregnant, nutrition is key to a baby’s healthy development and a mother’s safety. In the blur of planning for your baby’s arrival, we recommend you plan to make good nutrition a priority. Your and your baby’s lives count on it. Poor nutrition during pregnancy can have negative consequences for both the developing baby and the mother, putting both baby and mom at risk for complications during pregnancy, during childbirth, and even resulting in significant...
02 March, 2023
What are 3 top nutritional concerns in pregnancy?
We don’t like to generalize about expecting moms’ universal needs because every woman’s pregnancy experience is unique. Likewise, every woman’s dietary needs during pregnancy and after birth are unique. Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting the healthy development of the baby, supporting moms-to-be, helping Mom’s body prepare for breastfeeding, and helping accelerate healing after birth. That said, nutrition plans that support those developmental stages are critical to reduce
02 March, 2023
Can a nutritionist help me get pregnant?
If you are experiencing fertility problems, you are not alone. According to the CDC, approximately 6.1 million women in the United States (or 9.4% of women aged 15-44) have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. And the prevalence of infertility increases with age, as women from 35 – 44 years old are at the highest risk. About one-third of infertility cases are due to male factors, one-third are due to female factors, and the remaining...
02 March, 2023
Should I See a Nutritionist While Pregnant?
During pregnancy, our bodies take on a life of their own. Some women feel surges of energy, while others simply feel rotten. Seeing a nutritionist during pregnancy can be an incredibly beneficial step for both you and your developing baby. Proper nutrition during pregnancy is essential to reduce risks of complications during pregnancy and birth, as well as for the growth and development of your baby. Here are some risks associated with poor nutrition during...
01 March, 2023
Five Tips for Better Snacks During Pregnancy from Prenatal Nutritionist
Pregnancy is strange. Certainly it’s miraculous. But ask any woman, and she’ll probably tell you it’s uncomfortable, exciting, daunting, terrifying, painful, overwhelming, nauseating, exhilarating. And, most definitely, it’s … strange. First a woman grows an organ – the placenta. Then she grows another human being. It’s the ultimate in awesome biology and chemistry and whoa! And, for some reason, everyone becomes a pregnancy expert as soon as they see a woman with a baby belly....
11 April, 2022
Nutrition Tips for Breastfeeding Moms from Registered Dietition Nutritionist
All this preparation and now your baby is here. And it’s hard. New parents, especially moms, can feel everything from love and joy to being completely overwhelmed and terrified. (Greeting card companies usually skip over the latter feelings!) In 2011, August was declared National Breastfeeding Month (NBM) to support breastfeeding as a “public health imperative.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby’s life (Mayoclini
09 March, 2022
Maintain a Healthy Weight with Family Meals – Strategies to Sit Down Together
As parents, we’ve become experts at juggling countless schedules: work, extracurricular activities, and other commitments. New parents hardly have time to shower, much less think about family meals. One thing is certain — life is hectic. It’s all too easy to forget about the importance of sitting down together for family meals. Not only do family meals provide much-needed nutrition, but they are also a chance for us to connect with one another. They offer...
08 February, 2022
Pregnancy Registered Dietitian Discusses Nutritional Value of Eggs
For many years, eggs were put on the blacklist because of concerns over high cholesterol and heart problems. However, we now know that this is not entirely accurate, and eggs are actually incredibly nutritious. This week, as millions of people celebrate Seder and Easter, eggs play a central role in both spring traditions. In fact, a medium-sized chicken egg contains around 75 calories, 5.1 grams of fat, and 7.5 grams of protein, making it a...
28 January, 2022
Pregnancy Nutritionist Explains How Yo-Yo Dieting Affects Fertility
In the New Year, many begin new regimens, diets, weight-loss programs, and exercise programs. Many of these New Year plans include intense exercise and extreme calorie restrictions. Results are quick, but, we can get ensnared in a resolution trap, and our bodies and health end up paying a heavy price. Wanting to be healthy is a great thing! But buying into quick weight-loss programs isn’t the road we should take. Weight cycling is the repeated...
20 December, 2021
Pregnancy Nutritionist Tips to Prevent Birth Defects with Good Nutrition, Prenatal Diet
Every 4 ½ minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect (an estimated 1 in 33). When preparing for conception and pregnancy, there are ways to prevent birth defects. As a pregnancy nutrition group and registered dietitian nutritionists, we specialize in how to help a woman prepare for pregnancy and best nourish herself during pregnancy. Here are 8 easy steps to reduce the chance of birth defects in your child and make a PACT...
11 November, 2021
Exercise and Pregnancy Myths from Prenatal RDN
“All aerobic exercise is out.” “Stretching is dangerous.” “If you don’t usually exercise, don’t start while you’re pregnant.” “The only real reason to exercise while pregnant is to help lose baby weight.” Basically, for the next 40 weeks, you’re a petri dish and should eat a lot, take vitamins, and stay still … very very still. If it were up to those meddling grandmas (sounding very Scooby Doo here), most women during pregnancy would be...
05 October, 2021
6 Postpartum Nutrition Tips from Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
May is the month to celebrate motherhood, focusing on prenatal and postpartum care, mindful eating, and energizing foods. However, many new mothers tend to forget to take care of themselves as they shift their attention to the baby. This phase can be challenging, and mothers may experience exhaustion, baby blues, pains in body parts they didn’t know existed, hormonal changes, and more. Here are six nutrition tips to stay healthy postpartum: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink...
09 September, 2021
Pregnancy Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Celebrates National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month is a great time to focus on making smart food and exercise decisions for better health. With so much information out there, it can be hard to sort through trends and get to solid, reliable advice. Here are 8 tips that can help you make better health choices to improve your chances of healthy fertility, prenatal nutrition, and a healthy postnatal experience. Know thyself: There isn’t a one-size-fits-all nutrition plan, as nutrition...
28 May, 2021
4 Postpartum Nutrition Tips from Postnatal Registered Dietitian
“What a cruel scheme to keep a woman from knowing her power. To put the focus on what pregnancy did to her body rather than focus on what her perfect body just did. Here we sit, creating and nourishing the future, and we are diminished to “baby weight.” I will not succumb to your demeaning ideals.” – Amethyst Joy This quote so resonated with us when we read it the other day. A close friend...
20 May, 2021
EVERY WOMAN’S FERTILITY, PREGNANCY, AND POSTPARTUM JOURNEY IS UNIQUE. TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF NUTRITION AND PREGNANCY. MAKE INFORMED FOOD DECISIONS TO OPTIMIZE PREGNANCY AND REDUCE RISKS WORKING WITH AN EXPERT PREGNANCY DIETITIAN. START TODAY!
