Coconut water is one drink that pregnant and nursing moms should always have in their fridge. During pregnancy it is an ideal rehydrating beverage with it’s perfect electrolyte balance and more potassium than any sports drink. Coconut water also relieves exhaustion and aids in digestion. Its great for breastfeeding moms too not only because you need extra liquids during this time, but also because it contains lauric acid which is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral, thus it helps protect babies against various infections. Great brands to try are Vitacoco and Zico.
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Hooray for Huggies Pure & Natural
As an integrative mom I am open to using conventional diapers when they are all that work- especially at night and on long outings, so I was very excited to see that Huggies has come out with Pure & Natural diapers! They are made with organic cotton, aloe and vitamin E and are fragrance free. The packaging is also made of 20% recycled materials. And perhaps most importantly (from baby’s perspective) – they are the softest diapers I have ever felt. Click here for a free sample!
Craving Chocolate During Pregnancy? Good!!!
Over the last few years we’ve been hearing a lot about the heart healthy benefits of eating dark chocolate. Here are two great reasons to indulge during pregnancy:
- A study in Finland showed that women who ate chocolate during pregnancy had sweeter, happier babies
- Eating Chocolate May Decrease Risk for Preeclampsia
So if you’re craving it, have a piece! Remember to eat dark chocolate that’s at least 70% cacao, and always choose organic!!!
Choline During Pregnancy
The People’s Pharmacy on NPR last week highlighted the importance of eating choline rich foods during pregnancy. If you are deficient in choline, there is an increased risk of spina bifida and other neurological disorders. On the other hand, babies born to mothers who have consumed lots of choline rich foods might have better memories and be faster learners. Great reasons to eat lots of organic pastured eggs, bananas and all natural peanut butter. Other good choline sources: liver, butter, banana, barley, cauliflower, corn, flax seeds, lentils, milk, oranges, potatoes, sesame seeds, tomatoes and whole wheat bread.
Fertile Grass
As I was making my monthly purchase of Amazing Grass yesterday at the local natural food store, I remembered a conversation I had with the makers of this product when I met them a few years ago. They said that it was an incredible fertility enhancer especially when men take it, and that between the 2 of them they had 5 kids who were all unplanned! As I thought about this I realized I became pregnant with our child 2 months after my husband started taking it. There is no scientific study to back this up, but it’s a great product anyway and one definitely worth taking. It basically fills in the nutritional gaps for those of us who never seem to eat enough greens! Try the chocolate flavor. Mix it with water or put it in your smoothie in the morning.