Wellness, Pregnancy, Homebirth and Postpartum Services in Central Indiana

Nutritional Info for Pregnancy and Postpartum

Pregnancy

You would think conversations about adequate nutrition would be a standard of care in maternity, but it often isn’t. In my pregnancies, I do not remember anyone asking me about my diet.

Below are topics where you can access information. One of my favorite resources is the Dr. Brewer’s Pregnancy Diet. It’s a deep dive, but it’s worth it!

While there are many areas of specifics on the site, here are the page's that I am most often sending around to clients…

The Diet - this will list what you must have daily

Vegetarian Diet - this will help those who do not consume animal products. There are printouts for Ovo-Lacto Veg and Vegan

Physiology - explains how nutrition on your blood volume play a crucial role in your pregnancy

Blood Pressure - how diet and the lack of bllod volune is central to this issue

Preeclampsia - links between nutrition and preeclampsia

Salt needs - this will be addressed additionally below, as so many providers tell women with BP issues to lower salt intake when studies actually show that this is not evidence based. You NEED that salt mama.

Gestational Diabetes - LOADED with information

Herbal Diuretics - watch the ingredients of your pregnancy teas! For instance, Traditional Medicinals Pregnancy Tea contains Stinging nettle. This herb is a diuretic, and according to Dr. Brewer, this should be avoided along with other specific herbs.

Beyond these specific page links, there is a plethora of information there to educate yourself about your nutritional needs.

Daily Nutritional Chart - This download will make it easy for you to ensure that you are getting the proper foods every day of the week. Stick it to your fridge and check off each food, each day, and you’ll be on top of your game!

Sodium, or salt needs. While the Brewer Diet above addresses some of the issues in care providers restricting salt intake, especially in hypertensive or preeclamptic pregnant people, the links below point to the opposite being true or that there are no differences in the outcomes.

Proper Salt Intake During Pregnancy

Sodium-Blood Pressure Interrealationship in Pregnancy

Ending Salt Restriction

Postpartum

Nutritional needs don’t end after pregnancy. In fact, for recovery, future health, both mentally and physically as well as for breastfeeding, new mother’s need to continue to care for themselves (and allow others to care for them) through the foods they eat.

Prepare for your first few weeks of postpartum life by cooking and freezing some meals ahead of time. Ask a friend to start a meal train, but also include a few suggestions they can ask friends and family to make for you. Being prepared will ease your transition to being new parents in the first week or two.

Dietitian’s Guide to Postpartum Nutrition - filled with recommendations, guidelines and links to breaskfast, lunch, dinner and snack recipes.