While most expectant moms realize that they have to eat right and exercise during pregnancy, there are many issues surrounding those two topics that are misunderstood.
On this show I am talking with Sheila Watkins, Founder and National Program Director of Healthy Moms Pre/Postnatal Fitness Programs and Jodi Citrin Greebel, a registered dietitian and President of Citrition, a nutrition counseling practice in New York City.
Sheila starts out by saying that a marathon runner would not jump into running a marathon without intensive training, and expectant mothers should consider training for their main event, The Sport of Motherhood. Exercise has a lot of benefits for expectant moms such as getting her body in shape for labor and delivery, as well as the physical toll that being a new mother entails.
It also helps to keep the pregnancy weight gain down, helps return to pre-pregnancy weight faster, decrease pregnancy related discomforts, increase muscular endurance and strength, and fit women tend to have shorter labors with a marked decrease in the need for medical intervention. There are also psychological benefits as well, such as: good feelings of well being, improved self image, enhanced self esteem, less tension, anxiety and fatigue, a feeling or more control, and a stronger conditioned response to control labor discomforts.
Then Jodi shares information about nutrition for pregnancy, and especially for after delivery, when a new mom is breastfeeding. So often new moms are so busy taking care of the baby that they have a tendency to skip meals, or grab whatever is easiest but this is not healthy. Jodi and I discuss how important it is for mom to take care of herself, especially when she is recovering; and with a lack of sleep, she needs to keep up her health for herself and the new baby. Plus, for breastfeeding, moms require an extra 500 calories than normal so don't skimp during this time!
Tap into the show and learn about key nutrients needed during breastfeeding, calorie needs during pregnancy, and how not to add extra unwanted pounds. Find out the importance of Omega-3 fats, healthy snack ideas, and foods to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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