Top 10 things a mother can do to have a healthy baby?
1) Deliver vaginally. C sections are associated with gut microbial abnormalities that promote allergic and inflammatory diseases. C sections should be for emergency only. Inducing early can be a risk factor for c section delivery. Go natural.
2) Breastfeed. The data on breastfeeding versus formula feeding is like the difference between brushing your teeth and not. Slam dunk for nursing.
3) Take prenatal vitamins. Preventing neural tube defects and many other diseases.
4) Eat a predominantly plant based non processed diet. Use www.ewg.org's dirty dozen to maximize pesticide avoidance.
5) Avoid drinking or eating from 3,6,7 plastics containers that are estrogen analogues. Look in the recycle triangle for this number. 1,2,4,5 are ok.
6) Continue mild to moderate exercise and physical labor while pregnant. Consider a pedometer to increase your walking steps per day.
7) Avoid conflict and negative thoughts. There is good data that this negativity affects the offspring epigenetically through stress hormones and receptors. Meditation and low stress yoga are great for positive thoughts.
8) Consider taking a probiotic and omega 3 oils during pregnancy. Ask your obstetrician for advice on types and dose.
9) Avoid all medicines and supplements unless absolutely necessary. The developing fetus may react very negatively to these chemicals. There are reams of literature on the negative effects of medicine during pregnancy. Even acetaminophen is not safe as noted in recent newsletters.
10) Get 30 minutes of sun exposure daily.
My thoughts,
Dr. M
