Because I’m a herbalist many people come to me asking about herbs to take during pregnancy. What’s the best herbs for childbirth? What’s the best herb for labor? What’s the best herbs for building milk while you’re breastfeeding—herbs, herbs, herbs! But the reality is this; herbs only work as good as the body allows it to and your body is better able to work with herbs when the food that you put in it is healing and not junk. Think of food as your fuel, your body is the car. During pregnancy the needs of the pregnant body increase, your body starts to need more water, starts to need more protein and there’s a big hormone shift. They’re so many common pregnancy concerns that can be either prevented or easily supported with good nutrition. I personally love to start with food before I suggest any herb.
Some of my favorite foods during pregnancy, especially during the spring and summer months here in Louisiana, is watermelon and cucumber. Both are super hydrating. It has a lot of water and fiber which helps to keep mom’s regular and hydrated. Then you can add your favorite berries to your watermelon to make a juice, like blueberries strawberries. Or you can make a juice with watermelon and cucumber. My favorite salad during the summer months is cucumber and tomato salad. I love to add a little bit of lemon juice, salt, black pepper, lots of pepper actually! And if I’m not using lemon, I love to use the splash of vinegar. Both foods are easy sides to put next to fried fish, baked chicken, even your favorite veggie patty. It’s the simple things that can really help you have the best pregnancy ever.
If you would like to learn more about how I build a nutritional plan for pregnancy and beyond, schedule a consultation call with me. Congrats on your pregnancy and I hope to speak to you soon.