Research shows that nutrition before and during pregnancy, as well as in early childhood, has a strong impact on later health and wellness. A nutritious diet that contains lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, along with whole grains and healthy fats, but low in sugar and sodium, reveals positive effects on a child’s growth, brain development, long-term cognitive and behavioral function and achievements, and lower risks of allergy and autoimmune diseases, obesity and other chronic disorders. On the other hand, researchers have found that unhealthy diet and toxins present in our food and environment can interfere with a child’s brain and with hormones that regulate growth and development.

In addition to healthy eating, regular exercising is essential to meet your growing baby’s needs and improve your well-being. Physical activity in pregnancy is not only safe and desirable but it brings numerous benefits. Studies show women who exercise during pregnancy are less likely to experience gestational diabetes, cesarean birth and operative vaginal delivery, and they have a shorter postpartum recovery time. Lastly, exercising can be an important factor in preventing postpartum depression. 

In this wellness coaching program, you will learn how to incorporate healthy eating into your life, minimize toxins present in fresh and processed foods as well as in your kitchen, and stay active throughout different stages of pregnancy. Since the food you eat nourishes both you and the baby, it is important to be twice as careful about what you put on your plate. Physical activity increases endorphins in your body and helps you stay happy and healthy while preparing for birth. You will learn what kind of foods you should eat more, what foods to minimize or avoid, and what kind of exercises help mitigate pregnancy discomfort and prepare your body for labor. Best of all, you will learn about practical strategies for making these beneficial habits a long-lasting part of your family’s life.

Topics include:

• Maternal physical changes

• Maternal emotional changes

• Role of hormones affecting pregnancy (oxytocin, endorphins, catecholamines, prolactin)

• Food and lifestyle choices for pregnancy

• Real foods for expectant parent and baby

• Food to avoid or limit

• Natural remedies

• Eating smart

• Dirty dozen and organic foods

• Sample meal plan for pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Exercise and good posture

• Sample exercise routine for every trimester

• Comfort measures

• Environmental hazards

• Process of informed, shared decision-making

What to expect:

• Free assessment call that determines your needs and questions

• 8 60-minute weekly meetings that consists of accomplishments and challenges from the previous week, identifying topics related to healthy pregnancy, goal setting, development of an action plan designed to motivate and guide, key outcomes, and accountability

• Weekly assignments

• Unlimited e-mail and texting support

Other services include meal planning, pantry makeover, smart shopping, and home detox.