Most of us are told to take a prenatal supplement for the duration of our pregnancy, which isn’t wrong but what we don’t get told is the importance of nourishing the whole motherhood journey.

Motherhood begins in preconception. In fact, the three months prior to conception are essential for both mum and dad. Whilst preconception care isn’t an option for all parents-to-be (hello surprise baby!), postpartum care is essential for restoring and replenishing all that was taken in the lead up and over the duration of pregnancy.

It can come as a bit of a surprise to most women that breastfeeding can be even more demanding on a mothers system for certain nutrients than pregnancy itself. Most new mothers try breastfeeding for at least the first 6 weeks and in some cases mothers continue on for 2 + years. However, more often than not, we stop taking our prenatal as soon as we give birth. Throw in the common lack of postpartum support and the universal nourishment of most new mums (cold toast), and there is no wonder women are depleted and exhausted. 

When I’m working with pregnant or new mums, I always encourage them to continue taking their prenatal for the entirety of their breastfeeding journey – however long that may be for them. However the reality for most mums is that their postpartum and breastfeeding journey very quickly becomes their pre conception phase as they continue to grow their family.

This is one of the main reasons I love the Foraged for You Mother’s Blend. It isn’t specifically a prenatal supplement, it is more a full spectrum motherhood whole food blend (supplement).

Nature is clever you see – when it offers something rich in specific nutrients, it also combines them with the other nutrients that work with that nutrient so it both absorbs and works in the best possible way. This is why whole food supplementation is key – even if the numbers ‘don’t match up’ to synthetic supplementation, the actual absorption rate it usually far superior because the nutrient source is whole – complete.

Nourishing Pregnancy 

When it comes to nourishing pregnancy, Foraged is the perfect foundation accompanied by some additional supplementation at different stages of the pregnancy. Ideally all essential nutrients are met through diet however this is near impossible with our modern diet and so supplementation can be essential. Synthetic forms of nutrients are less easily absorbed by our body and in some cases can be detrimental (hello vitamin A and Folic Acid!). Most women aren’t aware that different nutrients are required at different stages of pregnancy and some are extra important at certain stages. 

* Particular importance during this trimester

The Mother’s Blend

7 of these essential nutrients are found in Liver alone which is why the general advice to avoid liver completely while pregnant is so frustrating. In fact there are a few foods that mums are told to avoid in pregnancy that are nutrient powerhouses such as runny egg yolk (hello choline) and sushi (hello iodine). This is why the Foraged Mothers blend is such an incredible foundation for pregnancy (and beyond). 

Grass Fed Liver

Liver holds a major source of choline, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin A, B12 and K2. This is the hero ingredient in Foraged because we are yet to find a wholefood that is as nutrient dense. The great thing about liver is that a little goes a long way and so there is a safe amount of this nourishing goodness in each serve.

Side note on vitamin A…

Vitamin A is incredibly important in the development of nearly every system in the body yet nearly 1/3 of pregnant women are deficient. Whilst excess intake has been shown to contribute to birth defects, this is most common with the use of synthetic vitamin A or liver from an arctic animal. There are an estimated 200 cases of vitamin A toxicity each year however vitamin A deficiency is far more common. Vitamin A is vital for proper formation of the face, especially the eyes, nose, lips and dental arches. It also support thyroid function, adequate birth weight and a full term gestation. Whilst it is important to be mindful of vitamin A consumption and not exceed upper tolerable intake, it is important to make sure vitamin A needs are being met especially in the first trimester. 

Side note on Folate vs. Folic Acid 

Folate is the natural form of Vitamin B9 found in foods where as Folic Acid is the fully oxidised monoglutamate synthetic form of B9 that is found in most supplements and Folic Acid does not cross the placenta the way methylated folate does.

Kelp 

Kelp is one of nature’s richest sources of iodine. Iodine is required by all individuals and is quite often forgotten, though the demands become much higher during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. It is important for energy, mental health, clarity and more. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the demand for higher thyroid hormone production can increase dramatically, however the ability for this depends greatly on the availability of iodine and it must be supplied through diet

Fermentation 

Raw ingredients can be difficult for the body to digest and cooking ingredients can decrease nutrient value. This is where fermentation comes in. Fermenting certain ingredients both enhances nutrient availability, helps with digestion and adds naturally occurring probiotics. 8 of the ingredients in foraged have been fermented (red lentils, camu camu, broccoli, spinach, chlorella, pepitas, beetroot and molasses) 

Understanding the difference between whole food nourishment and synthetic supplementation helps you realise the importance of incorporating a range of whole foods and whole food derived supplementation into your diet. Especially during the time in your life where it is no longer just about you, but you are also growing and nourishing another life.

Nourishing Postpartum

Nourishing food is one of the most important parts of postpartum recovery. The postpartum period should be all about replenishing stores, facilitating recovery and producing high quality breast milk. This can be challenging through nutrition alone, especially whilst navigating early motherhood and a new baby. Balanced meals combine energy rich carbohydrates to help build milk supply, protein for repairing tissue and muscles and healthy fats for producing breast milk, balancing hormones and stabilising blood sugar.

As mentioned early, certain nutritional requirements are higher for a breastfeeding mother than they will be at any other time in her life. Ensuring whole foods rich in essential nutrients for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding are incorporated into the diet is essential for avoiding further depletion. I dive deeper into this in the Village for Mama ‘A Postpartum Guide’ E – Book and the Village for Mama Recipe Book.

Fourth Trimester

Calcium

Choline

Iodine

Iron

Magnesium

Omega 3s

Vitamin A

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D

Probiotics

Zinc

I am deeply passionate about encouraging women to continue prioritising their own health after they give birth. More often than not we priorities our health during pregnancy while we are nourishing our baby but once we give birth we forget about ourselves. Regardless of how you choose to feed your baby (breast milk, donor milk, formula, mixed feeding) it is essential that we continue to support the mother. Continuing to take a wholefood supplement during the postpartum period, fourth trimester or ideally the entire duration of your breastfeeding journey can significantly improve recovery and nutrient repletion.

How we nourish women during their postpartum has a significant impact on their health and wellbeing for years to follow. You can incorporate Foraged for You into your motherhood journey here

(Please note this is not an affiliate link – just a product I am truly passionate about)

Foraged for You has also recently released a Children’s blend to help you continue to nourish your little ones beyond the breastfeeding years.