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Even before you are pregnant, it’s important to think about your own health as welll as your baby’s...
Below are nine tips for new mums...
A healthy diet
This is important at any stage of life, but particularly when pregnant and breastfeeding, to ensure you and your growing baby get all the vitamins and minerals you both need.
Aim for at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day
Combine these with starchy foods like bread, potatoes and grains. These contain both vitamins and minerals, but also fibre that helps prevent constipation and aid with digestion.
Boost your protein intake
Pregnant mums should also have some protein every day, including fish, eggs, beans and pulses as well as red meat – although it’s advisable to avoid liver during pregnancy. Check with your midwife which other foods you shouldn't eat.
Keep up your calcium
To ensure you’re eating enough calcium, don’t forget to include dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt. As with any healthy diet, try not to eat too many sugary snacks.
Drink plenty of water
It’s also important to drink plenty of water particularly if you have a tendency to suffer from constipation, and limit caffeine, especially if you are suffering from heartburn.
Deciding on breast vs bottle
UK guidelines state ‘breast is best’ for new mums - with a recommendation to breastfeed babies exclusively for around the first six months of their life.
Breast milk is the perfect food for baby, with numerous advantages from helping protect your baby against infections and the fact it’s free to being easily digestible and always available whenever and wherever your baby needs a feed.
Ask your pharmacist about common ailments
Pharmacists are easily accessible to offer advice on the best course of action in the management of common ailments during pregnancy and in babies and infants.
Some common baby ailments, such as chickenpox or simple colic, might appear distressing for new mums and your pharmacist will be able to assess which conditions can be treated over the counter or which require referral to the GP.
Nutrition during pregnancy
It’s recommended to take a supplement with 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before you are pregnant until you are 12 weeks pregnant and 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily throughout and whilst breastfeeding, in addition to a healthy, balanced diet.
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