Pre-conceptual nutrition, pregnancy and lactation

Research shows that the nutritional status of the mother and father can have a profound effect on the outcome of the child.

If possible a dietary analysis and consultation is advisable for all couples considering starting or expanding their family.

Nutrients such as folic acid, iron and calcium are often at risk from deficiency following the typical British diet, and thus it is imperative that their status is analysed and corrections made as deficiency can have a profound effect on foetal development and the mother’s health status.

During pregnancy, the developing foetus requires nutrients which are drawn from the mother’s bodily stores. The mother’s health could be compromised if her nutrient status is not satisfactory. Parents are often confused with what diet they should be consuming during pregnancy – how much coffee and tea; whether food can be eaten raw or must be cooked, and what balance of foods they should be eating.

By visiting Bartholomew Way Clinic, these concerns can be addressed and your diet analysed with practical suggestions to achieve dietary change.

The Department of Health and the World Health Organisation advocates a baby being breast fed exclusively for the first six months – most parents can find this hard to achieve.

Web links:
National Childbirth Trust
http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/home

La Leche League
http://www.laleche.org.uk/

Breastfeeding Network
http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/