Preparing for Blessing # 3: Supplements

My husband and I desire to have a large family. That does mean as soon as we are pregnant and even after giving birth to a baby, we are already discussing the ins and outs of having more children and how that will impact our lives and our children’s lives. This post is going to follow our preparation for preparing our home, hearts and lives for a 3rd little blessing. We are hopeful that we could be blessed with more, because we have already been blessed with two.

Time Line: While Waiting for Menstrual

Disclaimer: I am not promoting supplements or advocating them in place of food. I think supplements in addition to a person's diet is helpful.

Goal: To Be Overall Healthy

Part I: Vitamins / Supplements

Pre-natal Vitamins

Pre-natal vitamins are so important for pregnant and lactating women, as well as for women who are trying to conceive. One big reason is because it contains folic acid. Having a deficiency in folic acid during pregnancy could result in a baby having spina bifida (the embryonic neural tube not closing completely). Pre-natal vitamins often give me nausea, so I take them at night before bed. My favorite brand is Rainbow Light One Prenatal. Buy Here: Rainbow Light One Prenatal from Amazon.com

DHA Supplement

This supplement is said to be important, because it keeps the arteries clear, and offers cancer protection. It is recommended to take this during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, because it is suppose to help with cognitive development in infants. This is important, because I am breastfeeding and plan to get pregnant while breastfeeding, so it will be needed for the child I am nursing and a future bun in the oven.

Fiber Supplement

To help manage the gastro discomforts from Endometriosis when my fertility returns and my symptoms from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), I am taking fiber in powder form. The fiber helps manages the imbalances of diarrhea, constipation and lack of frequent bowel movements. I am taking 1 teaspoon of Benefiber once a day with a cup of Juice in the morning. Although my doctor recommended Metamucil, I like that Benefiber dissolves better. I would have a mixture at the bottom of my cup, because the Metamucil did not dissolve completely as a bulkier fiber.

Probiotic Vitamins

Probiotic’s are live organisms, mostly bacteria and are like the ones that are naturally found in our bodies. They are supposed to be considered safe to take during pregnancy as well. Not enough studies have been done to say for sure if probiotics are beneficial to a pregnant woman and her baby, although many studies are being done. One study suggests probiotics may help reduce pre-term labor – something that can happen in either a singleton or multiples pregnancy. Another study says taking probiotics during the first trimester can help women lose weight after birth. I am taking Cuturelle probiotic vitamins once a day in the morning and plan on taking it throughout future pregnancies.

Vitamin C Vitamins

Vitamin C is suppose to help with the absorption of iron. It is important to have a diet rich in iron to avoid developing anemia, especially if planning to have pregnancies close together. Having pregnancies close together may increase the risk of developing an iron deficiency. I am going to take them throughout the first 12 months of breastfeeding to give the dose of Vitamin C I am getting from my pre-natal vitamins a little boost.

Article Links:
Anemia & Pregnancy

New found link between probiotics and your weight

Ask Dr. Sears: Probiotics during pregnancy?

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