I am 37 weeks and 2 days pregnant. I'm officially on maternity leave, as of Friday. I have been following a strict diet during this pregnancy, which I feel afforded me the strength to work two jobs, manage a busy household, run a business, and co-raise a toddler. Throughout my 37 weeks I have constantly heard, "You don't look {insert number of months} pregnant". People have a hard time understanding that each pregnant person carries differently and I seem to "carry small". So far I am just shy of a 17 pound gain. I don't think I'll go over 20 pounds, as I did with Lil D because of my semi-raw diet {I'll explain this diet in a subsequent post}. In general, I feel great. The pressure in my pelvis and the Braxton Hicks are an annoying reminder of my condition, but I'm managing. At least until BC2 arrives I won't have to climb subway steps, run for trains, and walk NYC blocks. Two weeks ago, at the beginning of my ninth month, I started a regime recommended to me by my doula to aid in an easier labor, I detail it below.
Formula For An Easier Labor Last Month of Pregnancy
(Alele Davis' Let's Have Healthy Children, Chapter 13)
- 2 parts Raspberry Leaf, 1 part Alfalfa and 1 part Comfrey Tones and strengthens the uterus for a shorter labor; Provides nourishment. 2-3 cups daily
- Yogurt (acidophilis). Provides Vitatmin K to prevent hemorrhage. 8 ounces daily
- Cooked green leafy vegetables. (I prefer raw). Provides Vitamin K to prevent hemorrhage. Daily
- Increase Potassium foods-- (i.e., fish, soybeans, fruits, and vegetables). Promotes muscle strength. Daily
- Decrease salt intake. Daily
- Vitamin C (You may use calcium ascorbate powder in juice- 1/2 tsp 4x/day). Prevents perineal and vaginal tears. 10 grams daily
- Vitamin E. Prevents jaundice: promotes tissue elasticity; promotes muscle strength. 600 Ius daily
- Zinc (is in prenatal). Promotes more rapid and efficient labor; promotes tissue elasticity. 10-15 mgs daily 1-2 weeks before due date
- B-complex. Protects you from the stress of labor and delivery. 50 mgs twice daily. (once if taking prenatal)
- Maintain 80-100 grams of protein daily. {I've been going this mainly by eating legumes, veggies, nuts and seeds, and fruit}
- Perineal massage nightly. {At first this was kinda weird-- but after a 2nd degree tear with Lil D I'm not playing around} Nice resource on how to do this here.
Onset of Labor
- Calcium- 2000 mgs, liquid or powder once in 24 hours. To decrease pain sensitivity.
- Vitamin E - 600 Ius repeated every 3 hours. To prevent fetal distress.
- Liberal raspberry leaf tea mixture - one cup every hour.
Post Partum
- Continue raspberry drink - one cup daily
- Decrease Vitamin C to 2 grams (500 mgs 4x daily)
- Continue Vitamin E (400 Ius daily)
- Maintain protein intake
- Increase calcoric intake
- Increase fluids to at least 2 quarts daily. {A must if you are nursing}
