babysteps newsletter
July 2005
BabySteps is a FREE monthly email newsletter on holistic health, nutrition and solution-oriented tips
for enhancing fertility naturally and for maintaining a healthy, happy and balanced pregnancy.
tips for getting pregnant naturally
Keeping Hormones in Balance with Food
Human conception really relies on a delicate balance of human hormones. If estrogen and progesterone levels in particular are not balanced,
it may be difficult to conceive. Even if hormones are at good levels, keep them in balance with healthy
foods, exercise and limiting stress.
Estrogen:
If not elevated in the first half of cycle, ovulation will not occur.
Too much can throw off the female's body's cycle as well.
Foods to Increase Estrogen:
Wheat germ (stimulates pituitary to increase estrogen), millet, chickpeas, carrots, corn, apples and oats
(with phytoestrogens), moderate amounts of soy.
Foods to Decrease Estrogen:
Tofu, kelp (seaweed), whole grains, walnuts, wheat germ - foods rich in B6
Progesterone:
An adequate amount of natural progesterone is crucial to a woman who is trying to become pregnant because
it prepares the uterine wall for implantation of the fertilized egg. Without sufficient progesterone, the egg will be not "stick around".
Foods To Increase Progesterone:
Tofu, kelp, whole grains, walnuts, wheat germ, yams (eaten in the 1st half of the cycle)
tips for a healthy happy pregnancy
Got Hemorrhoids?
WHAT IS IT?
A mass of swollen tissue of varicose veins of the rectum that are sometimes
called "piles" because they look like small piles of peas.
WHY:
Straining during a bowel movement to pass hard stools can cause hemorrhoids.
If you see blood on your tissue after you wipe, or if you have pain or excessive itching at the opening of your rectum,
ask your health-care provider if you have hemorrhoids. If you have them they will probably stay with you throughout pregnancy
and could get worse during pushing! If you take good care of them they will get better or go away after birth.
WHAT TO DO:
→ Avoid constipation
→ Try not to strain
→ Put your feet up onto a small stool or
on telephone books during bowel movements.
This position makes release easier.
→ Don't read on the toilet - you will probably be there longer than necessary
which puts unnecessary strain on the anus.
→ Avoid standing still or sitting for very long periods of time.
Move around, change positions.
Please note: Sitting backwards on a kitchen chair or cross-legged on the floor is better
for you than sitting or laying on a couch.
When you assume these positions, it is better
for your back and the baby will be able to get into a more prime position later in pregnancy.
OTHER MEASURES:
→ If itching is really bad - apply a compress of witch hazel or ice chips to the affected area.
You can also get a special pillow called a "donut"
→ When all else fails and the pain is uncomfortable,
get off your feet and lay down -
relieving pressure and pain.
FOOD:
→ Avoid sugary and processed foods which can lead to more digestive problems.
→ More water!!!
Please feel free to tell friends and family about this posting. And check back for a new one each month!
The contents of this newsletter are meant for educational purposes only and are not meant to treat or cure any specific conditions.