Naeemah's Natural Nourishment (the basics)

Click here to go straight to the lists of Doula Naeemah's basic suggestions for good nourishment, instead of reading the blog.

As doulas we are taught that people birth how they live. When it comes to food and nourishment, especially as a community doula, unfortunately that often means junk and fast food with low energy and low vibrations leading to disempowered births.

I typically share this list and strongly encourage my pregnant clients to eat like they are training for a marathon--because they ARE! What I mean by training for a marathon is that it's a long-distance trek where in order to show up optimally, one must be intentional about their mindset, their physical fitness, endurance, stamina, and recovery. Ask any extreme athlete, and they will tell you that food and hydration are key to performance and sustainability. I want my clients and all birthing people to get themselves to the finish line, aka healthy baby in the arms of healthy mama, by having the energy to stay clear minded, strong willed, physically involved, and fully empowered.

Without going into detail about each item on the list and why it is helpful along the childbearing journey, I will urge you to:

• just jump in and start shopping and experimenting

• do a bit of your own research about each thing as it relates to pregnancy and birthing

• keep this list in your pocket and use it as a guide when ordering from a restaurant menu

The aim is that, as much as possible, our birthing bodies will be well nourished and conditioned by fresh, iron rich, nutrient dense whole foods including high-quality protein, complex carbs, omega rich oils, fibrous leafy green veggies, and cleansing fruit. When we are well nourished and hydrated, we have the wherewithal to focus, strategize, effectively communicate, maintain routines, meet challenges, practice self-care, take care of others, stay positive, and persevere. Our bodies also resist injury and heal faster when we are well nourished and properly hydrated. Additionally, pushing is like when you already ran the 26 miles and now you are just at the finish line but still have to roll a boulder up a mountain to actually cross it. Having a reserve of energy matters. Especially if mama hasn't been able to rest or eat for many hours or days (due to birth prep symptoms or hospital restrictions).

Why not start setting yourself and your new little one up for a lifestyle of wellness and longevity while you are in this time of big changes? Start slow. Play with it. Notice how you feel or perhaps if your perinatal test results show any difference. If you are already aligned with natural wellness and nutrition, then consider this a grocery list and a reminder whenever you could use one.

*Disclaimer:  This is simply a list of suggestions.  Please do your own research and consult your provider about what may or may not be safe and appropriate for you. Always pay attention to your body’s response to determine if you should continue consuming or using a particular food or body care item.

Organic Non-GMO, WHOLE (not prepackaged/flavored/prepared) foods, WITHOUT PRESERVATIVES and WITHOUT anything ARTIFICIAL whenever possible. READ THE INGREDIENTS AND FULL LABELS*!!

Herbs

Red Raspberry

Nettles

Alfalfa

Squaw Vine

Ginger

Oat Straw

green lentils, quinoa, and salad is one of my favorite meals.

Oils

Evening Primrose

Cocoa Butter

Olive Oil

Coconut

Other

Chlorophyll

Seamoss

Spirulina

Apple Cider Vinegar

Foods/Hydration

Okra

Dates

Blackstrap Molasses (Plantation brand is the best)

Oats/Oatmeal

Cream of Wheat

Water–Distilled, Alkaline, Spring

Coconut water

Himalayan Pink salt

Hemp/Flax/Pumpkin seeds

Rice cakes

Mixed nuts (unsalted)

Sunflower seeds (unsalted)

Broccoli

Celery

Beets 

Carrots

Mushrooms

Green salad with vinaigrette or tahini dressing

Hijiki seaweed

Nori seaweed

Pineapples

Grapefruit (in moderation)

Green apples

Melons

Pumpkin

Sweet potatoes

Beans (navy, kidney, black, blackeye)

Salmon

Sardines

Whiting

Peanut/Almond/Sunflower butter

Tahini

Brown or Black Rice

Quinoa

Russet Potatoes

Soups (low sodium) 

FRESH→→FROZEN→→→CANNED (only when necessary)

Feel free to ask me for preparation, shopping and meal suggestions!

*Consider using apps like Yuka to learn about food and cosmetic product healthiness.

I will dig deeper into these topics in future articles and stories, but in the meantime, feel free to ask questions and/or leave comments below or in the Groups.

Also, you could book a Discovery Session if you are interested in having me as your perinatal doula, cannabis caregiver, or general wellness, family, or relationship coach to see if it would be a fit.

One perfect love.

~Naeemah :)