Paige and Gretchen talk with Julia Mutter, registered dietician, about how to manage snack time.
Like us, you’ve probably heard or read something about BPA, the “bad” chemical in hard plastic. Bisphenol-A, or BPA, has been linked to a wide range of health problems including cancer, obesity, and some learning disabilities. It is especially dangerous to children. Gretchen and Paige wanted to learn what they can do to keep their families safe, so they invited Julia Bovey, from the NRDC (that’s the Natural Resources Defense Council) to explain what to look for on labels, which products to avoid, and which products are safe. This is information every parent should know. For more about BPA check out these articles and websites:
http://www.factsonplastic.com/?gclid=CN3IxrXOk5cCFQhJagodaAMq-w http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=plastics-in-our-diet http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-09-16-bpa-fda_N.htm http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/114/bpaExperts say that the average weight gain for a healthy pregnant woman should be 25 to 35 pounds. Between the two of them, Paige and Gretchen have been pregnant seven times! Spend some time with them while they dish about their weight gain, doctors visits, and maternity clothes. Can you guess who likes form fitting maternity wear and who prefers “tents?”
Almost every parent has had the no fun job of dealing with a child who is a “picky eater.” With that in mind, Gretchen and Paige had the pleasure of interviewing Julia Mutter, a registered Dietician, who gave them some pointers on how to broaden the culinary horizons, and improve the health of our little ones. For more help with your picky eater, check out these websites:
FamilyEducation Babybites iVillage About.comCoping with morning sickness can be the worst. Gretchen and Paige commiserate over their experiences with morning sickness; they can laugh about it now, but Gretchen says any day when she threw up less than twelve times was a good day! Learn what worked for her to keep food and prenatal vitamins down, and check out our list of remedies that have worked for other moms. We hope it helps!
• Avoid greasy or spicy foods as they often cause nausea or heartburn. • Have frequent protein snacks. (Low fat meats and seafood, nuts, eggs and beans are high protein.) • Eat smaller meals every two hours or so. • Eating something salty before a meal can help you "make it through" a meal. • Do not drink fluids with your meals. • Non caffeinated teas like peppermint and ginger can help calm nausea. • Drink small amounts of fluids regularly though out the day to avoid dehydration. • Do not skip meals if you can help it. • Cold food may have less nausea inducing smells associated with them. Talk to your doctor about: • Vitamin B6 - 50 mg. daily. Vitamin B6 has been shown to help with pregnancy induced nausea. • Ginger capsules: 250 mg. three times daily. Ginger has long been associated with alleviating nausea. (Remember drinking ginger ale when you felt sick when you were little?) For more remedies for morning sickness, click here and here.Julia Mutter and the Mommies discuss the importance of caring for your body after delivery. Some postpartum tips include:
For more on Julia Mutter check out her website.