I have had some pregnancies with no relief from heartburn and at least one in which it was hardly an issue. So, what's the diference? Some will tell you it is how much hair your baby has. And after Kynzie was born with a very full head of hair, I thought it might be true! But since then, I've started to have my doubts.
I have had plenty of time to experiment with various remedies. I thought I would list some of my findings here.
Some of the obvious, easy ones are drinking enough water and eating small meals at regular and more frequent intervals, preferably with plenty of protein. Another given - some regular exercise. Walking, swimming, etc. Some regular movement.
Also, the method of treating your heartburn depends on why you have it... are you not producing enough acids, or are you producing too many? I have not learned really how to tell the difference, so it has been by trial and error finding relief.
1) Chewing on some gum... I reccomend xylitol gum. There used to be a heartburn gum on the market when I was pregnant with Kynzie (over seven years ago) that I used with great success. Two years later when I was pregnant with Max, they didn't sell that gum anymore. So, I started to experiment with other chewing gums. I guess the premise is that it helps stimulate acids to help break down the food. Pregnancy often slows down digestion.
2) Paypaya or other enzyme tablets - these have been life savers for me at some points. I buy the chewable, but as with any chewable tablet, there is always a sweetner, so watch out for corn syrups as well as artificial sweetners.
3) I have used milk or yogurt successfully as well as...
4) Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's). Two seemingly opposite ends of the specturm, milk and vinegar, but again maybe it is due to my heartburn being caused by different problems at different times?
5) Lastly, I have a theory. I believe that if you become constipated (which also seems to plague many pregnant women), you will have more hearburn. I have used psyllium husk for this with great success. Some have told me psyllium husks cause them to have stomach cramps. I am not sure, but possibly this is a sign it is doing what it is supposed to?? Not sure, though, as it doesn't give me cramps.
I have heard some use slippery elm bark instead of psyllium husks.
This last point is also helped by regular exercise and a healthy food plan (Bradley or better!) and plenty of water. Eliminate white sugar and flour, and add fiber where you can!
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Monday, July 25, 2011
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Losing Weight After Twins (Or "Does 'Twin Skin' Ever Go Away"
Is it possible? I am not sure. I am going to bear it all here folks... no, you aren't going to see any photos of my "twin skin". It's safe. I am going to tell you about my weight. Maybe I will feel more accountable if I tell the world all about it. Or at least maybe someone else out there will feel better if they see I am not doing so well...?
I weighed approximately 126 lbs before my latest pregnancy. I weighed 191 lbs the day before I gave birth to my sweet twins. The day they were born, I weighed myself after delivery - 161 lbs. That is awesome! Last Friday I had my 6 weeks (which was actually postponed to weeks), and I weighed in at 145 lbs, I think.
Now, my goal is to exercise and eat properly while still getting enough calories to continue exclusively nursing my twin boys at this time. Notice there is no weight loss goal in this statement. It happens slowly but surely for me. I just don't know how different it will be this time after twins. I gained the weight differently.
Oh, wait, I just thought of a weight loss goal - I want to be able to wear my wedding rings again. Yes, that would be nice. I really miss wearing them.
So I heard about this program Lose Your Mummy Tummy. Anybody heard of this? Better yet, anybody used it successfully? The 'Mummy' who told me about it couldn't say enough positive about it. I'm curious...
The problem has been that I haven't had an appetite, at least not for anything healthy. I crave sugar and lots of it. I want to eat ice cream, cake, cookies, candy, you name it. This is how I found out I can't eat chocolate because the twins don't do well after that.
But I think I am turning the corner. I think my appetite is coming back around with a little self-discipline and some prayer. I actually felt hungry this morning. I haven't felt hungry since I was pregnant.
And, we are getting back into the routine of going for walks. My sister-in-law is letting us borrow their double stroller so we can go on walks with all four little kiddos in a stroller.
They say twin-skin doesn't go away without, say, a tummy tuck. Since I am not even 2 months post-partum, I think I still hold on to naive hope.
What is 'twin-skin', you ask? Well, it kind of reminds one of a raisin, only maybe a little plumper. It can be viewed a couple of different ways. I like to see it this way: Battle scars of a battle fought well and something to be worn proudly. After all, I would do it all again, and looking at those two babies makes it all worth it.
I weighed approximately 126 lbs before my latest pregnancy. I weighed 191 lbs the day before I gave birth to my sweet twins. The day they were born, I weighed myself after delivery - 161 lbs. That is awesome! Last Friday I had my 6 weeks (which was actually postponed to weeks), and I weighed in at 145 lbs, I think.
Now, my goal is to exercise and eat properly while still getting enough calories to continue exclusively nursing my twin boys at this time. Notice there is no weight loss goal in this statement. It happens slowly but surely for me. I just don't know how different it will be this time after twins. I gained the weight differently.
Oh, wait, I just thought of a weight loss goal - I want to be able to wear my wedding rings again. Yes, that would be nice. I really miss wearing them.
So I heard about this program Lose Your Mummy Tummy. Anybody heard of this? Better yet, anybody used it successfully? The 'Mummy' who told me about it couldn't say enough positive about it. I'm curious...
The problem has been that I haven't had an appetite, at least not for anything healthy. I crave sugar and lots of it. I want to eat ice cream, cake, cookies, candy, you name it. This is how I found out I can't eat chocolate because the twins don't do well after that.
But I think I am turning the corner. I think my appetite is coming back around with a little self-discipline and some prayer. I actually felt hungry this morning. I haven't felt hungry since I was pregnant.
And, we are getting back into the routine of going for walks. My sister-in-law is letting us borrow their double stroller so we can go on walks with all four little kiddos in a stroller.
They say twin-skin doesn't go away without, say, a tummy tuck. Since I am not even 2 months post-partum, I think I still hold on to naive hope.
What is 'twin-skin', you ask? Well, it kind of reminds one of a raisin, only maybe a little plumper. It can be viewed a couple of different ways. I like to see it this way: Battle scars of a battle fought well and something to be worn proudly. After all, I would do it all again, and looking at those two babies makes it all worth it.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Twin Birth Plan - Sample for a natural hospital birth
(Formatting from Word didn't copy over to here.
Apparently, our birth plan was a little controversial among some of the hospital administration and staff, but God worked it out that all the nurses working with us loved, or at least liked, our birth plan! We had so many people tell us what a blessing it was to be at our birth.
Just as a side note, we did have this birth for these babies, and it was awesome! To God be glory and honor and praise! He is faithful and loving.
And, by the way, my husband, Scott wrote this birth plan originally! Yeah, Scott!
I know that to some, natural birth and hospital don't go together in the same sentence, but it will serve a purpose for some.)
Twin Birth Plan
Name: Scott & Tonya
Midwife or OB: Dr. Tami
Pediatrician: Dr. Douglas
Professional Labor Assistant: Amber
Birth Center or Hospital: Medical Center
Approximate Due Date: 05/08/2008
We are very excited for the birth of our twins. As a couple, we have been educating ourselves on the advantages and techniques of natural child birth. Our goal in doing this is to have a delivery outcome whereby the mother and children are healthy and able to begin their journey together immediately. As a pregnant mother, I (Tonya) have not taken this responsibility lightly. Not only have I read and taken instruction in natural childbirth, I have been preparing my body for what is rightly called “labor”. I have maintained a healthy and well balanced diet full of protein and other essential vitamins and minerals. I have done cardio exercises, as well as practicing various positions. I realize that in order to have a natural child birth, neither I nor my husband can be passive participants.
Our decision to have a natural child birth has led us to the practice of Tammy, D.O. and to Medical Center, a hospital with a good reputation for supporting natural childbirth. We understand that the birth of twins may have a higher risk of complications and again affirm our #1 desire is to have a healthy mother and healthy children. To help you understand our view of what natural childbirth means to us, we have listed below some procedures for mother and children that we believe can affect the outcome of our birth. Please note that in the event of an emergency, our choices may change.
Requests in the event of normal birth
1) To have my husband, Scott, present throughout the labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period.
2) To have my birth attendant with me throughout the birth.
3) To allow my oldest daughter, Delainey, and my mother, Kathy, to witness the birth
4) To have no routine prep, including shaving and enema
5) To have limited vaginal exams, preferably at my request
6) To have lights dimmed, temperature warm, quiet voices and limited personnel
7) To have no sedatives, tranquilizers, pain medication, or anesthesia
8) To have no routine stimulants to start or speed up labor
9) To have no routine rupture of membranes
10) To have no routine IV; I realize there may be a need to secure an IV site due to a twin pregnancy
11) To have minimal electronic fetal monitoring
12) To bring and use during labor: music to play, olive oil to make compresses to relax perineum, other aids to relieve back pain, my own clothing, and other helps as needed.
13) To be free to walk around during labor – no routine confinement to bed and/or labor room
14) To have access to a birth ball and squatting bar
15) To have the option to modify delivery positions such as side, hands and knees, squatting, or whatever position feels best at the time.
16) To avoid a routine episiotomy
17) To delay cutting of the cords to allow the babies to obtain the maximum blood before cord stops pulsating
18) I would like to nurse each baby as soon as possible.
19) To try turning techniques, if needed, before birth of second baby
20) To allow adequate time for delivery of the placenta – no routine pitocin stimulant or manual removal
21) To have as early a discharge for the three of us as possible, barring complications, as I feel I will be able to rest better at home.
22) If the body temperature of either baby is of concern, the baby(ies) should be placed skin-to-skin with me and a warmed blanket will be spread over us. At no time will the babies be separated from me, or Scott, and placed in a warmer.
23) At no time should our babies be separated from us. All newborn care should be done in the same room with us.
24) We prefer that no eye drops or ointment be used in my babies' eyes.
25) Our babies should not be given any substance by mouth other than my breastmilk or colostrum. At no time should sterile water, glucose water, or formula of any kind be given. The babies will be allowed to nurse on demand, and no rubber nipples or pacifiers should be introduced.
26) We do not wish to have the babies’ blood glucose tested. If their blood sugar level is of concern, more frequent nursing will be encouraged, since maternal colostrum provides a healthier and more stable blood sugar level than processed glucose.
27) No soaps or disinfecting agents will be used to wash the babies, and vernix on their skin will be massaged into the skin rather than removed through washing. We will be responsible for the bathing of our babies.
28) Absolutely no procedure will be performed on our babies without our authorization, and either my husband or myself will be present for any procedure that is performed.
29) We do not wish to have the Vitamin K shot administered. There will be no circumcisions.
30) We do not wish for the PKU test, hearing test or infant immunizations to be administered in the hospital. It will be our responsibility to see that these tests are performed by a pediatrician at a later time.
We realize that this list is extensive, but please view it positively. This is Tonya’s 4th birth and we have become more informed with each succeeding child. We trust in the care that you can offer which is why we have chosen your hospital. We look forward to this experience and this partnership with the very special people on your staff. Thank you.
Apparently, our birth plan was a little controversial among some of the hospital administration and staff, but God worked it out that all the nurses working with us loved, or at least liked, our birth plan! We had so many people tell us what a blessing it was to be at our birth.
Just as a side note, we did have this birth for these babies, and it was awesome! To God be glory and honor and praise! He is faithful and loving.
And, by the way, my husband, Scott wrote this birth plan originally! Yeah, Scott!
I know that to some, natural birth and hospital don't go together in the same sentence, but it will serve a purpose for some.)
Twin Birth Plan
Name: Scott & Tonya
Midwife or OB: Dr. Tami
Pediatrician: Dr. Douglas
Professional Labor Assistant: Amber
Birth Center or Hospital: Medical Center
Approximate Due Date: 05/08/2008
We are very excited for the birth of our twins. As a couple, we have been educating ourselves on the advantages and techniques of natural child birth. Our goal in doing this is to have a delivery outcome whereby the mother and children are healthy and able to begin their journey together immediately. As a pregnant mother, I (Tonya) have not taken this responsibility lightly. Not only have I read and taken instruction in natural childbirth, I have been preparing my body for what is rightly called “labor”. I have maintained a healthy and well balanced diet full of protein and other essential vitamins and minerals. I have done cardio exercises, as well as practicing various positions. I realize that in order to have a natural child birth, neither I nor my husband can be passive participants.
Our decision to have a natural child birth has led us to the practice of Tammy, D.O. and to Medical Center, a hospital with a good reputation for supporting natural childbirth. We understand that the birth of twins may have a higher risk of complications and again affirm our #1 desire is to have a healthy mother and healthy children. To help you understand our view of what natural childbirth means to us, we have listed below some procedures for mother and children that we believe can affect the outcome of our birth. Please note that in the event of an emergency, our choices may change.
Requests in the event of normal birth
1) To have my husband, Scott, present throughout the labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period.
2) To have my birth attendant with me throughout the birth.
3) To allow my oldest daughter, Delainey, and my mother, Kathy, to witness the birth
4) To have no routine prep, including shaving and enema
5) To have limited vaginal exams, preferably at my request
6) To have lights dimmed, temperature warm, quiet voices and limited personnel
7) To have no sedatives, tranquilizers, pain medication, or anesthesia
8) To have no routine stimulants to start or speed up labor
9) To have no routine rupture of membranes
10) To have no routine IV; I realize there may be a need to secure an IV site due to a twin pregnancy
11) To have minimal electronic fetal monitoring
12) To bring and use during labor: music to play, olive oil to make compresses to relax perineum, other aids to relieve back pain, my own clothing, and other helps as needed.
13) To be free to walk around during labor – no routine confinement to bed and/or labor room
14) To have access to a birth ball and squatting bar
15) To have the option to modify delivery positions such as side, hands and knees, squatting, or whatever position feels best at the time.
16) To avoid a routine episiotomy
17) To delay cutting of the cords to allow the babies to obtain the maximum blood before cord stops pulsating
18) I would like to nurse each baby as soon as possible.
19) To try turning techniques, if needed, before birth of second baby
20) To allow adequate time for delivery of the placenta – no routine pitocin stimulant or manual removal
21) To have as early a discharge for the three of us as possible, barring complications, as I feel I will be able to rest better at home.
22) If the body temperature of either baby is of concern, the baby(ies) should be placed skin-to-skin with me and a warmed blanket will be spread over us. At no time will the babies be separated from me, or Scott, and placed in a warmer.
23) At no time should our babies be separated from us. All newborn care should be done in the same room with us.
24) We prefer that no eye drops or ointment be used in my babies' eyes.
25) Our babies should not be given any substance by mouth other than my breastmilk or colostrum. At no time should sterile water, glucose water, or formula of any kind be given. The babies will be allowed to nurse on demand, and no rubber nipples or pacifiers should be introduced.
26) We do not wish to have the babies’ blood glucose tested. If their blood sugar level is of concern, more frequent nursing will be encouraged, since maternal colostrum provides a healthier and more stable blood sugar level than processed glucose.
27) No soaps or disinfecting agents will be used to wash the babies, and vernix on their skin will be massaged into the skin rather than removed through washing. We will be responsible for the bathing of our babies.
28) Absolutely no procedure will be performed on our babies without our authorization, and either my husband or myself will be present for any procedure that is performed.
29) We do not wish to have the Vitamin K shot administered. There will be no circumcisions.
30) We do not wish for the PKU test, hearing test or infant immunizations to be administered in the hospital. It will be our responsibility to see that these tests are performed by a pediatrician at a later time.
We realize that this list is extensive, but please view it positively. This is Tonya’s 4th birth and we have become more informed with each succeeding child. We trust in the care that you can offer which is why we have chosen your hospital. We look forward to this experience and this partnership with the very special people on your staff. Thank you.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
What to Eat When You're Pregnant Part 1
Let me say this right up front and really loud: I AM NOT AN EXPERT. I have no official training. All I have learned is from my own reading and research, as well as some classes and experience. But I have become quite passionate about nutrition, especially during pregnancy. And the topic seemed much more vital to me with twins this time. So I am sharing some of my simple and humble suggestions for those who may need some ideas.
First, I want to mention the protein powder. I am not sure that it is a healthy substitute for protein, but I did use it to bolster my numbers. This is the best-tasting protein powder I have tried yet – Jay Robb’s Protein Powder (I have only tried the strawberry flavor so far.) I have been choosing non-soy protein powders and bars for the most part, mainly whey. This one is a whey powder from grass fed cows not treated with rBGH, and it is sweetened with stevia. It was much cheaper at the health food store than these online prices.
Protein powder can be added to smoothies and shakes, pancake mix, oatmeal, yogurt and berries, mostly any sauce you make like marinara sauces, pudding, and probably much more. Some recipes may not work as well with the flavored powders. Maybe I will post some of my favorite smoothie concoctions later.
Currently, I have a powder called Designer Whey, French Vanilla flavor. It is not my favorite. In fact, I don't care for the flavor it gives my smoothies much at all, but I have used it in pancakes and some other recipes. They have some recipes on their website. I mostly used their recipes to spur my imagination.
Okay, Breakfast. This is important – don’t skip it. Usually I eat 2 eggs (scrambled, in some sort of omelet form, or any way I can get them down…) thus fulfilling my daily quota for the Brewer Diet (which I highly recommend!). I add to the eggs two pieces of whole wheat or whole grain toast (lightly toasted) with Smart Balance spread (or sometimes coconut oil for a change of flavor. Coconut oil also counts as a good fat.). Often I have two or maybe three pieces of turkey bacon, too. Sometimes that is enough, and other days I add a piece of fruit, my favorite being an orange (may be too much sugar to process early in the morning).
I also want to mention some things about bread here. I know making your own is probably best, and at times I do, but that is not the norm and pregnancy is not always the time to make all new habits. So, keep these things in mind when choosing bread. Most, even whole wheats and grains, are made with high fructose corn syrup. It is best to avoid this when possible. Although sugar is sugar, it is better for your body to eat sugars as close as possible to their natural state (true for any food really). And high fructose corn syrup is a highly chemically processed "sugar".
There is much debate about what sweetener/sugar is better than another, so I will let you decide which one you should pick. I try to stay away from chemically processed artificial sweeteners as well, especially during pregnancy.
There is one bread that I found to be sugar-free - Mrs. Baird's Sugar Free Whole Grain Wheat Bread. It is not as dense as other breads, but it is not too bad for sugar free bread. It is good for those needing lower carbs.
Also, if it doesn't say 100% whole grain or whole wheat, then it probably isn't. It may be made with refined flour that has nutrients added back in. Most store-bought breads are made in such a way so as not to go rancid too quickly. Most grains begin the journey to rancidity almost as soon as they are milled. I used to eat cereal in the morning, but I have found that packaged cereal contains too much sugar for me to process in the morning. It takes your body longer in the morning to process sugars. If you do eat a good deal of sugars in the morning, exercise after breakfast helps process the glucose more quickly. A little cinnamon added to your toast can also be helpful in stabilizing blood sugar. By the way, exercise just needs to be about 15 minutes of movement, walking, bicycling, swimming, arm curls holding a can of beans.
I still eat Kashi Cinnamon Harvest from time to time for a sweet snack later in the day (along with a protein). I did eat Kashi GoLean Crunch for breakfast for awhile. It is not the yummiest cereal in the world, but since we don’t really care for the healthy oatmeal type cereal, this was a semi-healthy substitute. Ten grams of fiber per serving! And 13 grams of protein! (Keep in mind my daily protein goal is 160, so this is exciting news.) Oh, and since I don’t care for milk on my cereal, I didn’t have to worry about that added carb/sugar load in the morning.
I used to have smoothies in the morning and gave that up for the same reason I gave up the morning cereals. But I still have smoothies throughout the day – spinach smoothies, other veggie smoothies, fruit smoothies, milk & ice with a little stevia and mint flavored chlorophyll tastes really yummy! Add protein powder to any of the above to boost your protein numbers.
First, I want to mention the protein powder. I am not sure that it is a healthy substitute for protein, but I did use it to bolster my numbers. This is the best-tasting protein powder I have tried yet – Jay Robb’s Protein Powder (I have only tried the strawberry flavor so far.) I have been choosing non-soy protein powders and bars for the most part, mainly whey. This one is a whey powder from grass fed cows not treated with rBGH, and it is sweetened with stevia. It was much cheaper at the health food store than these online prices.
Protein powder can be added to smoothies and shakes, pancake mix, oatmeal, yogurt and berries, mostly any sauce you make like marinara sauces, pudding, and probably much more. Some recipes may not work as well with the flavored powders. Maybe I will post some of my favorite smoothie concoctions later.
Currently, I have a powder called Designer Whey, French Vanilla flavor. It is not my favorite. In fact, I don't care for the flavor it gives my smoothies much at all, but I have used it in pancakes and some other recipes. They have some recipes on their website. I mostly used their recipes to spur my imagination.
Okay, Breakfast. This is important – don’t skip it. Usually I eat 2 eggs (scrambled, in some sort of omelet form, or any way I can get them down…) thus fulfilling my daily quota for the Brewer Diet (which I highly recommend!). I add to the eggs two pieces of whole wheat or whole grain toast (lightly toasted) with Smart Balance spread (or sometimes coconut oil for a change of flavor. Coconut oil also counts as a good fat.). Often I have two or maybe three pieces of turkey bacon, too. Sometimes that is enough, and other days I add a piece of fruit, my favorite being an orange (may be too much sugar to process early in the morning).
I also want to mention some things about bread here. I know making your own is probably best, and at times I do, but that is not the norm and pregnancy is not always the time to make all new habits. So, keep these things in mind when choosing bread. Most, even whole wheats and grains, are made with high fructose corn syrup. It is best to avoid this when possible. Although sugar is sugar, it is better for your body to eat sugars as close as possible to their natural state (true for any food really). And high fructose corn syrup is a highly chemically processed "sugar".
There is much debate about what sweetener/sugar is better than another, so I will let you decide which one you should pick. I try to stay away from chemically processed artificial sweeteners as well, especially during pregnancy.
There is one bread that I found to be sugar-free - Mrs. Baird's Sugar Free Whole Grain Wheat Bread. It is not as dense as other breads, but it is not too bad for sugar free bread. It is good for those needing lower carbs.
Also, if it doesn't say 100% whole grain or whole wheat, then it probably isn't. It may be made with refined flour that has nutrients added back in. Most store-bought breads are made in such a way so as not to go rancid too quickly. Most grains begin the journey to rancidity almost as soon as they are milled. I used to eat cereal in the morning, but I have found that packaged cereal contains too much sugar for me to process in the morning. It takes your body longer in the morning to process sugars. If you do eat a good deal of sugars in the morning, exercise after breakfast helps process the glucose more quickly. A little cinnamon added to your toast can also be helpful in stabilizing blood sugar. By the way, exercise just needs to be about 15 minutes of movement, walking, bicycling, swimming, arm curls holding a can of beans.
I still eat Kashi Cinnamon Harvest from time to time for a sweet snack later in the day (along with a protein). I did eat Kashi GoLean Crunch for breakfast for awhile. It is not the yummiest cereal in the world, but since we don’t really care for the healthy oatmeal type cereal, this was a semi-healthy substitute. Ten grams of fiber per serving! And 13 grams of protein! (Keep in mind my daily protein goal is 160, so this is exciting news.) Oh, and since I don’t care for milk on my cereal, I didn’t have to worry about that added carb/sugar load in the morning.
I used to have smoothies in the morning and gave that up for the same reason I gave up the morning cereals. But I still have smoothies throughout the day – spinach smoothies, other veggie smoothies, fruit smoothies, milk & ice with a little stevia and mint flavored chlorophyll tastes really yummy! Add protein powder to any of the above to boost your protein numbers.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Getting closer to baby time!
I only have 14 weeks left in this pregnancy (till my "due date")! It seems like you have all the time in the world to get ready for a new baby, or two new babies. I mean, nine months is a long time. But last night when I realized 14 weeks, give or take, is all I have, I first became very excited, then I almost panicked thinking about what still needs to be done!
I know 14 weeks is still a long time to be big and pregnant and uncomfortable. I have been enjoying this pregnancy, though. I have enjoyed every little kick and twist and turn. I have taken great pleasure in knowing that I have the privilege of caring for two little babies at the same time in my womb. I have been able to pray special prayers and blessings for them that are just a little different than what I prayed for my singletons. And I have really been blessed by all I have been learning and changing in my life during this pregnancy.
Anyway, we are not anxious about the babies coming whenever they do. God will provide for our needs as he always does. We have wonderful family and friends around us to support us in prayer and in practicality, both of which we appreciate immensely. I can't wait to meet these two new family members God has chosen for us!
I know 14 weeks is still a long time to be big and pregnant and uncomfortable. I have been enjoying this pregnancy, though. I have enjoyed every little kick and twist and turn. I have taken great pleasure in knowing that I have the privilege of caring for two little babies at the same time in my womb. I have been able to pray special prayers and blessings for them that are just a little different than what I prayed for my singletons. And I have really been blessed by all I have been learning and changing in my life during this pregnancy.
Anyway, we are not anxious about the babies coming whenever they do. God will provide for our needs as he always does. We have wonderful family and friends around us to support us in prayer and in practicality, both of which we appreciate immensely. I can't wait to meet these two new family members God has chosen for us!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
How much protein does that have?
If you are searching for the amount of protein in a specific food, try this site for Nutrition Data.
We just came home from our weekly Bradley Birth classes. Tonight I won the nutrition sheet contest. I am not sure whether it was because I was only one of two moms that turned them in, or because I had the highest protein, or both. But I won a loaf of homemade, whole grain bread. It is so delicious; I have eaten almost half of it already!
According to my new favorite website for eating while pregnant with twins, the Brewer Diet, (oh, and my favorite 'twin' book Having Twins), I am supposed to have between 150-160 grams of protein a day with twins. My doctor said she would be happy if I keep it above 100. It has been difficult at times for me. I have never really given much thought to how much protein I do or don't eat. But now, I can tell you how much protein is in many a single food, and even give you a pretty good guesstimate on recipes if I know the ingredients.
(I use this website to help me figure protein amounts - nutritiondata.com.)
I have started adding wheat germ, nutritional yeast, flax seed, Bulgar, and other healthy means of extra protein (and fiber) to nearly everything we eat. We were already eating mostly whole grains when it comes to breads and pastas, so I guess it wasn't a huge leap to add a little more nutrition. Some days, I still resort to a protein bar if I need a little more for my protein count, but I am getting good at filling my diet with protein.
Now, I just need to work on the green veggies a little more. I make "green" smoothies often... Spinach, pear, and cucumber is a favorite. But I just don't seem to eat 3 a day.
Here is an ideal example of a good diet for a mom pregnant with twins. This is for one day. I realize some of these items may be debatable, such as the milk/dairy since many nutritionists say the milk we drink is not easily assimilated, but I will just type it as it was given to me.
4 servings milk/dairy - 8 oz each
2 eggs
10 servings of protein - 7 grams each (not counting the dairy & eggs)
3 servings dark green veggies
6 servings whole grains
4 servings vitamin C (from fruits & vegetables)
3 servings vitamin A (from fruits & vegetables)
5 servings fats & oils - about 1 Tablespoon each (good fats & oils only, please)
2 servings of salt - this is salt your food to taste (good sea salt or kosher salt & the sodium in most prepared foods doesn't count for good salt)
72 oz of water
1 snack - no further definition given. (I think this was put in there for people like me who feel they have to have something "yummy" every day, although even my snacks are getting healthier, such as the bread I won tonight.)
2 Supplements - prenatal vitamins, etc. Right now, mine include my health food store prenatals, Juice Plus, Vitamin C, and garlic. Oh, and milk thistle for extra liver support. Oh, and liquid chlorophyll for added support for my still expanding blood volume.
If my diet was excellent, I would probably forgo the extra supplements. But I am not there yet.
I think I left out the liver-if-you-like-it once a week and the potato 3 times a week because I don't care for either.
This class we discussed all the things we may or may not want to include in our birth plan. As always, I found it very interesting and informative. Have I mentioned I am loving these classes? I think I may want to be a Bradley instructor someday...
We just came home from our weekly Bradley Birth classes. Tonight I won the nutrition sheet contest. I am not sure whether it was because I was only one of two moms that turned them in, or because I had the highest protein, or both. But I won a loaf of homemade, whole grain bread. It is so delicious; I have eaten almost half of it already!
According to my new favorite website for eating while pregnant with twins, the Brewer Diet, (oh, and my favorite 'twin' book Having Twins), I am supposed to have between 150-160 grams of protein a day with twins. My doctor said she would be happy if I keep it above 100. It has been difficult at times for me. I have never really given much thought to how much protein I do or don't eat. But now, I can tell you how much protein is in many a single food, and even give you a pretty good guesstimate on recipes if I know the ingredients.
(I use this website to help me figure protein amounts - nutritiondata.com.)
I have started adding wheat germ, nutritional yeast, flax seed, Bulgar, and other healthy means of extra protein (and fiber) to nearly everything we eat. We were already eating mostly whole grains when it comes to breads and pastas, so I guess it wasn't a huge leap to add a little more nutrition. Some days, I still resort to a protein bar if I need a little more for my protein count, but I am getting good at filling my diet with protein.
Now, I just need to work on the green veggies a little more. I make "green" smoothies often... Spinach, pear, and cucumber is a favorite. But I just don't seem to eat 3 a day.
Here is an ideal example of a good diet for a mom pregnant with twins. This is for one day. I realize some of these items may be debatable, such as the milk/dairy since many nutritionists say the milk we drink is not easily assimilated, but I will just type it as it was given to me.
4 servings milk/dairy - 8 oz each
2 eggs
10 servings of protein - 7 grams each (not counting the dairy & eggs)
3 servings dark green veggies
6 servings whole grains
4 servings vitamin C (from fruits & vegetables)
3 servings vitamin A (from fruits & vegetables)
5 servings fats & oils - about 1 Tablespoon each (good fats & oils only, please)
2 servings of salt - this is salt your food to taste (good sea salt or kosher salt & the sodium in most prepared foods doesn't count for good salt)
72 oz of water
1 snack - no further definition given. (I think this was put in there for people like me who feel they have to have something "yummy" every day, although even my snacks are getting healthier, such as the bread I won tonight.)
2 Supplements - prenatal vitamins, etc. Right now, mine include my health food store prenatals, Juice Plus, Vitamin C, and garlic. Oh, and milk thistle for extra liver support. Oh, and liquid chlorophyll for added support for my still expanding blood volume.
If my diet was excellent, I would probably forgo the extra supplements. But I am not there yet.
I think I left out the liver-if-you-like-it once a week and the potato 3 times a week because I don't care for either.
This class we discussed all the things we may or may not want to include in our birth plan. As always, I found it very interesting and informative. Have I mentioned I am loving these classes? I think I may want to be a Bradley instructor someday...
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