Nutrition for end of pregnancy, postpartum and avoiding migraines!

[Alissa]

Hello- My name is Alissa and I'm happy to have this wonderful resource.

I am 34 weeks pregnant with my third child and thinking about postpartum nutrition and avoiding migraines.  Prior to this pregnancy I was suffering from migraines (they started when my second son was about 1 year old, so 2 years ago)  After trying numerous approaches I finally took gluten out of my diet about 9 months ago (soon before I became pregnant.)  This finally worked and I can feel an overall improvement in my health.  Along with taking out gluten, and increasing greens I have taken supplements of magnesium, Vit. D, Folapro, B12, zinc, and also been more regular about eating fish and until I ran out of it, was taking a fermented fish oil from Blue Ice.

So in many ways I believe I have improved my nutritional status, but I am by no means perfect!  As I head into the last weeks of pregnancy I would like some advice on the most important nutrients to include in my diet, and whether there are things you believe it's especially important to avoid. Sometimes pregnancy can stop women from having migraines.  I'm so worried that this is the case with me and that they'll start up again after I have the baby- no!!! can't function with them!

I do think that I started getting migraines from my body being depleted and I have a very fast metabolism and tend to drop weight like crazy while I'm breastfeeding.  I want to go into the birth as optimally nourished as possible and then keep it up.  I'm hoping that will not only keep migraines away, but also help me be a happy mama as I welcome this newest child.

Ideas?

[Pat Robinson]

Magnesium is deficient in most Americans, especially pregnant and nursing women. Some need upwards of 800mg a day, in divided doses. The RDA is 400mg. Here are some food sources:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=75
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/magnesium.asp

Nettles infusion are magnificent for minerals. Here is more about herbal infusions and their mineral content. http://www.thehealthyvillage.com/herbal-medicine/nourishing-and-ton...

And from Susun Weed, Herbs for Pregnancy: http://www.herbshealing.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htm

I was just reading about aromatherapy for migraines: Lavender, Peppermint, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Marjoram, Valerian, Eucalyptus, Spike Lavender, Neroli
http://www.naturesgift.com/physical.htm#ixzz0ubt2Pctk


Here are a few more threads with info about migraine alternatives, including prevention:
http://heal-thyself.ning.com/profiles/blogs/migraines-1
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=1122875&h...
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=999950&hi...


And folate and probiotics help migraines also and are both critical for immune support with birthing. Food folate sources are beans, greens, legumes and liver. Whole food probiotics are kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi. These are all easy to make at home and very inexpensive.

The most simple additions are kefir, nettles infusions and green smoothies, ime.

Pat

[Alissa]

Thanks Pat!

[Yvonne LV]

you may also want to look into proper alignment for your body.. Such as making sure your head is slid back, rather than hanging forward.. That'll give anyone headaches!

I like www.katysays.com and have ordered 3 of her DVDs and am just wowed at my own improvement.. from having to use walking aids to being independent within 3 weeks! Hence my suggestion.

[Alissa]

Ooh- good link Yvonne.