Nurturing A Conscious Conception: A Guide to Preconception Holistic Wellness
Deciding to embark on the journey of motherhood or parenthood is the first step on a profound and transformative path. It's a journey marked by countless decisions, from the moment you embrace the idea of becoming a mother to nurturing your child through adulthood. Amidst this whirlwind of choices, I'm here to offer a fresh perspective—one that aims to alleviate decision fatigue and foster a deeply nurtured experience for both you and your future child.
Let's confront a common misconception: the fear of discussing the realities of pregnancy and childbirth. While some may shy away from candid conversations to avoid "scaring" others, I believe knowledge is power. Ignorance or misinformation only perpetuate unnecessary risks and challenges. People should be informed so that they can make INFORMED decisions that are in alignment with one’s beliefs…but critical thinking is not often awarded or applauded in Western society because critical thinkers cannot be controlled…and it’s much easier to tell people how to have a child in a way that is convenient to the provider and not for them to have multiple personalized experiences per day. By shedding light on the biological processes involved in conception, pregnancy, and birth, we empower individuals to make informed decisions and navigate their journey with confidence.
Often, the importance of nutrition and wellness may not fully resonate until one is faced with the reality of pregnancy. However, I believe it's crucial to emphasize these aspects long before conception occurs. After all, a fetus is akin to a seed, drawing its sustenance from the soil in which it's planted—the mother/birthing person's body. From the earliest stages, the developing fetus relies on a steady supply of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to form the foundation of its growing body. That developing body takes what it needs from the person who is carrying it. Nature always prioritizes new life and will draw from the resources around it for life to propagate and proliferate. These nutrients will literally be sucked out of your body. It's a miraculous yet demanding process, one that underscores the vital role of maternal nutrition and well-being.
So, where do we begin? Let's start with a physical checklist:
Preconception Nutrition: Prioritize essential nutrients such as folate (the bioavailable version of folic acid), calcium, and iron to support early fetal development. These are some of the most important vitamins and minerals to have during the first couple of weeks of pregnancy as this is when the baby’s neural tube that will develop into the central nervous system are formed.
Prenatal Vitamins: Consider incorporating prenatal supplements into your routine, ideally six months before conception. I have incorporated NEEDED prenatal vitamins and collagen into my daily routine. I have noticed a significant difference especially before and during my menstrual cycle. **Click here to shop NEEDED’s products and use code: JCHAVAE 20% discount on your first month of a subscription.
Whole Foods Diet: Evaluate your current eating habits and explore ways to incorporate more whole foods into your meals. I am not a fan of “diets” or eliminating foods, but more so what foods can be added to what you already eat to balance and round out your nutrition.
Healthcare Providers: Establish a team of medical professionals—including doctors, naturopaths, midwives, chiropractors, body workers, and nutritionists—to support you throughout your journey.
Questions to ask yourself:
We know that every pregnancy is not planned. So what can you do to ensure that you are nutritionally shored up BEFORE you conceive? Do you know if you are deficient in any vitamins or nutrients? Some experts recommend taking prenatal vitamins for at least six months before attempting to conceive.
What prenatal vitamins will you take?
What do your eating habits look like now? Where can your eating habits improve? Is there any way to increase or center meals that are based on whole foods?
Do you have access to fresh and whole foods? For those in the United States, is there a co-op, farmer’s market, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Sprouts, or Whole Foods near you that you can access? You can find co-ops, farmer’s markets and more at Local Harvest.
What are some values and beliefs that you would like your providers to share? Does it matter if they are your same skin color or gender? How is important is it to you that your provider knows and respects your gender and/or sexual orientation? Do you want your provider to share religious beliefs? Does your provider need to be trauma-informed?
Who are your medical professional providers (doctors, naturopaths, midwives, chiropractors, nutritionists, masseuse, etc.)?
Next, let's address the mental and emotional aspects:
Mental Preparedness: Reflect on your readiness to embrace parenthood and identify actionable steps to enhance your confidence and resilience.
Relationship Dynamics: Anticipate the changes that pregnancy and parenthood will bring to your family dynamic, and proactively nurture your relationships.
Emotional Support: Cultivate a strong support network of friends, family, and professionals who can provide guidance and empathy.
Self-Care Practices: Prioritize self-care routines that promote mental well-being and emotional balance.
Questions to ask yourself:
Mental
How mentally prepared are you to receive this child? If you do not feel prepared, what are 3 things you can do to feel more prepared?
How much do you know about the changes that are going to happen to your body and your family with the introduction of this child? What mental support do you have or do you need to put in place to keep your relationships together?
What do you need to build up your mental resilience for childbirth pain and postpartum discomfort or exhaustion?
Do you have morning and/or evening routines to center yourself?
Emotional
Do you feel supported? If not, what do you need to feel supported? In what areas of your life do you need to feel more supported?
Who is a part of your emotional support team?
Who are your communal and familial support?
Do you have a person or a place to vent to and/or release pent up energy and emotions?
Do you have a partner or partners that are caring, open-minded, and available?
How do you manage pain, discomfort, and exhaustion?
And don't forget the spiritual dimension:
Personal Refuge: Identify spaces and practices that bring you solace and replenish your spirit.
Wellness Rituals: Explore spiritual and wellness rituals that align with your beliefs and nourish your soul.
Energy Management: Develop strategies for maintaining spiritual hygiene and sustaining your energy throughout your journey.
Spiritual questions to ask
Where are your places of refuge?
Where can you go and who can you go with to feel at peace?
What practices restore your spirit?
What does your life look like when your spiritual hygiene is lacking? What are the wellness and spiritual rituals that fortify you?
In the spiritual or non-physical sense, whether you are preparing to grow and have a human child or not, it is also best to prepare to undergo the journey. What are you going to need for your journey to sustain you? What spiritual hygiene needs to be reinforced or started to keep your energy up? What and where are your resources that are available to you?
Remember, preparing for parenthood is not just about physical readiness—it's a holistic endeavor that encompasses mind, body, and spirit. Whether you're actively planning to conceive or simply considering the possibility in the future, now is the time to prioritize your well-being and lay the groundwork for a healthy, fulfilling journey. If your intention is to conceive, whether now or down the road, I would highly suggest tapping into your nutrition and wellness as soon as possible aka NOW. Let’s be PROACTIVE instead of REACTIVE. Let’s make consciously informed decisions to birth better generations.
As part of my commitment to supporting expectant parents, I'm diligently researching and preparing comprehensive informational books, slated for completion by the end of 2024, as well as virtual and in-person workshops. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to embark on this transformative journey with confidence and clarity.
Together, let's embark on this journey with purpose and preparation.
Ps.
Happy Black Maternal Health Week!
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For more fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum education, please visit A Nurtured Birth and hire me to be your personal support.