Diet for Pregnant and Nursing Mothers

Reposting from dear friend Caitlin's blog

 

Foods to eat while pregnant or nursing:

(Taken from this article via the Weston A Price Foundation)

• Cod Liver Oil to supply 20,000 IU vitamin A and 2000 IU vitamin D per day (2 teaspoons)*
• 1 quart (or 32 ounces) whole milk daily, preferably raw and from pasture-fed cows*
• 4 tablespoons butter daily, preferably from pasture-fed cows
• 2 or more eggs daily, preferably from pastured chickens
• Additional egg yolks daily, added to smoothies, salad dressings, scrambled eggs, etc*.
• 3-4 ounces fresh liver, once or twice per week*
• Fresh seafood, 2-4 times per week, particularly wild salmon, shellfish (NO! ignore that) and fish eggs*
• Fresh beef or lamb daily, always consumed with the fat*
• Oily fish or lard daily, for vitamin D*
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil daily, used in cooking or smoothies, etc.*
• Lacto-fermented condiments and beverages*
• Bone broths used in soups, stews and sauces*
• Soaked whole grains
• Fresh vegetables and fruits

IMPORTANT WARNING: Cod liver oil contains substantial levels of omega-3 EPA, which can cause numerous health problems, such as hemorrhaging during the birth process, if not balanced by arachidonic acid (ARA), an omega-6 fatty acid found in liver, egg yolks and meat fats.  Please do not add cod liver oil to a diet that is deficient in these important animal foods. It is important to follow our diet for pregnant mothers in its entirety, not just selected parts of it.

Additional Notes:

• Tips for incorporating everything: The cod liver oil, organs, egg yolks, and fats are the highest priority as they're richest in the fat-soluble vitamins. Try raw milk cheese instead of liquid cheese for less bulk. Focus on protein and fat over the grains and fruit/veg as they're more nutrient dense. Cook everything with plenty of fat. Have a glass of milk with each meal. Use broth to make gravy for the meat, or make a stew. Have a bit of sauerkraut with each meal. Then if you have room eat some vegetables or grains.
•  Example of a day's meals: eggs for breakfast, liver or seafood for lunch, dinner meat.  

*need to do!
 {So, not a lot of chicken.... Welll, I would add chicken stock and nuts}