Pre-conception preparation applies to anyone thinking about having a baby – whether you are first-time parents or are looking to add to your family. In some instances, it is almost more important for the second, third or more times parent to give pre-conception preparation careful consideration.
While I have helped many first-time parents realise their dream of starting a family, I also see many mums who are either already pregnant with their second, or third, child or struggling to conceive again.
Let’s look at the mum who already has one or more children:
Any parent of toddlers or young children will agree that looking after their family is a full-time job. There’s no clocking off – you are on duty 24 hours, 7 days a week, for many years.
So it doesn’t come as a surprise that conceiving a second (or third, fourth, etc) child may be taking longer than expected. Or that, if you do conceive, you find yourself struggling with extreme nausea, fatigue or succumbing to colds or ‘flu.
In my book I briefly discuss how important it is that every mum takes the time to allow her body to fully recover post birth. With baby taking centre stage, parents need to also look after their health, diet, and ensure that adequate rest is taken by both.
Even if you think you are fine, please revisit the early chapters of my book and refresh your memory on the importance of preparing your body (both mum and dad) before trying to have another baby. Once you are pregnant, many of the treatments available to ease symptoms are not suitable for you due to possible damage to your baby’s health.
How to Have a Healthy Baby is a health resource that can be used by families of all ages.
