I recently had the pleasure of catching up with my daughter for a few hours over coffee to chat, just the two of us – a rare indulgence reminiscent of those conversations which gave rise to my book.
As usual we got to chatting about babies and toddlers, and those in our lives who were either trying to fall pregnant, those who were experiencing the joys of pregnancy, and those who already had children.
Investing in your child’s health
What is the best way to invest in your future child’s health? I’m not talking about starting a savings account for their future use, but giving them the very best chance at living a long and healthy life.
When we think about having a baby, focus is usually on falling pregnant. Which is understandable but what about the long-term implications for the health of your baby?
When chatting with people, it generally does not take long before someone shares that they, a friend or family member, have a child which was born with a serious health condition, is constantly sick requiring medical support, or has been diagnosed on the Spectrum – that is the Autism Spectrum which encompasses a range challenges relating to social, communication, and behaviour which may be diagnosed as ADD, ADHD, or Asperger’s.
I have seen many children on the spectrum in my clinic over the years which also prompted me to title my book How to Have a Healthy Baby as the health of our children lies within our power to influence. This is not a focus of mainstream information when it comes to all things baby-related. When there are problems conceiving, advertisements focus on the woman and IVF. When babies are born unwell, it is called congenital. When toddlers develop behavioural challenges, they are prescribed medication. But what is so blatantly missing from all the information is the question WHY is this happening? Even without referring to official data, you just have to visit your local school to witness the ever increasing number of children requiring special assistance. So, why is this happening?
There are many factors involved
In Chapter 4 of my book, I focus heavily on environmental toxins. These are invisible and inherent in our modern lives where chemicals are sprayed on the foods we eat, artificial additives and synthetic vitamins are added during the processing of many common foods. Stark changes to food production and agriculture saw the introduction of genetically modified crops heavily sprayed with glyphosate. A process that strongly correlates with rises in ill-health and behavioural issues. You can read all about this damaging substance in Dr Stephanie Seneff’s book Toxic Legacy.
Alongside a frightening increase in environmental toxins, which also include plastics and hormone dysregulating chemicals, we have witnessed a strong trend away from preparing home cooked meals opting instead for fast-food and take-away options. Meals are no longer a time when the whole family gathers around the dining table to discuss and share the experiences of the day, but rather highly processed, nutrient deficient, fast options consumed in front of a screen.
Nutrients are building blocks
Our body is made up of trillions of cells and trillions of microbes without which we could not survive. Nutrients, such as the amino acids which make up proteins, are building blocks for the structural components of our body – bones, muscles, tendons, skin, blood, hair, nails, hormones, nerve tissue, and neurotransmitters. Other nutrients including minerals and vitamins can be likened to the builders assembling amino acids into structural tissue or signalling messengers. Other essential nutrients include fatty acids and good oils needed to maintain healthy nerve tissue including our brain.
These nutrients have to come from the food we consume. You can choose to eat fresh, whole, organic produce which is grown without chemicals in nutrient-rich soils, or you can opt for nutritionally-deficient, genetically modified, chemically laden food imposters. You don’t need a science degree to know which option is going to be better for your and your children’s health.
Especially throughout pregnancy, consuming fresh whole foods is essential as you are ‘building’ new tissue every single day and what you construct throughout gestation will determine the health, or otherwise, of your baby.
So how do these things relate to the health of your children?
In my book I explain the importance of preparing your body (this applies to both parents) well before conceiving. Two extreme situations come to mind – one is a couple who had been trying to conceive naturally for a number of years, doing what they thought were all the right things and eventually seeking the guidance of a qualified naturopath. Further assessment revealed the presence of parasites and following a comprehensive treatment to clear these from the body and repair any related damage, the couple have finally conceived their long-wished-for baby.
The other example is a couple who committed to preparing their bodies prior to trying for their first baby. The father-to-be was committed and completely gave up alcohol. After three months without alcohol, they began ‘trying’ but nothing happened. Upon reviewing his diet, which was full of ultra-processed sugar-laden snacks, a few recommendations for improvements were made. After only four weeks on the new “diet”, they conceived.
A third example relates to a couple who decided to have a child together. I recommended comprehensive blood pathology for both of them. The father-to-be felt these were unnecessary as he had a few tests two years prior which came back “fine”. The woman’s results highlighted a few concerning red flags but despite these and despite possible long-term health consequences for herself and her future child, the couple decided not to wait and began trying to conceive. It is now more than three months later, the time-frame that had been recommended for treatment, and they are still trying.
Sometimes impediments to conception can be relatively simple (as in dietary and lifestyle adjustments), while in others more assessment is needed to reveal deep seated underlying causes. Either way, seeking the guidance and support of a qualified naturopath who works alongside your doctor is always the best place to begin your investment in having a healthy baby.
While we can invest up to two years planning for a wedding which lasts for a few hours, more focus needs to be placed on the importance of investing time in the health of our future children. Having a baby is more that conception – it is about creating a new life, for the lifetime of that child. So doing the preparation, whether it is for three, six or even twelve months, is a drop in the bucket when compared to your child’s future lifetime.
There are so many things you can control so please get a copy of my book which is available from Amazon and other online book sellers.
