Webchat about pregnancy and post-natal nutrition with Jane Clarke, Tuesday 7 February, 11am - midday

[RachelMumsnet]

We're running a webchat on Tuesday 7th February between 11am and midday about pregnancy and post-natal nutrition with Jane Clarke.

Mothers-to-be are bombarded with information on what to eat and what to avoid while pregnant and after the birth – but how much of it is useful, and how much can be ignored? Jane Clarke will be on-hand on Tuesday morning to answer all your questions and to give you the essential info on what's needed to provide the best nutrition for you and your baby.

Jane Clarke, BSc (Honours) SRD, is Britain’s most trusted nutritionist and believes that “food nourishes your life, not just your body”. As a qualified dietician, Jane spearheads nutrition and dietetic practices in London, advising some of Britain’s leading sportspeople and media personalities, while also continuing to treat children and adults.

Join us on Tuesday morning from 11am - midday or if you're unable to join then, post your question in advance on this thread.

@Barnettsbump

I’ve just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and really need some ideas for meal planning. I usually eat lots of fruit and also love carbs and have been told I should cut out both of these. I'm 22 weeks. Can you help? thanks

I'm sorry that you have been told to cut out fruit and carbs as I can't understand why, as simply reducing the quantities should help your body regulate its blood sugars more easily. Usually it's the sweet refined sugars the biscuits and cakes etc and sweet drinks, alongside the more sweet fruits like mango and pineapple which tend to cause more of an issue, as does using sugar in drinks so I'd be tempted to look at these ideas instead. If you're a big carb fan then see if changing to the whole grain pasta etc, as these fill you up more meaning you don't tend to want to eat as much...and they can be better for blood sugar control.

@eenymeany

Are there any particular foods to eat after a c section that can help with recovery?

I'd look to boosting your protein rich foods such as those containing eggs( think frittata which you can find on my website ) chicken, fish, meat etc, as these can help repair, as can boosting your vitamin C intake, from all the fresh veggies and fruits( also frozen fruits and veg can be rich in vitamin c too so this can be more practical). One thing to watch are the foods which bloat you as this is the last thing you need so watch foods like beans, lentils, cabbage, cauliflower as these can cause more wind. Settling teas for this include fennel and fresh ginger

@eenymeany

Are there any particular foods to eat after a c section that can help with recovery?

Unfortunately, due to the site going down, Jane has run out of time and had to leave us but she has kindly offered to finish the rest of the answers later today and we'll upload them as soon as possible. Thanks

Thank you Jane!

I look forward to seeing the other answers!

@krisskross

I'd love ideas for healthy, filling snacks. I am 29 weeks and seem to be constantly ravenous.

So sorry for the delay in replying, they had a tech glitch and then it's been half term with my daughter Maya. Thinking snacks, I'd go first to soups, which if you can make a big batch ahead then freeze in small portions, they can be defrosted in minutes in a microwave, for ravenous moments when you perhaps think you don't need to extra calories. But if you're wanting something more substantial, then I'd go for something oatcake based, such as oatcake with hummus or a nut butter, or pure fruit spread. One thing to check though before you hit the snacks hard, is if you're actually hungry or thirsty, by having a glass of water or a herbal infusion first and then see if you're still in need of food afterwards, as our body can trick us into eating too much

@Williethewizard

I have suffered with bad post-partum hair loss since the my dd (6 mo) was born. Can you suggest any food or dietary supplements that will help with this?

The first thing to check is if you're anaemic or have a low ferritin store( this can be checked by your GP) as these both can explain hair loss. If you are anaemic then it'll possibly be necessary for you to take an iron supplement, which your GP will prescribe but if you're wanting to do things naturally ( assuming that you are either not anaemic or your GP says it's fine to correct it diet wise) then it's the iron rich foods, the lean red meat, dark green leafy veg, eggs, pulses etc...you'll see another answer regarding iron from another member of the community, so check that out. Hair loss can also be a symptom of thyroid problems, so it's worth asking your GP to check that at the same time. Lack of protein can exacerbate hair loss, but I'd look to the others first.

@Magicpenny

Hi Jane, I have two young children aged 4 and 3 and just had my third baby. He’s 4 weeks old and as you can imagine I’m pretty exhausted at the moment. I seem to be producing enough milk for him during the day but in the evenings I don’t think I have enough milk and he’s screaming all evening - just at the time my other 2 are getting tired and need lots of attention. A friend said this is because I’m so tired. Can you suggest any foods that help with milk production and also keep my energy levels up - particularly for the evening.

You do have your hands full and it might well be that exhaustion is meaning your milk supply isn't plentiful enough. Are you eating enough calories during the day,? Keep a diary for a few days and check on this, also it might be worth expressing some milk during your better day light hours which can give you that extra support when he's at his most ravenous, it could be that you need some more later in the day snacks, trying to aim for every couple of hours have a little something nourishing to eat. You could try baking some cereal bars, or ask a friend.there are some great recipes on my website www. Nourishbyjaneclarke.com such as the soups and snack bars.

Great!!!