pregnancy week 11-week 15: addressing anemia, supplements, and pregnancy nutrition

Are you currently pregnant and wondering what you should be feeling or eating to fuel your baby and your body? I have a couple suggestions for you that have worked for me. Especially as a new soon-to-be mommy, sometimes it's difficult to know which sources to trust and how to get the proper nutrition and supplements.

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​We were in Tahoe the week before last, so I’ve included some photos from our trip. Duke and I snowboarded 3 days and Mama Cate (my wonderful and adventurous mom) skied. I’m so so happy I decided to board and grateful I felt well enough! Kai also busted out his moves in ski school for 3 days. He skied 3 days last year in Snowmass at age 3 1/2 and loved it. We were so proud of him for doing so well and getting on the chair lift several times this trip. Go Kai! The weather was entirely EPIC with blue skies, no crowds, and waist deep powder for our amazing tree runs! We even lost power for about 12 hours or so and our hotel spoiled all the guests with a beautiful meal on the house. I guess too much snow is a problem! ​

SECOND TRIMESTER: OVER "THE HUMP"
Now at 15 weeks I’m feeling good -praise the Lord! I feel like almost the entire month of January (or since New Year’s Eve) my immune system was the weakest it’s been during this pregnancy. I had a little cold the end of December to early January and then Duke, Kai, and I got hit hard with a stomach bug- it was pretty awful and hilarious at the same time. First Kai, then about two days later I got it, and then Duke one day later.  It was basically a 24-hour flu but for about a week, or even a little more, my body had a hard time recuperating. I had weird headaches, which I’ve never had in my life, I was exhausted and altogether felt blah.
 
My 12 week ultrasound appointment took place just before this. I was feeling pretty good but tired and not working out consistently like I thought I hoped to. The appointment went well. Duke had a shoot and was unable to come so I brought Kai, my mom, and my mother-in-law. It was special for all of us but especially for them. And Nancy, my mother-in-law, had never seen an ultrasound before!
 
We got to hear the baby’s heart beat and he was measured and such. Everything was all good and all my genetic testing came back negative (always a relief). The nurse did say that Baby B was measuring a tiny bit big, but it’s not a concern. Isn’t it funny how they can gauge that? I know it’s not 100% accurate, so I keep that in mind and really could care less. Well… I’d like to have another 6 pound 6 ounce baby (with a small head) since I will have a natural birth again. And yes, the thought of having a bigger baby than that makes me cringe a little bit. Haha! I’ll get thru it. : )
 
DIAGNOSED WITH ANEMIA:
On the other hand, my blood test showed I’m slightly anemic and my vitamin d levels are a little lower than where they’d like them. The nurse practitioner had no real advice for me, but I knew I was going to call my naturopath and nutritionist to get the down low on what I should do. I was surprised to hear I had a bit of anemia, especially so early on in the pregnancy.
 
Calf Liver WHAT?!
A couple days later I made an appointment with my naturopath, Dr. Koren Barrett, and had copies of my blood work printed out so she would have something very specific to go off of. She gave me a list of iron rich foods and told me to eat chicken or calf liver once a week and printed out a recipe for me. Um…. Seriously? I don’t know about you, but anything “liver” is NOT on my food list. In fact, I’ve never had the desire to even try it. However, to my surprise it has 10 grams plus of iron, so needless to say, I will be eating liver once a month. If anyone has any brilliant recipes, please send comment below! Just the look of it creeps me out! : )
 
SUPPLEMENTS:
I am now taking a Vitamin D supplement and an iron supplement along with my other prenatal vitamins. I’m drinking way more water now and add a “no crap” ingredient filled electrolyte mix which gives me a boost and actually helps me drink more.
ADDITIONAL "PRENATAL" SUPPLEMENTS I'M TAKING:

1. MULTI-VITAMIN: SHAKLEE
2. VITAMIN C: SHAKLEE
3. OMEGA GUARD: SHAKLEE
4. VITAMIN D: THORNE
5. 5-MTHF: THORNE
6. PROBIOTIC: VSL #3
7. IRON: VITAL PROTEINS GRASS FED PASTURE RAISED BEEF LIVER

 
PHYSICAL:
As I mentioned, I am feeling good now. I do have moments of feeling very tired here and there, which is most likely due to my anemia, but I’m very conscious of my protein intake and the foods I’m feeding my body and Baby B. I don’t have a noticeable “bump”, but I my uterus is definitely large and in charge. I’m slightly in the awkward can’t-tell-if-she’s-pregnant-or-not phase. When I eat or drink anything, I feel about 6 or 7 months pregnant. My boobs are still tender and HUGE. After nursing Kai for two years, I must say I’m loving the fullness of my girls. Holler! My face still breaks out (am I a teenager?) but has it’s clear days. When they say each pregnancy is very different from the other, I definitely have to attest to that. My face was incredibly clear when I was pregnant with Kai, AND I slept wonderfully and through the night (until right up to about 8 months or so. I think I’ve not woken up to pee only 2 or 3 times since I was 5 weeks preggers! It definitely affects my tiredness level and my overall mental and physical state. With all that being said, I am still loving being pregnant!
 
MENTAL:
It is well with my soul! We’re having a baby and things are going smoothly. What more could I ask? I think the two things that are most often on my mind are ideas for the nursery and wondering what Baby B is going to look like! I also think about when he will actually arrive. Before or after Kai’s birthday? Or maybe even ON Kai’s 5th birthday. Wouldn’t that be a trip!?
 
SPIRITURAL:
I’m at peace with all things and am so incredibly grateful for my husband and for Kai man. We continue to pray for Baby B and the birth and all that is to come.

FOOD: FUELING MY BODY THE RIGHT WAY
As I’ve mentioned in the past, I do my best to have at least 70-80 grams of protein a day. I also make a point if having eggs often. I don’t have them everyday but am working on it. I only buy organic pasture raised eggs. I still love my protein smoothies and am eating more greens, especially spinach, since it is high in iron.

• Breakfast- is probably my favorite meal where I have overnight oats with berries and chia seeds with no sugar added, eggs with sourdough toast, sliced oranges, and avocado, or regular hot gluten free organic oatmeal with two eggs. If I don’t have enough protein in the morning, I feel lethargic throughout my day but know I need to consume enough protein to give me a boost. I FIRMLY believe in protein shakes. If you are feeling sick, go for one at every meal if food doesn't sound appetizing. I like my chocolate bone broth protein by Ancient Tradition. Eat up, mamas!
• Lunch- this meal is sometimes similar to breakfast. I have been focusing on getting more iron so I will steam about 3 large handfuls of power greens, which kale, spinach, chard, and another green of some sort. I love egg salad and tons of avocado. I'm definitely avoiding any deli meats as they contain harmful nitrates and tuna because of the mercury levels. There is, however, a great brand of tuna I found called Safe Catch Tuna which has the lowest mercury of any brand! Another great option I love is lentil soup. Lentils make me feel very energetic. It's best to buy them organic, along with other types of legumes, and soak them before cooking them. However, since I haven't found myself doing that, a quick option is to buy an organic boxed soup. Amy's Organic Soups are my favorite, although they are not boxed. Sometimes they say BPA Free. I'm assuming all the cans are, but I would double check. Click HERE to read how Dawn Gifford recommends ways to avoid toxins and the truth behind commercial plastics and packaging.
• Dinner- I like to have a protein- either organic chicken or ground turkey, or I'll choose grass-fed beef. I also focus on having wild salmon a couple times a month. I'll usually serve this with quinoa, brown rice, and/or a vegetable such as brussel sprouts, green beans, zucchini, squash, or a sweet potato (which is a root vegetable). I also most often make a simple green salad and make my own dressing since most of the store bought salad dressings contain sugar and/or bad oils that are heated at high temperatures which ARE NOT good for you or baby. My go-to salad dressing consists of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Himalayan sea salt, and lemon. Viola! 

 
FITNESS: KICKING IT INTO GEAR
This past week I went to cardio boxing and cardio kickboxing class 3 different days. My goal is do that class Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and hopefully make it to a class Saturday morning. I am really excited about feeling strong again after not having a consistent workout routine the last few months. I can box, kickbox, squat, do push-ups, kettle bell swings, burpies, plank, and burn a crazy sweat! I only modify a couple things but primarily do lower body and core exercises and avoid crunches, oblique work, etc. If you are struggling to find the motivation to work out, get a workout buddy or go to a class where someone can instruct you and push you to get your sweat on. You will most likely have an easier birth and your baby will love you for it! Get your heart rate up and do what you can. Obviously, you must know your limits so don’t overdo it.  ; )
 
Well, that’s about it for now ya’ll! Phew! I’m excited to watch this baby and belly grow and am savoring each moment. If any of you have questions about anything please do not hesitate to reach out!
 
All My Love,
 
Cate