Preconception planning is one of the most important decisions prospective parents can make. I didn’t realise how important it was until about a year into trying for a baby, I just thought yeah I should do that but I can’t be bothered or didn’t want to waste another 6 months detoxifing and preparing, now I realise that 6 months is nothing really especially if it can improve the health of your future offspring.

Firstly I reduced my intake of coffee, alcohol and tried to eat healthy but I had one problem… my husband! I love him dearly but he was initially reluctant to make the change, therefore it was harder for me to implement healthy changes when the temptation of unhealthy foods was always there in the fridge or pantry, I remember him eating his daily eggs, bacon, eating chocolate and drinking alcohol. It was frustrating as I was trying my best and putting all the effort which made me feel even more isolated. My hubby couldn’t understand why I was moody or grumpy, but deep down I was struggling with the choices he was making, so I decided to make an appointment with a naturopath and nutritionist to get an outside opinion hoping he would listen to them instead of me nagging all the time and it WORKED! I was so happy, his eyes opened up to why he should make the changes to help our dreams come true, after all males contribute up to 50% genetics and can be one of the reasons behind infertility. After all it takes two to tango.

It has always annoyed me that all the emphasis is put on the woman to be healthy and all that she has to give up to have a child, there is such a lack of awareness of men’s health and how it can impact the health of their future child, conception, miscarriage and infertility. I feel there needs to be more awareness amongst men and the wider community about the importance of their health. One thing I do not agree with is when some men (not all) get drunk and they assume their pregnant partner will drive them home, I find it very disrespectful. I believe they need to pull their weight and show some responsibility and I understand that not everyone will agree with me, that’s totally fine it is my opinion and I’m entitled to it.

After our appointment with the naturopath we started to implement changes to our diet and lifestyle which included cutting out alcohol, coffee, sugar, diary & gluten, I will explain why and more in more depth later on. I was willing to try anything to have a baby, coffee was the hardest however it was only when I stopped I realised how hypo and anxious it made me, it didn’t agree with me at all and I was addicted. We commenced taking recommended herbal supplementation and started a detox program to help prepare our bodies, it made us feel so much better and as an added bonus we lost over 30 kg of weight between us.

My husband started to feel less bloated, no indigestion/reflux, his allergies reduced significantly, he went from taking one anti-histamine a day to just one for the entire grain harvest which was over a period of six weeks. Not only that his skin cleared up and had a nice healthy glow, he started to get comments on how he looked which encouraged him to keep going. I was feeling great too, initially cutting out gluten and dairy was daunting and didn’t know where to start but now we are so used to it we wouldn’t look back.

I love Gabriela Rosa’s motto “Act pregnant now to get pregnant”. Often people wait for a positive pregnancy test in order to stop drinking alcohol and start eating the right foods, however we need to implement these changes well before we even think of conceiving a child. If you have the opportunity to give your future offspring the best start to life why wouldn’t you?

Interesting fact I learnt is that the health of the future generations can be influenced by our grandparents, parents and our own health. Take a step today to help make the next generations as healthy as possible in order to help prevent health issues and diseases in the future. If we do not make changes now sadly infertility rates will continue to rise due to our increased exposure to environmental toxins, processed foods, drugs & alcohol.

 

 

PRECONCEPTION TIPS –

 1. Seek help from qualified health professional

I highly recommend making an appointment with a natural health practitioner or integrative doctor to undergo necessary tests to find out if you and your partner have any deficiencies or underlying health problems. If needed your practitioner will prescribe you with high quality supplements suited to your needs, please do not-self prescribe.

2. 12o days preconception  

Implement a minimum of 120 day preconception diet and exercise plan for both partners. It takes 120 days for the egg and sperm to mature, therefore you can improve both the egg and sperm quality dramatically as well as reduce the chances of miscarriage and pregnancy complications by making healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle.

3. Remove toxins from your home

Your home is one place you can have control over what you are exposed to, start by replacing chemical cleaning and personal skin care products with natural ones, just be aware and read labels as some that are labelled ‘natural’ are not necessary true to label. You can also get back to basics and make your own cleaning products using eucalyptus or tea tree oil as a natural antibacterial, bicarbonate soda & vinegar.

4. Eat a healthy diet

This includes eating a variety of organic vegetables, good quality lean protein, fruits, nuts & seeds. When buying meat choose grass-fed, free range or organic where possible to avoid exposure to chemicals & added hormones. I live in a rural area when I can not buy organic I thoroughly wash all my fruit and vegetables in filtered water & vinegar with an Enjo fabric cleaning cloth.

5. Drink filtered water

Install a 3 stage 0.05- 1 micron water filter system, we bought ours from www.aquaport.com.au or alternatively buy a ceramic filter with Royal Doulton filter www.southerncrosspottery.com.au by filtering your water you will reduce you exposure to contaminants such as heavy metals, bacteria & fluoride. Avoid plastic drinking bottles and instead choose stainless steel or glass.

6. Reduce caffeine and alcohol

Ideally both partners should stop drinking alcohol & caffeine as they both can cause negative effects on fertility by increasing inflammation with in the body and affect the overall sperm quality for men.

7. Avoid dairy and gluten

They can also cause inflammation in the body and exacerbate conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids. Do not be concerned that you will not get enough calcium in your diet from consuming dairy, just make sure you include lots of dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds as they are a wonderful source of calcium.

8. Remove trans fat from your diet

Trans fats are also known as partially hydrogenated oils. Commonly found in most processed packaged foods, baked goods, cakes, cookies and fried foods, they can cause inflammation, glucose and insulin sensitivity. Studies have linked increased trans fat consumption to increased risk of infertility.

9. Avoid refined sugar

Instead choose a healthier alternative such as rapadura sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, rice malt syrup and honey. Use dates sparingly as they are high in fructose and just be conscious of your overall sugar intake keeping in mind that even too much off the good stuff can have adverse effects on your health.

10. Daily exercise

Last but not least incorporate daily exercise, it is very beneficial for both for your mental and physical health. Your lymphatic system has no pump therefore exercise will help your body remove toxins as well as get fit and lose weight if needed. It doesn’t need to be anything strenuous, walking is a great form of gentle exercise.

Hope that gives you some guidance so you know where to start, just take one step at a time so you are not overwhelmed by all the changes and begin by cleaning out your fridge and pantry to avoid the temptation of any unhealthy foods.

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step”.

 

Take care,

xx Rosy

 

 

Disclaimer: I am providing advice from personal experience only, I am not qualified health professional. Please do not make any changes with out seeking professional advice from your doctor or natural health practitioner.