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Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

Avoids List for Every Expecting Parent-to-be…

Depending on where you live in the world, what’s the bet you get told: “Do this, do that. Avoid this, avoid that”. So much so, we start freaking out when we’re pregnant, paranoid at the sight of food and even at the thought of sitting next to someone with a sniffle. Well, bubbles don’t exist but please don’t let this ruin your magical journey. Instead, we’re arming you with no-fuss general recommendations and supplying you with the rightful foods to avoid during pregnancy. Here’s to a happy, healthy (and relaxed) birthing journey!

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

  • Raw meat, raw fish, deli meats, raw egg, undercooked chicken all pose a risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, listeria, salmonella and toxoplasmosis.
  • Soft cheeses such as camembert, brie, blue vein and queso blanco can contain listeria.
  • Fish with possible higher levels of mercury include tuna, shark, barracuda, swordfish and king mackerel.
  • Shellfish may contain higher levels of industrial pollutants.
  • Caffeine is a stimulant and can inhibit the absorption of iron. Should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in 1st
  • Sugars, artificial sweeteners, refined carbohydrates and deep-fried foods are to be avoided to minimise food additive exposure, reduce the risk of gestational diabetes as well as excessive weight gain.
  • Acidic, fatty and spicy foods may aggravate morning sickness (1st trimester) and heartburn (3rd trimester).
  • Avoid alcohol, cigarette smoke, recreational drugs and over the counter prescription medications and toxic chemicals (some household cleaning products) for the duration of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Instead, check out our eco-cleaning products.
  • Check out our post on Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy for a complete naturopathic guide for every trimester.
  • For further information, check out Healthline’s 11 Food and Beverages to Avoid During Pregnancy.
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20 TOP PARENTING TIPS FROM A MUM OF ADULT CHILDREN

First things first

1. There is no such thing as a PERFECT PARENT

2. No parent can truthfully claim to have all the answers

3. Theres no single right way to parenting.

 

Whilst children are trying to learn how to grow, parents are trying to learn how to teach them. Plenty of people have written books and made useful parenting suggestions throughout the ages, but I dont believe any parent has ever been fortunate enough to leave the hospital with their new-born baby in one hand and the rule book, pre-read and understood by the baby, in the other hand. Every parent makes mistakes. Why? Because every child is an individual and parenting has new twists and challenges at every turn of the journey.

Whilst over time, parents build up a library of references based on experiences, theres always bound to be one from left field  that leaves a parent wondering how the **** do I deal with this one?

At the most basic level, children need to feel loved and safe. They need to be fed, clothed, educated, and have their health needs met. They are dependent on their parents for this. If these basics are being met and the children are happy then I believe you are succeeding, to the best of your ability, in the worlds most difficult yet rewarding job.

 

Below is My Top 20. I have made them up based on 20+ years of trying to get this parenting thing right, and trust me; Im still no Wonder Mum. However, my 4 children have all turned out to be happy, successful adults who make a contribution to society, so I must have done something right along the way. I hope these words of wisdom might also assist you.

Here’s 20 helpful Parenting Tips

1. Tell your children you love them, & love them for who they are, no strings attached

2. Dont fight their battles for them, but help them pick up the pieces now & then

3. Stick up for them, always let them know youre on their side, & support as many of their decisions as you can. Whilst you may not always agree, guide them dont dictate to them

4. Provide a solid, nurturing foundation on which your children can build their own person. Include underpinning values like love, trust, patience, honesty, respect, determination, assertiveness, courage, & the desire to just give it a go

5. Ask questions, listen to advice & suggestions, then make your own decisions

6. Dont push your children into pursuits they are not interested in

7. Discipline your children & be consistent in your approach. All children need boundaries, & they will try to stretch those boundaries along the way – always keep firm & consistent

8. Be involved in their life, education & interests but dont smother them

9. Get to know their friends & welcome them into your world

10. Never forget where you came from. Put yourself at their level occasionally & try to remember what it feels like to be a young individual finding their way in life. Remember, as a child you probably did to your parents what your children are now doing to you

11. Be patient. Sometimes all you need do is listen, while at other times you might have to step in and take action – be tuned in to knowing the difference

12. Use positive reinforcement rather than negative criticism

13. Pick your battles & save the war for the big things

14. Use kisses, hugs & calm words to soothe cuts, bruises & disappointments

15. Keep communication lines open – talk lots about all things

16. Be prepared for when everything will be all your fault & they tell you they hate you

17. Remember, you can never put old heads on young shoulders

18. Never close your eyes to the wonderment of children for they can teach you so much

19. Hold on to your sense of humour

20. You will need to learn when to let go.

 

At some point in their lives, your children will want to put into practice everything you have taught them along the way, & believe me, they will undoubtedly have all the answers! It is hard to let go, but the important thing to remember at this time is that whilst you are letting go of their hands & stepping back from the teaching, you will always hold their hearts, their love & their thanks.

 

Tips by Cole-Sinclair, A Paramedic in Victoria