Healthy Beginnings and Hopeful Futures

Happy World Health Day! Every year, this global event focuses on a specific concern, and this year’s focus is on "Healthy Beginnings and Hopeful Futures." This campaign is dedicated to maternal and newborn health, something deeply close to many of our hearts, as we celebrate the strength of mothers and the precious lives they bring into the world.

It’s heartbreaking to know that nearly 300,000 women lose their lives due to pregnancy or childbirth each year, and over 2 million babies do not make it past their first month of life. In an era where modern medicine continues to advance, it’s astounding that maternal and newborn challenges remain so high. So it’s very clear that the need for change has never been greater.

Maternal health isn’t just about pregnancy—it’s about the long term wellbeing of women before, during, and after birth. It’s about nutrition, lifestyle, and mental resilience, ensuring that both mothers and babies not only survive but thrive.

Bridging the Gap in Maternal & Newborn Health

Many of us are aware of the ‘wellness gap’—the space between where we are and where we want to be with our health goals. For expecting and new mothers, this gap is particularly important. 

Despite advancements in modern medicine, chronic health issues like nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances continue to have an impact on maternal outcomes.

So, how can we bridge this gap? It starts with empowering women with knowledge, support, and practical tools for health and recovery, and here’s how:

1. The First 1,000 Days:

The first 1,000 days, from conception to a child’s second birthday, set the foundation for long term health. Focus on nutrition, stress levels, and lifestyle choices during this period, as they can influence everything from a baby’s immune system to their cognitive development.

Key Considerations:

• Gut health & immunity: A mother’s microbiome shapes her baby’s gut health, which in turn influences immunity, skin barrier function, mental health, and more. Including fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, prebiotics from whole foods, and probiotics, such as YourGut Restore can support digestion, immunity, and nutrient absorption.

• Prenatal nutrition: Nutrients like folate, DHA, iron, and choline are vital for brain development and reducing the risk of complications. Ideally, women should optimise their nutrient levels six months before conceiving, so that during pregnancy and postpartum, they have sufficient stores for themselves as well as their baby.

• Postnatal recovery: The postpartum phase is often overlooked, yet it’s a crucial time for hormonal balance, mental wellbeing, and nutrient replenishment. This is when new mothers need the most support. Nutritionally, the focus should be on nutrient dense foods like bone broths, nuts, seeds, grass-fed meat, and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

2. Supporting Women Beyond Pregnancy

We hear too often how women feel their health is prioritised only during pregnancy, leaving many struggling with fatigue, hormone imbalances, and mental health challenges postpartum. Listening to women and supporting them beyond birth is key to lifelong health.

In certain cultures, women are supported for the first 40 days of postpartum, with mothers, mothers-in-law, or sisters stepping in to help with cooking, cleaning, and childcare. Unfortunately, this isn’t as common in the West, where many women move further from family and often feel isolated. 

Maybe today, we can rethink postpartum care and offer help to the women around us. Many might say they don’t need it, but you may be surprised at how many would welcome the support during this life changing transition.

Ways to Support Postpartum Wellbeing:

• Replenish & Restore: Pregnancy and breastfeeding deplete key nutrients like magnesium, calcium, omega-3s, vitamin D and B vitamins. Supporting recovery with additional sources can reduce fatigue, strengthen bones and support emotional balance.
  

• Mental wellbeing matters: Many mothers experience anxiety, stress, or postnatal depression. Omega-3s play a crucial role in mental health, as does magnesium for reducing stress and anxiety. Continuing with prenatal supplements, like our Prenatal Complex, ensures essential nutrients are provided during breastfeeding and recovery.
  

• Holistic support networks: New mothers need physical, emotional, and community support, whether that’s through family members, postnatal yoga, therapy, or simply having open conversations with other mums.

3. Preventing Maternal & Newborn Health Issues:

While some pregnancy complications are unavoidable, even for those who do everything “right”, it’s still important to focus on what can be controlled. Small, proactive steps can make a significant impact on both maternal and newborn health.

Practical Steps for a Healthier Pregnancy & Beyond:

• Reduce inflammation: Inflammation can be linked to certain pregnancy complications. Supporting the body with omega-3s, turmeric, black seed oil and lots of antioxidant rich foods, can help keep inflammation at bay.
  

• Balance blood sugar: Fluctuating blood sugar levels can contribute to hormone imbalances and fatigue. Instead of reaching for processed carbs, opt for protein rich snacks like soaked nuts and seeds, organic natural yogurt and berries.

• Functional testing: Instead of guessing, functional tests like the Zinzino inflammation test gives data driven insights to optimise health before, during, and after pregnancy.

Investing in Women’s Health for Generations to Come

Our health isn’t just about the present, it’s about shaping the future. This is why we prioritise long term wellness over quick fixes, ensuring both mothers and children have the best start in life.

Every small step, from choosing whole foods and managing stress to ensuring the women around us feel empowered in their motherhood journey, adds up to lasting change. This World Health Day, let’s move beyond awareness and take action for the future.

What’s one step you can take today to support maternal and newborn health? We all have the power to create change and ensure that the women around us feel supported, capable, and empowered in motherhood. No mother should feel alone or incapable—we’re all in this together.

We offer a range of supplements to support women from conception through pregnancy and breastfeeding, with our Fertility and Pregnancy bundle covering all the essentials. As a women led team, we understand the importance of supporting those around us. 

If you ever need guidance—whether you're trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy, or adjusting postpartum—know that we're here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.