Changes

Many pregnant women are also told by their obstetricians that they should give in to their cravings—pamper themselves. They eat such abominations as cakes, pies, ice cream, pickles, candy, canned fruits and vegetables, etc., all jumbled together in a haphazard way which causes both mother and baby to be undernourished. Being filled up on these harmful foods which contain preservatives, additives, food colorings, salt, sugar, white flour, etc., a woman is no longer hungry for those foods she should be eating for adequate nourishment. Processed sugars and refined white flour and rice rob the body of calcium and other nutrients that are so greatly needed during this crucial time. The body must surrender its previous supplies of minerals and nutrients to metabolize these denuded products.

Many pregnant women are also told by their obstetricians that they should give in to their cravings—pamper themselves. They eat such abominations as cakes, pies, ice cream, pickles, candy, canned fruits and vegetables, etc., all jumbled together in a haphazard way which causes both mother and baby to be undernourished. Being filled up on these harmful foods which contain preservatives, additives, food colorings, salt, sugar, white flour, etc., a woman is no longer hungry for those foods she should be eating for adequate nourishment. Processed sugars and refined white flour and rice rob the body of calcium and other nutrients that are so greatly needed during this crucial time. The body must surrender its previous supplies of minerals and nutrients to metabolize these denuded products.

In tampering with the foods nature intended for us, man has succeeded in destroying the natural balance of his diet. But these food indiscretions are not the only causal factors in the lack of health that is so prevalent in our modern times. Such factors as foul air, polluted waters, lack of exposure to the sun, lack of exercise, lack of sleep and rest, living a fast-paced life, taking drugs and stimulants, overworking, domestic inharmonies,

In tampering with the foods nature intended for us, man has succeeded in destroying the natural balance of his diet. But these food indiscretions are not the only causal factors in the lack of health that is so prevalent in our modern times. Such factors as foul air, polluted waters, lack of exposure to the sun, lack of exercise, lack of sleep and rest, living a fast-paced life, taking drugs and stimulants, overworking, domestic disharmony, economic strife, etc., arc also contributors to much disease common today-including the birth of many unhealthy and inferior children.

 

economic strife, etc., arc also contributors to much disease common today-including the birth of many unhealthy and inferior children.

=== Overeating and Weight Gain ===

=== Overeating and Weight Gain ===

Exercise improves circulation and thus there will be a greater supply of nourishment to the fetus. This, in turn, will produce a more well-developed child. It will also provide the mother with stamina during labor.

Exercise improves circulation and thus there will be a greater supply of nourishment to the fetus. This, in turn, will produce a more well-developed child. It will also provide the mother with stamina during labor.

If a woman is working during pregnancy (employed), it’s fine to work right up until the last day before birth if in reasonably good health and if she wants to. However, sitdown jobs can contribute to backaches (toxins settle in the lower back when sitting a lot). Sit-down jobs also prevent a woman from getting the proper exercise, fresh air and sunshine she needs to be healthy. If a woman has a sit-down job however, she should try to get up and move about regularly and to get outside whenever possible and walk in the open air.

If a woman is working during pregnancy (employed), it’s fine to work right up until the last day before birth if in reasonably good health and if she wants to. However, sit down jobs can contribute to backaches (toxins settle in the lower back when sitting a lot). Sit-down jobs also prevent a woman from getting the proper exercise, fresh air and sunshine she needs to be healthy. If a woman has a sit-down job however, she should try to get up and move about regularly and to get outside whenever possible and walk in the open air.

Avoid jobs that require overwork (overtime, few breaks, etc.) as a pregnant woman needs much rest and relaxation also. A job that is very stressful should also be avoided. Stress affects your mental state which can injure the child to the extent that it impairs nutrition and thus causes a supply of faulty nutriment to reach the fetus.

Avoid jobs that require overwork (overtime, few breaks, etc.) as a pregnant woman needs much rest and relaxation also. A job that is very stressful should also be avoided. Stress affects your mental state which can injure the child to the extent that it impairs nutrition and thus causes a supply of faulty nutriment to reach the fetus.

“A farmer who would not permit a stallion to worry his pregnant mares, will not hesitate to make regular sexual demands upon his pregnant wife. In this he is encouraged by his medical adviser, although it is the universal rule throughout nature that pregnant females will not receive the male. There are reasons to believe that coition during pregnancy is responsible for the coating of vernix caseosa (white, greasy substance on baby’s skin) found on so many infants at birth and that frequent coition during pregnancy also adds to the pains of childbirth.”

“A farmer who would not permit a stallion to worry his pregnant mares, will not hesitate to make regular sexual demands upon his pregnant wife. In this he is encouraged by his medical adviser, although it is the universal rule throughout nature that pregnant females will not receive the male. There are reasons to believe that coition during pregnancy is responsible for the coating of vernix caseosa (white, greasy substance on baby’s skin) found on so many infants at birth and that frequent coition during pregnancy also adds to the pains of childbirth.”

— Dr. Shelton, Hygienic Care of Children

'''— Dr. Shelton, Hygienic Care of Children'''

In modern times, most people do indeed indulge in sex while the wife is pregnant. Most people feel there is no harm in this except during the last month when the baby is almost ready to enter our world. According to Dr. William Esser, a normal woman will discourage sexual union when pregnant because her instinct is against it. He also says that the entire animal kingdom frowns upon sex during gestation, and the pregnant female will defend herself against such a travesty.

In modern times, most people do indeed indulge in sex while the wife is pregnant. Most people feel there is no harm in this except during the last month when the baby is almost ready to enter our world. According to Dr. William Esser, a normal woman will discourage sexual union when pregnant because her instinct is against it. He also says that the entire animal kingdom frowns upon sex during gestation, and the pregnant female will defend herself against such a travesty.

“The unborn child is a parasite feeding upon the substance of the mother. If the mother’s substance is physiologically, chemically, and magnetically correct according to nature’s plan, the process of gestation is a comfortable and physiologically ideal experience. If there is in the pregnant woman a chemical imbalance—in other words, if the woman is toxemic—there comes sooner or later a physiological protest accompanied by an attempt toward correction of this abnormal state. Hence the reaction, the nausea and vomiting.”

“The unborn child is a parasite feeding upon the substance of the mother. If the mother’s substance is physiologically, chemically, and magnetically correct according to nature’s plan, the process of gestation is a comfortable and physiologically ideal experience. If there is in the pregnant woman a chemical imbalance—in other words, if the woman is toxemic—there comes sooner or later a physiological protest accompanied by an attempt toward correction of this abnormal state. Hence the reaction, the nausea and vomiting.”

— George S. Weger, M.D., “The Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy,” Dr. Shelton ‘s Hygienic Review

'''— George S. Weger, M.D., “The Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy,” Dr. Shelton ‘s Hygienic Review'''

There are many things that can go wrong during gestation if a woman is not in optimum health. Morning sickness, heartburn, constipation, vomiting, digestive difficulties, edema, eclampsia, varicose veins, breast pain, back pain, toxemia, etc., are some of the common complications. But pregnancy, being a normal physiological process, should not be accompanied by any discomfort or abnormal state.

There are many things that can go wrong during gestation if a woman is not in optimum health. Morning sickness, heartburn, constipation, vomiting, digestive difficulties, edema, eclampsia, varicose veins, breast pain, back pain, toxemia, etc., are some of the common complications. But pregnancy, being a normal physiological process, should not be accompanied by any discomfort or abnormal state.

may even develop a psychic revulsion to food, so determined is the organism to have its way and to clean house. If we can once understand that nature is trying to provide a clean house in which to evolve the new life, we can understand the need to cooperate in the work and not to throw monkey wrenches into the vital machinery.”

may even develop a psychic revulsion to food, so determined is the organism to have its way and to clean house. If we can once understand that nature is trying to provide a clean house in which to evolve the new life, we can understand the need to cooperate in the work and not to throw monkey wrenches into the vital machinery.”

— Dr. Shelton, Fasting Can Save Your Life

'''— Dr. Shelton, Fasting Can Save Your Life'''

Another common “complication” of pregnancy is toxemia. Toxemia is marked by a rise in blood pressure, undue weight gain with puffiness, headaches, and visual disturbances. Albumin (a water-soluble protein) is present in the urine. Toxemia in pregnant women results in malnutrition and poisoning of the fetus leading to difficulties later in the child’s life if allowed to go on. Again, a fast will remove toxemia.

Another common “complication” of pregnancy is toxemia. Toxemia is marked by a rise in blood pressure, undue weight gain with puffiness, headaches, and visual disturbances. Albumin (a water-soluble protein) is present in the urine. Toxemia in pregnant women results in malnutrition and poisoning of the fetus leading to difficulties later in the child’s life if allowed to go on. Again, a fast will remove toxemia.

There is much more that could be said about prenatal care, labor, and childbirth. I could go on for many more pages about all the complications of labor and delivery that are possible if a woman does not take care of herself during pregnancy.

There is much more that could be said about prenatal care, labor, and childbirth. I could go on for many more pages about all the complications of labor and delivery that are possible if a woman does not take care of herself during pregnancy.

Even if a woman has taken proper care of herself during pregnancy, it is still not over. She has to be very cautious who she selects to help at the birth. She needs to decide whether to have a homebirth or a hospital birth. She needs to have confidence in herself, faith that all will go well, and courage to accomplish the feat of birth instead of fear.

Even if a woman has taken proper care of herself during pregnancy, it is still not over. She has to be very cautious who she selects to help at the birth. She needs to decide whether to have a home birth or a hospital birth. She needs to have confidence in herself, faith that all will go well, and courage to accomplish the feat of birth instead of fear.

For example, if a woman gives birth in a hospital she is at the hands of the medical personnel there—she has, in a sense, given the responsibility of her child’s birth to them. Much unnecessary medical intervention such as shaving of pubic hair, giving enemas prior to delivery, giving episiotomies, strapping the woman down during labor, drugging, forceps deliveries, Caesarean sections, etc., may occur in hospitals—and those oftentimes for the convenience of the hospital staffs. All of these actions are enervating and harmful at a time when a woman needs to be at her best.

For example, if a woman gives birth in a hospital she is at the hands of the medical personnel there—she has, in a sense, given the responsibility of her child’s birth to them. Much unnecessary medical intervention such as shaving of pubic hair, giving enemas prior to delivery, giving episiotomies, strapping the woman down during labor, drugging, forceps deliveries, Cesarean sections, etc., may occur in hospitals—and those oftentimes for the convenience of the hospital staffs. All of these actions are enervating and harmful at a time when a woman needs to be at her best.

Providing the mother is in good health (normal), she will enjoy the actual childbirth experience and always remember it as a positive, enlightening experience. Giving birth in one’s own home encourages this as the mother is surrounded by loving friends rather than by strangers. The baby will therefore enter a warm, loving world instead of the cold, antiseptic world of a hospital. No bright lights, masked strangers, spanks on the buttocks, chemicals in the eyes, premature cutting of he umbilical cords, etc., will occur in the home. The father can share the first days of the baby’s life with him/her and the mother. The mother will be with the child and be able to nurse the baby when he/she is hungry rather than by the clock. The mother will have more opportunity to sleep and relax after the birth as there are no rigid schedules as in the hospital. Also, there will be no displaced siblings as they will share the baby’s first days also.

Providing the mother is in good health (normal), she will enjoy the actual childbirth experience and always remember it as a positive, enlightening experience. Giving birth in one’s own home encourages this as the mother is surrounded by loving friends rather than by strangers. The baby will therefore enter a warm, loving world instead of the cold, antiseptic world of a hospital. No bright lights, masked strangers, spanks on the buttocks, chemicals in the eyes, premature cutting of he umbilical cords, etc., will occur in the home. The father can share the first days of the baby’s life with him/her and the mother. The mother will be with the child and be able to nurse the baby when he/she is hungry rather than by the clock. The mother will have more opportunity to sleep and relax after the birth as there are no rigid schedules as in the hospital. Also, there will be no displaced siblings as they will share the baby’s first days also.

== Questions & Answers ==

== Questions & Answers ==

I am 30 pounds overweight, and I’ve recently started on the Hygienic diet. Although I’m gradually losing weight, it is a very slow process and I’m eager to become pregnant?

'''I am 30 pounds overweight, and I’ve recently started on the Hygienic diet. Although I’m gradually losing weight, it is a very slow process and I’m eager to become pregnant?'''

Excess in weight is usually toxin-laden fat that causes undue risks to both mother and unborn child. If you do get pregnant while overweight, try short fasts occasionally during the early months of pregnancy. Stick to Hygienic fare with lots of fresh fruit, and some green vegetables with very few nuts, seeds or avocados.

Excess in weight is usually toxin-laden fat that causes undue risks to both mother and unborn child. If you do get pregnant while overweight, try short fasts occasionally during the early months of pregnancy. Stick to Hygienic fare with lots of fresh fruit, and some green vegetables with very few nuts, seeds or avocados.

Of course, it is best to undertake a long fast (two weeks or more) before becoming pregnant and to realiment on juicy fruits and vegetables with very few that are high in fat and sugar content. If that is not possible for whatever reason, the next

Of course, it is best to undertake a long fast (two weeks or more) before becoming pregnant and to realiment on juicy fruits and vegetables with very few that are high in fat and sugar content. If that is not possible for whatever reason, the next best thing is to eat moderately of only fruits and vegetables of low-fat, low-sugar content excluding nuts, seeds, avocados, and dried fruits, etc., until down to the desired weight. Your body will then be ready for the fetus.

'''I’m two months pregnant, and I’ve just found out about the Hygienic diet and am trying to stick to it. I’ve been a vegetarian for many years but am experiencing a mild case of morning sickness. What can I do to rid myself of this nausea?'''

 

I’m two months pregnant, and I’ve just found out about the Hygienic diet and am trying to stick to it. I’ve been a vegetarian for many years but am experiencing a mild case of morning sickness. What can I do to rid myself of this nausea?

Take a fast of three to five days—take nothing but distilled water and rest in bed as much as possible. Short fasts will do no harm to the fetus, they will merely help to eliminate toxins more quickly. You will no longer suffer morning sickness. After the fast, take raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouts, all properly combined to assure the best nourishment for you and your baby.

Take a fast of three to five days—take nothing but distilled water and rest in bed as much as possible. Short fasts will do no harm to the fetus, they will merely help to eliminate toxins more quickly. You will no longer suffer morning sickness. After the fast, take raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouts, all properly combined to assure the best nourishment for you and your baby.

I’m pregnant and I live in an apartment in the city on a street with very much traffic. I don’t open the windows often as I get strong odors of auto exhaust fumes from the street below. Is there anything I can do to improve my situation without moving which is not possible at this time?

'''I’m pregnant and I live in an apartment in the city on a street with very much traffic. I don’t open the windows often as I get strong odors of auto exhaust fumes from the street below. Is there anything I can do to improve my situation without moving which is not possible at this time?'''

Naturally, it would be best to live in a purer environment, but since that is not possible try purchasing house plants which will provide a rich source of oxygen in your home. Grow an indoor garden. Get a negative ion generator to help purify the air. Also, try to get out and exercise in the open air in the country or in nearby parks often.

Naturally, it would be best to live in a purer environment, but since that is not possible try purchasing house plants which will provide a rich source of oxygen in your home. Grow an indoor garden. Get a negative ion generator to help purify the air. Also, try to get out and exercise in the open air in the country or in nearby parks often.

I’m six months pregnant and just found out about the Hygienic diet. Is it okay for me to start on this diet from a conventional diet at this crucial lime?

'''I’m six months pregnant and just found out about the Hygienic diet. Is it okay for me to start on this diet from a conventional diet at this crucial lime?'''

It would not be good to all of a sudden just change your diet so drastically. You’d be sending so many toxins through your bloodstream at once that some of them could pass through the placenta and harm the baby. It is good to gradually eliminate harmful items in the diet, from the most harmful to the last harmful. Start with prescription and nonprescription drugs. Then stop eating red meats, then white meats, then fish, then dairy products, etc. Try to stay with each regimen for at least a week before eliminating another few items. This way you will be improving your baby’s chances to be healthy even though you got a late start.

It would not be good to all of a sudden just change your diet so drastically. You’d be sending so many toxins through your bloodstream at once that some of them could pass through the placenta and harm the baby. It is good to gradually eliminate harmful items in the diet, from the most harmful to the last harmful. Start with prescription and nonprescription drugs. Then stop eating red meats, then white meats, then fish, then dairy products, etc. Try to stay with each regimen for at least a week before eliminating another few items. This way you will be improving your baby’s chances to be healthy even though you got a late start.

The process of giving birth is a normal, natural and largely spontaneous activity that shares many similarities with the process of defecating. I make this rather crude comparison not to be needlessly distasteful, but rather to emphasize the point that giving birth is as physiologically ordinary as having a bowel movement. Granted, it is inherently more demanding, more prolonged and more intense, but under normal conditions it is just as certain in its outcome. It calls upon many of the same muscles that are required to defecate. It occasions sensations that are very much like the urge to defecate.

The process of giving birth is a normal, natural and largely spontaneous activity that shares many similarities with the process of defecating. I make this rather crude comparison not to be needlessly distasteful, but rather to emphasize the point that giving birth is as physiologically ordinary as having a bowel movement. Granted, it is inherently more demanding, more prolonged and more intense, but under normal conditions it is just as certain in its outcome. It calls upon many of the same muscles that are required to defecate. It occasions sensations that are very much like the urge to defecate.

If this is true, why has childbirth become such a traumatic, painful and debilitating event that commonly incurs injury to both mother and infant? Why is it that modern childbirth usually requires some kind of surgical intervention? By this I refer not only to outright surgeries, but also to the various manipulations and forcing measures that are so often employed in so-called “natural childbirths.” It is vitally important to realize that under normal conditions, childbirth requires absolutely no intervention whatsoever. “Catching the baby” should be all the attendant has to do. Performing manual rotations, either internally or externally, manipulating the shoulders, guiding the head, stretching the perineum and other related procedures are in no way a normal part of the

If this is true, why has childbirth become such a traumatic, painful and debilitating event that commonly incurs injury to both mother and infant? Why is it that modern childbirth usually requires some kind of surgical intervention? By this I refer not only to outright surgeries, but also to the various manipulations and forcing measures that are so often employed in so-called “natural childbirths.” It is vitally important to realize that under normal conditions, childbirth requires absolutely no intervention whatsoever. “Catching the baby” should be all the attendant has to do. Performing manual rotations, either internally or externally, manipulating the shoulders, guiding the head, stretching the perineum and other related procedures are in no way a normal part of the birth process. If we consider that humans in the remote past, living in a state of nature, had no understanding of the mechanics or the intricacies of birth and were therefore unable to constructively intervene during labor, we must conclude that Nature intended birth to be an entirely spontaneous process. This is certainly true of animals in the wild, who give birth unassisted. No doubt it was also true for women.

 

birth process. If we consider that humans in the remote past, living in a state of nature, had no understanding of the mechanics or the intricacies of birth and were therefore unable to constructively intervene during labor, we must conclude that Nature intended birth to be an entirely spontaneous process. This is certainly true of animals in the wild, who give birth unassisted. No doubt it was also true for women.

An entirely normal and natural childbirth occurs so rarely in this country that it is actually an oddity. By medical standards, anything less than a Caesarean section or a forceps delivery is considered a “natural” birth. No matter how much pain the woman suffers, no matter how prolonged the labor, no matter how much damage is done to the birth canal, whether or not the infant is battered, whether or not difficulty is encountered in obtaining the placenta and no matter how much meddling is necessary in order to accomplish the birth, as long as a major operation is avoided, the birth is considered “natural.”

An entirely normal and natural childbirth occurs so rarely in this country that it is actually an oddity. By medical standards, anything less than a Caesarean section or a forceps delivery is considered a “natural” birth. No matter how much pain the woman suffers, no matter how prolonged the labor, no matter how much damage is done to the birth canal, whether or not the infant is battered, whether or not difficulty is encountered in obtaining the placenta and no matter how much meddling is necessary in order to accomplish the birth, as long as a major operation is avoided, the birth is considered “natural.”

Malpositions of the fetus, which can impede or suspend the birth process, can also be related to the overall maternal condition. The fetus may assume a transverse lie (which is impossible to deliver naturally) because the tone of the uterine walls is not adequate to force the head downward. Ordinarily, the uterine muscle supplies enough resistance to allow gravity to draw down the heaviest portion of the fetus, which, of course, is the head. However, when the muscle tone of the uterus is weak, the organ may “give” abnormally, resulting in a transverse position of the fetus. Such incidents are often regarded as “accidents” when they are really a matter of cause and effect.

Malpositions of the fetus, which can impede or suspend the birth process, can also be related to the overall maternal condition. The fetus may assume a transverse lie (which is impossible to deliver naturally) because the tone of the uterine walls is not adequate to force the head downward. Ordinarily, the uterine muscle supplies enough resistance to allow gravity to draw down the heaviest portion of the fetus, which, of course, is the head. However, when the muscle tone of the uterus is weak, the organ may “give” abnormally, resulting in a transverse position of the fetus. Such incidents are often regarded as “accidents” when they are really a matter of cause and effect.

Dystocia, or prolonged labor, is often the result of cephalopelvic disproportion, wherein the fetus is literally too big to readily negotiate the birth canal. Most often this results from excessive weight gain during pregnancy which produces an overly large infant and an overly fat mother. Hygienists have long emphasized that a small, light infant represents the biological norm for humans at birth, as it does for other animals. A birth weight within the six-pound range is ideal. Yet, today, it is not uncommon to encounter births in which the weight of the newborn is 8, 9 or even 10 pounds. Such oversized, fat-encumbered infants are not healthy. They often injured in the birth process. The tendency toward flabbiness and bloatedness will in some cases persist indefinitely.

Dystocia, or prolonged labor, is often the result of cephalopelvic disproportion, wherein the fetus is literally too big to readily negotiate the birth canal. Most often this results from excessive weight gain during pregnancy which produces an overly large infant and an overly fat mother. Hygienists have long emphasized that a small, light infant represents the biological norm for humans at birth, as it does for other animals. A birth weight within the six-pound range is ideal. Yet, today, it is not uncommon to encounter births in which the weight of the newborn is 8, 9 or even 10 pounds. Such oversize, fat-encumbered infants are not healthy. They often injured in the birth process. The tendency toward flabbiness and bloat will in some cases persist indefinitely.

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is the result of overeating. Too much food is generally recommended at natural childbirth classes, particularly in regard to high-protein foods. A pregnant woman actually requires only slightly more food than she would require under ordinary circumstances. If we assume that a woman gains approximately 20 pounds over the course of a normal gestational period of 280 days, this would amount to a weight gain of slightly more than one ounce per day, on the average. How much additional food does it require to gain an ounce a day? Quite obviously, not very much.

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is the result of overeating. Too much food is generally recommended at natural childbirth classes, particularly in regard to high-protein foods. A pregnant woman actually requires only slightly more food than she would require under ordinary circumstances. If we assume that a woman gains approximately 20 pounds over ednessthe course of a normal gestational period of 280 days, this would amount to a weight gain of slightly more than one ounce per day, on the average. How much additional food does it require to gain an ounce a day? Quite obviously, not very much.

There is no reason to overemphasize proteins in the diet of a pregnant woman. The protein density of the fetus is actually less than that of the mother. Assuming that she is eating a diet of whole natural foods, largely or wholly uncooked, she will easily obtain the additional protein she needs by increasing her overall food consumption proportionately. Too much protein places a great stress upon the liver and kidneys. Since a pregnant woman already has the burden of eliminating the fetal waste products in addition to her own, it is foolish to add to this burden by overeating on proteins.

There is no reason to overemphasize proteins in the diet of a pregnant woman. The protein density of the fetus is actually less than that of the mother. Assuming that she is eating a diet of whole natural foods, largely or wholly uncooked, she will easily obtain the additional protein she needs by increasing her overall food consumption proportionately. Too much protein places a great stress upon the liver and kidneys. Since a pregnant woman already has the burden of eliminating the fetal waste products in addition to her own, it is foolish to add to this burden by overeating on proteins.

Nutritional influences upon the development of the new being are commonly thought to start at conception, but there are myriads of facts that show conclusively that they begin much before this time. It is true that soft and malformed bones are not to be blamed upon a drunk father, except insofar as he fails to supply adequate nutriment for the mother during her pregnancy; but the gleam of health in the eyes of a two-year-old does not come from the grandfather and a bar of chocolate candy. It comes from fruits, green vegetables, nuts and whole natural foods. Nutrition begins with life and does not cease until death puts an end to all the life processes.

Nutritional influences upon the development of the new being are commonly thought to start at conception, but there are myriads of facts that show conclusively that they begin much before this time. It is true that soft and malformed bones are not to be blamed upon a drunk father, except insofar as he fails to supply adequate nutriment for the mother during her pregnancy; but the gleam of health in the eyes of a two-year-old does not come from the grandfather and a bar of chocolate candy. It comes from fruits, green vegetables, nuts and whole natural foods. Nutrition begins with life and does not cease until death puts an end to all the life processes.

Pregnant women are urged to take plenty of milk and eggs and are often given calcium tablets; for, despite the fact that the bones of the baby will remain soft, no matter how much excess calcium the mother takes, the embryo is supposed to need lots of calcium for other purposes. So urgent is the demand for calcium that a mother’s teeth and bones will be robbed to supply the needs of the unborn baby if her diet does not contain enough of it. This fact, however, does not demand that the pregnant woman should fill up on great quantities of milk, overeat on eggs and take the nonusable calcium supplied by the drug store. It means, rather, that she should eat whole, unprocessed foods—fruits and vegetables—and cease trying to nurse herself and her baby on white bread, white

Pregnant women are urged to take plenty of milk and eggs and are often given calcium tablets; for, despite the fact that the bones of the baby will remain soft, no matter how much excess calcium the mother takes, the embryo is supposed to need lots of calcium for other purposes. So urgent is the demand for calcium that a mother’s teeth and bones will be robbed to supply the needs of the unborn baby if her diet does not contain enough of it. This fact, however, does not demand that the pregnant woman should fill up on great quantities of milk, overeat on eggs and take the nonusable calcium supplied by the drug store. It means, rather, that she should eat whole, unprocessed foods—fruits and vegetables—and cease trying to nurse herself and her baby on white bread, white sugar, white rice, canned fruits and vegetables and other foodless “foods.” The cow does not drink lots of milk and eat lots of eggs to provide herself and her calf with calcium. The calcium in her milk is not derived from these sources.

 

sugar, white rice, canned fruits and vegetables and other foodless “foods.” The cow does not drink lots of milk and eat lots of eggs to provide herself and her calf with calcium. The calcium in her milk is not derived from these sources.

When it is considered that it is pasteurized milk which pregnant and nursing mothers are advised to drink in such quantities and that this milk is taken together with white bread, denatured cereals, cakes and pies, coffee and tea, chocolate and ice cream, candy and soft drinks, flesh and eggs, white sugar, canned fruits and vegetables, all jumbled together in the most haphazard and heterogeneous combinations, and that very little wholesome food is to be taken, it does not take much imagination to grasp the fact that both mothers and unborn babies are inadequately nourished.

When it is considered that it is pasteurized milk which pregnant and nursing mothers are advised to drink in such quantities and that this milk is taken together with white bread, denatured cereals, cakes and pies, coffee and tea, chocolate and ice cream, candy and soft drinks, flesh and eggs, white sugar, canned fruits and vegetables, all jumbled together in the most haphazard and heterogeneous combinations, and that very little wholesome food is to be taken, it does not take much imagination to grasp the fact that both mothers and unborn babies are inadequately nourished.

It is understandable that women who eat such a diet, while pregnant, overeat in an effort to meet their nutritional needs. But this overeating leads to additional troubles, such as indigestion, morning sickness, constipation, hemorrhoids, swollen ankles, varicose veins, overdistension of the abdomen, a fat baby and difficult delivery. We have been conditioned to think that a fat baby is a well-nourished baby, although we know that fat at other ages of life is not a sign of good health and is not a desirable acquisition. The young of the mighty gorilla, which attains a size considerably larger than that of the largest man, weighs three pounds at birth. Some day, when we have learned to appreciate the value of proper nutrition, we will come to realize that the human infant should weigh three to five pounds at birth. Today we are very happy if the baby weighs eight to ten pounds. A fen-pound baby may be said to be five pounds of baby and five pounds of fat. Such a baby begins life with a handicap.

It is understandable that women who eat such a diet, while pregnant, overeat in an effort to meet their nutritional needs. But this overeating leads to additional troubles, such as indigestion, morning sickness, constipation, hemorrhoids, swollen ankles, varicose veins, over distension of the abdomen, a fat baby and difficult delivery. We have been conditioned to think that a fat baby is a well-nourished baby, although we know that fat at other ages of life is not a sign of good health and is not a desirable acquisition. The young of the mighty gorilla, which attains a size considerably larger than that of the largest man, weighs three pounds at birth. Some day, when we have learned to appreciate the value of proper nutrition, we will come to realize that the human infant should weigh three to five pounds at birth. Today we are very happy if the baby weighs eight to ten pounds. A fen-pound baby may be said to be five pounds of baby and five pounds of fat. Such a baby begins life with a handicap.

Many unborn babies are so “well nourished” that they weigh eight, nine, ten and more pounds at birth. This large size results in difficulties of delivery. Often instrument deliveries are performed. Due to their large size, fat babies are often injured in being born, these injuries rendering them liable to brain and cord inflammation. These “well nourished” babies are also prone to have trouble in teething, often throwing them into convulsion. When such babies and children are subjected to any enervating influence, such as prolonged heat of summer, they are likely to develop serious diseases.

Many unborn babies are so “well nourished” that they weigh eight, nine, ten and more pounds at birth. This large size results in difficulties of delivery. Often instrument deliveries are performed. Due to their large size, fat babies are often injured in being born, these injuries rendering them liable to brain and cord inflammation. These “well nourished” babies are also prone to have trouble in teething, often throwing them into convulsion. When such babies and children are subjected to any enervating influence, such as prolonged heat of summer, they are likely to develop serious diseases.

The expectant mother, desirous of doing the most possible good to her unborn child, will avoid tobacco, alcohol, tea and coffee, and drugs as she would a rattlesnake and provide her offspring with the best possible food. Instead of the commonly-eaten processed and refined foods, canned, pickled, and spiced delicacies, she will provide herself with a more abundant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, these largely, if not wholly, in their raw or uncooked state. These foods will provide for both the mother and the unborn baby an abundance of minerals and vitamins and of high-grade proteins. She will eat other protein foods, but eat them in moderate quantities and not stuff on them, as is the common practice. It is normal to seek a sense of repletion after eating, but this repletion should be secured by consuming more bulky foods and not be overeating on concentrated proteins, starches and sugars. Fruits and vegetables make the ideal foods with which to secure the sense of repletion.

The expectant mother, desirous of doing the most possible good to her unborn child, will avoid tobacco, alcohol, tea and coffee, and drugs as she would a rattlesnake and provide her offspring with the best possible food. Instead of the commonly-eaten processed and refined foods, canned, pickled, and spiced delicacies, she will provide herself with a more abundant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, these largely, if not wholly, in their raw or uncooked state. These foods will provide for both the mother and the unborn baby an abundance of minerals and vitamins and of high-grade proteins. She will eat other protein foods, but eat them in moderate quantities and not stuff on them, as is the common practice. It is normal to seek a sense of repletion after eating, but this repletion should be secured by consuming more bulky foods and not be overeating on concentrated proteins, starches and sugars. Fruits and vegetables make the ideal foods with which to secure the sense of repletion.

It is quite true, as we indicated at the beginning of this article, that the pregnant mother must eat for two; but it is almost never true that she is required to increase her food intake. So nearly universal is the practice of overeating that most women eat enough for two at all times. To increase the food intake because one is pregnant may mean to take from three to five times as much food as is required. When we consider that the average gain per day of the human fetus, from conception to birth, is less than a half an ounce a day, we can readily understand that the commonly advised overeating is very unwise. There is ample evidence to show that the body makes more economical use of food during pregnancy than at other times, so that instead of increasing the food intake, it is often possible to decrease the amount of food eaten with benefit both to the mother and the unborn child. It has been observed that among animal mothers, even though they may bear more than one young at a time, there is little or no increase in food intake during

It is quite true, as we indicated at the beginning of this article, that the pregnant mother must eat for two; but it is almost never true that she is required to increase her food intake. So nearly universal is the practice of overeating that most women eat enough for two at all times. To increase the food intake because one is pregnant may mean to take from three to five times as much food as is required. When we consider that the average gain per day of the human fetus, from conception to birth, is less than a half an ounce a day, we can readily understand that the commonly advised overeating is very unwise. There is ample evidence to show that the body makes more economical use of food during pregnancy than at other times, so that instead of increasing the food intake, it is often possible to decrease the amount of food eaten with benefit both to the mother and the unborn child. It has been observed that among animal mothers, even though they may bear more than one young at a time, there is little or no increase in food intake during pregnancy. Animal mothers may reduce their physical activities, but rarely increase their gastronomic activities.

 

pregnancy. Animal mothers may reduce their physical activities, but rarely increase their gastronomic activities.

It should come as no surprise to learn that many modern mothers have reared large families while adhering closely to the two-meals-a-day plan, for this was the almost universal practice in the past, when families were usually larger than at present. That woman who has been accustomed to eating but two meals a day will have no trouble in supporting both herself and her growing infant without the addition of a third meal.

It should come as no surprise to learn that many modern mothers have reared large families while adhering closely to the two-meals-a-day plan, for this was the almost universal practice in the past, when families were usually larger than at present. That woman who has been accustomed to eating but two meals a day will have no trouble in supporting both herself and her growing infant without the addition of a third meal.

“There is no truth to this notion. Physically woman is man’s equal. In bodily stamina, powers of endurance, vital resources and muscular strength, under the same circumstances of habit and education, she is no sense inferior; on the contrary, if there is a difference, it is in her favor. This should be so; and there is an anatomical and a physiological reason why it is so. The woman has not only to nourish herself but others. She must construct and replenish her own structures and those of her offspring. Hence she has the greater nutritive apparatus.”

“There is no truth to this notion. Physically woman is man’s equal. In bodily stamina, powers of endurance, vital resources and muscular strength, under the same circumstances of habit and education, she is no sense inferior; on the contrary, if there is a difference, it is in her favor. This should be so; and there is an anatomical and a physiological reason why it is so. The woman has not only to nourish herself but others. She must construct and replenish her own structures and those of her offspring. Hence she has the greater nutritive apparatus.”

A woman living a rational life free from superficialities will have a normal, painless pregnancy and labor. The labor will be painless without the use of anesthesia and the abusive treatment of hospitalization. There are occasionally cases of badly formed pelvises which no amount of perfect living can alter, in which a certain amount of pain cannot be avoided. It is more important in these than in any that the patient live as closely to the laws of health as possible.

A woman living a rational life free from superficiality will have a normal, painless pregnancy and labor. The labor will be painless without the use of anesthesia and the abusive treatment of hospitalization. There are occasionally cases of badly formed pelvises which no amount of perfect living can alter, in which a certain amount of pain cannot be avoided. It is more important in these than in any that the patient live as closely to the laws of health as possible.

A pregnancy fraught with the usual discomforts, sickness and painful labor is simple to avoid. Mothers should live as close to their usual routine of duties as possible. This applies, of course, to women in the home rather than those who are working in defense plants and under other types of stress. A woman carrying a child should not be engaged in laborious occupations where she cannot rest when the inclination is there, and where she is subject to the vicious emotions of jealousy, hatred, deceit, etc. A poised, serene, self-controlled disposition should be cultivated. The atmosphere of the expectant mother should be one of quiet and refinement, one of happiness and love, and the husband should assist his wife in supplying that medium.

A pregnancy fraught with the usual discomforts, sickness and painful labor is simple to avoid. Mothers should live as close to their usual routine of duties as possible. This applies, of course, to women in the home rather than those who are working in defense plants and under other types of stress. A woman carrying a child should not be engaged in laborious occupations where she cannot rest when the inclination is there, and where she is subject to the vicious emotions of jealousy, hatred, deceit, etc. A poised, serene, self-controlled disposition should be cultivated. The atmosphere of the expectant mother should be one of quiet and refinement, one of happiness and love, and the husband should assist his wife in supplying that medium.

The child in the womb should have freedom of movement and for this purpose, the mother should allow her body all the freedom from dress that convention allows. She should dress comfortably and wear no tight garments of any kind. Her shoes should be low-heeled, or better still, have no heels at all. Whenever possible barefooted walking is good.

The child in the womb should have freedom of movement and for this purpose, the mother should allow her body all the freedom from dress that convention allows. She should dress comfortably and wear no tight garments of any kind. Her shoes should be low-heeled, or better still, have no heels at all. Whenever possible barefooted walking is good.

Sun-baths should be a regular part of the prospective mother’s program. The sun creates vital changes in the body for the child and mother, improving the tone and vigor of the body. Women living in the north where the sun is scarce must be certain to expose themselves at every opportunity to insure at least a minimum amount. It is because of the need of sunshine that Dr. Herbert M. Shelton in Care of Children urged that babies be born in the spring. He writes as follows, “Babies born in the late fall or early winter, and who live through the winter, nearly all develop rickets to a greater or lesser degree. Fewer cases of rickets are seen in children who have the advantage of sunshine and sunkissed food during their first months of life. That sunshine is absolutely essential to the normal assimilation and utilization of calcium (lime) and perhaps also of iron and other elements, is certain. This is true of plants, animals and man. If your child is born in the early spring or the closing of winter, it need never have rickets and will also have reasonable assurance against scrofula, tuberculosis, anemia and other diseases.”

Sun-baths should be a regular part of the prospective mother’s program. The sun creates vital changes in the body for the child and mother, improving the tone and vigor of the body. Women living in the north where the sun is scarce must be certain to expose themselves at every opportunity to insure at least a minimum amount. It is because of the need of sunshine that Dr. Herbert M. Shelton in Care of Children urged that babies be born in the spring. He writes as follows, “Babies born in the late fall or early winter, and who live through the winter, nearly all develop rickets to a greater or lesser degree. Fewer cases of rickets are seen in children who have the advantage of sunshine and sun-kissed food during their first months of life. That sunshine is absolutely essential to the normal assimilation and utilization of calcium (lime) and perhaps also of iron and other elements, is certain. This is true of plants, animals and man. If your child is born in the early spring or the closing of winter, it need never have rickets and will also have reasonable assurance against scrofula, tuberculosis, anemia and other diseases.”

Exercise should be regular. Dancing, calisthenics, golf, hiking, tennis, swimming, if the water is not too cold, can and should be indulged in with care until the end of the pregnancy.

Exercise should be regular. Dancing, calisthenics, golf, hiking, tennis, swimming, if the water is not too cold, can and should be indulged in with care until the end of the pregnancy.