Trusting your gut

The Transformative Power of Nutrition and the Gut

Food is more than fuel, it's the foundation of growth, healing, and connection. And at the heart of it all? The gut. During pregnancy, postpartum, and infancy, a well-nourished gut doesn’t just support digestion; it shapes immunity, mood, and long-term health for both mama and baby.

Expert Tips on Gut Health

Pregnancy: Your gut microbiome shifts dramatically to support your growing baby. Beneficial bacteria help regulate digestion, balance hormones, and influence baby’s immune development in vitro. Eating fiber-rich foods (like oats, lentils, and leafy greens), fermented foods (like yogurt and sauerkraut), and prebiotic-rich options (like onions and asparagus) help keep mama and baby’s gut thriving.

Postpartum: Birth and breastfeeding can further reshape your microbiome. A well-supported gut aids in postpartum recovery, reduces inflammation, and supports mood stability (hello, gut-brain axis!). Nourishing meals with bone broth, probiotic foods, and collagen-rich proteins help rebuild and restore.

Infancy: Baby’s gut is a blank canvas, and the first 1,000 days are critical for shaping their microbiome. Whether through breast milk, formula, or first foods, exposure to a variety of gut-friendly nutrients, like resistant starches (cooked and cooled potatoes), healthy fats, and diverse plant foods—lay the foundation for strong digestion, a resilient immune system, and balanced mental health.

Probiotic Smoothie

This smoothie has been on rotation in our home for the past few weeks and we all love it!

By feeding yourself and your baby with intention, you’re not just shaping meals, you’re shaping a future of vibrant health.

Note: For mothers in the early postpartum period (first 40 days) I recommend using non frozen berries or letting the smoothie come to room temperature before consuming.

RECIPE

Trusting your gut

Just as your gut digests food, it also digests experiences and emotions. That “gut feeling” you get when making decisions for yourself or your baby? It’s real. If something doesn’t sit right, whether it’s feeding advice, sleep routines, or pressure to “bounce back”, pause and check in with yourself. You are the expert on your body and your baby.

Here’s a 2 minute daily grounding practice to reconnect with yourself:

Place both hands on your belly.
Take a slow inhale through your nose, filling your belly with breath.
Hold for a moment, then exhale gently through your mouth.
As you breathe, repeat a simple affirmation:
“I trust my gut. My body guides me.”

By nourishing your gut, both physically and emotionally, you strengthen your ability to trust yourself, make confident choices, and show up fully for this season of life.

With love,

Saba

Growing Together is a community newsletter with a mission to share insights into the world of maternal and infant nutrition through bi-monthly updates. This includes recipes, expert tips, self-care practises, and Q&A’s where I encourage you to ask me questions on holistic maternal and infant nutrition to help foster an online community.

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