Some say that delivering a baby is like running a marathon – the same level of effort. It is true that both these activities are based on hard work of muscles – yet while training for marathon involves certain exercises and proper diet, in case of childbirth these factors get mostly neglected. Meanwhile, a physically active mother-to-be gives herself a chance of easier pregnancy, quicker labor and more efficient way back into shape. She should remember that „eating for two” does not exactly mean taking double portions but rather including food valuable for both mum and baby – like blueberries — into your daily diet. It is a long-known fact that blueberries can alleviate muscle soreness and support their regeneration after intensive workout. Native Americans used to give blueberry tea to women during childbirth. It was supposed to help them relax between contractions.
Quite often childbirth is a piece of cake when compared to weeks and months to come. A new mother may need all the help she can get, starting from what is the most essential: food.
A study by researchers of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto finds that blueberries can beat the baby blues – sadness experienced by many new mothers that can sometimes lead to postpartum depression. Its symptoms include irritability, anxiety, trouble concentrating, insomnia, lack of joy of having a child.
The Canadian study involved 41 pregnant women in their 20s and 30s. Part of that group were given the blueberry supplements (extract and juice) – and those women suffered no drop in mood on the fifth day after giving birth, when baby blues is said to peak. The women who did not take any supplements tested higher for deppression after their babies were born.