Comments for BlueRibbonBaby.org http://www.blueribbonbaby.org for healthy moms and babies Mon, 12 May 2008 07:11:37 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 Comment on Dealing With Guilt by Lee Ashwood Stone http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/faq/myths-and-misunderstandings/dealing-with-guilt/#comment-57 Lee Ashwood Stone Sat, 15 Sep 2007 23:17:51 +0000 http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/faq/myths-and-misunderstandings/dealing-with-guilt/#comment-57 If you would, please tell Dr. Brewer thank you for me also. My first baby was twins, I got HELLP syndrome and had a near death experience, the babies were 30 weeks gestation. They are 15 now, and as healthy as can be and I'll be 40 on Monday and pregnant again. In between these two, I had a big fat healthy baby via VBAC, no complications, thanks to Dr. Brewer's diet, except a lot of hassle from the OB who said I was getting too fat. I'm seeing a midwife this time who reminded me of the diet and I'm following it closely again and feel much better, it's amazing what you forget in just a few years. I thought I dealt with the guilt of the boys' birth the last time, but it has recurred. It is very helpful to be reminded that when I ASKED the OB what I should be doing, I was told, "eat normally, a healthy, well-balanced diet, not too much salt, gain 35 pounds." (I am 5'11" and was probably underweight when I conceived.) When I told him I was mostly vegan and 100% vegetarian all he said was, good, then you won't get too fat if you don't eat ice cream and cookies. I was a 25 year old person obsessed with my appearance, severely restricting my diet for years, pregnant with two babies. I had NO idea what a healthy well-balanced diet was. No one ever told me that eggs were the perfect protein. No one ever mentioned 120 grams of protein a day. I didn't know. And we almost died. And when I asked the first OB I saw this time, he said the same simplistic thing, "eat a well balanced diet, limit your salt, gain 20 pounds." I found a midwife as soon as I could convince my husband it was essential for our survival. Your book helped open his eyes. What you share IS what every pregnant woman should know. I remember you in my prayers every day and thank you for your work to save us from ourselves. Lee Ashwood Stone Tyler, Texas If you would, please tell Dr. Brewer thank you for me also. My first baby was twins, I got HELLP syndrome and had a near death experience, the babies were 30 weeks gestation. They are 15 now, and as healthy as can be and I’ll be 40 on Monday and pregnant again. In between these two, I had a big fat healthy baby via VBAC, no complications, thanks to Dr. Brewer’s diet, except a lot of hassle from the OB who said I was getting too fat. I’m seeing a midwife this time who reminded me of the diet and I’m following it closely again and feel much better, it’s amazing what you forget in just a few years.

I thought I dealt with the guilt of the boys’ birth the last time, but it has recurred. It is very helpful to be reminded that when I ASKED the OB what I should be doing, I was told, “eat normally, a healthy, well-balanced diet, not too much salt, gain 35 pounds.” (I am 5′11″ and was probably underweight when I conceived.) When I told him I was mostly vegan and 100% vegetarian all he said was, good, then you won’t get too fat if you don’t eat ice cream and cookies. I was a 25 year old person obsessed with my appearance, severely restricting my diet for years, pregnant with two babies. I had NO idea what a healthy well-balanced diet was. No one ever told me that eggs were the perfect protein. No one ever mentioned 120 grams of protein a day. I didn’t know. And we almost died. And when I asked the first OB I saw this time, he said the same simplistic thing, “eat a well balanced diet, limit your salt, gain 20 pounds.” I found a midwife as soon as I could convince my husband it was essential for our survival. Your book helped open his eyes.
What you share IS what every pregnant woman should know. I remember you in my prayers every day and thank you for your work to save us from ourselves.

Lee Ashwood Stone
Tyler, Texas

]]> Comment on Thank you, Dr. Brewer! by epeterso http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-56 epeterso Sat, 15 Sep 2007 20:04:05 +0000 http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-56 Thank you Dr. Brewer! I've had three healthy pregnancies in 5 years and three uncomplicated births (two unassisted at home) on the Brewer Diet. Nurses in the hospital where I birthed my first daughter told me she was the healthiest baby they'd ever seen. I gained only 20 pounds with each pregnancy and was 280 at my first birth and 260 for the second two. Even though I am a regular meat, cheese, egg, and milk eater, I still found eating the full 100 gr of protein a day challenging, so I used a simple chart on the fridge to make sure that I got what I needed each week -- when I ate something I just checked its box on the chart. I recommend this to any mom. I can't thank Dr. Brewer enough for his work and for sticking to his guns when the world stood against him. Thank you Dr. Brewer! I’ve had three healthy pregnancies in 5 years and three uncomplicated births (two unassisted at home) on the Brewer Diet. Nurses in the hospital where I birthed my first daughter told me she was the healthiest baby they’d ever seen. I gained only 20 pounds with each pregnancy and was 280 at my first birth and 260 for the second two. Even though I am a regular meat, cheese, egg, and milk eater, I still found eating the full 100 gr of protein a day challenging, so I used a simple chart on the fridge to make sure that I got what I needed each week — when I ate something I just checked its box on the chart. I recommend this to any mom. I can’t thank Dr. Brewer enough for his work and for sticking to his guns when the world stood against him.

]]> Comment on Typical Prenatal Diets by Gail S. http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/faq/typical-prenatal-diets/#comment-12 Gail S. Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:49:39 +0000 http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/faq/typical-prenatal-diets/#comment-12 I wanted to tell you that when I was in Target last night, I decided to see what they had in the pregnancy book section. I picked up a book and turned to the nutrition-in-pregnancy chapter. You guys are right--they encourage mothers to eat one item of food and count it toward fulfilling two requirements. Sigh. I went to the Macomb County Health Department and Michigan Department of Health Web sites in order to see whether they had information about what pregnant mothers should be eating. I found almost nothing and misinformation. What I did find was buried. The dearth of useful, good nutrition information is disheartening. Sincerely, Gail S. I wanted to tell you that when I was in Target last night, I decided to see what they had in the pregnancy book section. I picked up a book and turned to the nutrition-in-pregnancy chapter. You guys are right–they encourage mothers to eat one item of food and count it toward fulfilling two requirements. Sigh.

I went to the Macomb County Health Department and Michigan Department of Health Web sites in order to see whether they had information about what pregnant mothers should be eating. I found almost nothing and misinformation. What I did find was buried. The dearth of useful, good nutrition information is disheartening.

Sincerely,
Gail S.

]]> Comment on Thank you, Dr. Brewer! by Ellen H. http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-11 Ellen H. Sat, 30 Jun 2007 02:18:40 +0000 http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-11 I am a Bradley teacher who has been recommending the Brewer Diet for four years. I have taught about 45 pregnant women and their partners, encouraging them to eat 80-100 grams of protein a day, and not a single one has developed pre-eclampsia. After reading Dr. Brewer’s book and the Harvard study that replicated his results, I am convinced that protein is the key to avoiding pre-eclampsia. Ellen H., Canaan, New York I am a Bradley teacher who has been recommending the Brewer Diet for four years. I have taught about 45 pregnant women and their partners, encouraging them to eat 80-100 grams of protein a day, and not a single one has developed pre-eclampsia. After reading Dr. Brewer’s book and the Harvard study that replicated his results, I am convinced that protein is the key to avoiding pre-eclampsia.

Ellen H., Canaan, New York

]]> Comment on Thank you, Dr. Brewer! by Brandy M. http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-10 Brandy M. Sat, 30 Jun 2007 02:16:09 +0000 http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-10 My first pregnancy I was young and trusted my old-fashioned doctor. I did no research, just followed his instructions. I ended up with pre-eclampsia - complete with the high blood pressure and severe pitting edema, a failed induction, and a c-section. My second pregnancy I did research and came across Dr. Brewer’s book (fabulous! - I recommend it to any pregnant woman). My doctor didn’t believe diet had anything to do with it, had not heard of the Brewer Diet, and refused to look into it. He told me I had a greater than 50% chance of getting it again based on my history and was not hopeful of a VBAC. I dumped him and found someone more compatible with my beliefs. I was unable to follow the diet to the letter (financial constraints), but I made sure that I ate the minimum daily eggs & milk, I drank to thirst, salted to taste, and my protein intake was always above 80 grams, usually well above 100 grams. I had only minimal normal pregnancy swelling at the end of my pregnancy, my blood pressure remained under control, and I had a successful VBAC. Never doubt the power of nutrition! Brandy M. of Anchorage, AK My first pregnancy I was young and trusted my old-fashioned doctor. I did no research, just followed his instructions. I ended up with pre-eclampsia - complete with the high blood pressure and severe pitting edema, a failed induction, and a c-section.

My second pregnancy I did research and came across Dr. Brewer’s book (fabulous! - I recommend it to any pregnant woman). My doctor didn’t believe diet had anything to do with it, had not heard of the Brewer Diet, and refused to look into it. He told me I had a greater than 50% chance of getting it again based on my history and was not hopeful of a VBAC. I dumped him and found someone more compatible with my beliefs. I was unable to follow the diet to the letter (financial constraints), but I made sure that I ate the minimum daily eggs & milk, I drank to thirst, salted to taste, and my protein intake was always above 80 grams, usually well above 100 grams. I had only minimal normal pregnancy swelling at the end of my pregnancy, my blood pressure remained under control, and I had a successful VBAC.

Never doubt the power of nutrition!

Brandy M. of Anchorage, AK

]]> Comment on Thank you, Dr. Brewer! by D. Preston http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-9 D. Preston Sat, 30 Jun 2007 02:14:30 +0000 http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-9 I have suffered from severe headaches for years, atleast five days a week.When I became pregnant with my fourth child, I tried to suffer through them but resorted to taking pain medication for many of them. I tried massage, chiropractic, essential oils, rest, lots of water; none of these provided much relief. I then began the Brewer’s Diet and my headaches ceased that day! I did not have another headache while on that diet. I am so appreciative of Dr. Brewer’s work! D. Preston, Moses Lake, Washington http://www.nursingfamily.com Request A Free Issue Of Nursing Family Magazine! Instinctive/Attachment Parenting, Breastfeeding, Family Bed, Gentle Birth, Simpler Living I have suffered from severe headaches for years, atleast five days a week.When I became pregnant with my fourth child, I tried to suffer through them but resorted to taking pain medication for many of them. I tried massage, chiropractic, essential oils, rest, lots of water; none of these provided much relief.

I then began the Brewer’s Diet and my headaches ceased that day! I did not have another headache while on that diet. I am so appreciative of Dr. Brewer’s work!

D. Preston, Moses Lake, Washington

http://www.nursingfamily.com
Request A Free Issue Of Nursing Family Magazine!
Instinctive/Attachment Parenting, Breastfeeding,
Family Bed, Gentle Birth, Simpler Living

]]> Comment on Thank you, Dr. Brewer! by Karen in VT http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-8 Karen in VT Sat, 30 Jun 2007 02:13:00 +0000 http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-8 I used the Brewer diet, (well, I just couldn’t make myself choke down liver) and my daughter is now 7 years old and she is brilliant. That is not just proud mama saying that. She skipped first grade at the recommendation of our local public school, and is at the top of the second grade class. I believe that optimum nutrition during pregnancy, followed by breastfeeding, allowed her to develop to her full potential. I used the Brewer diet, (well, I just couldn’t make myself choke down liver) and my daughter is now 7 years old and she is brilliant. That is not just proud mama saying that. She skipped first grade at the recommendation of our local public school, and is at the top of the second grade class. I believe that optimum nutrition during pregnancy, followed by breastfeeding, allowed her to develop to her full potential.

]]> Comment on Thank you, Dr. Brewer! by Jenny Hatch http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-7 Jenny Hatch Sat, 30 Jun 2007 02:10:59 +0000 http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-7 The Brewer diet is the most sound diet for pregnant women. As I have educated myself over the years and implemented the principles outlined in the Brewer Pregnancy Hotline book, each of my pregnancies has become healthier, and each of my babies has been more hardy and beautiful than the last. This is generally the opposite of what most women experience. My first pregnancy was complicated by terrible skin problems, allergies, asthma, and I had a root canal during my second trimester. All of these health problems have deficiency connections. My recent son, born eight months ago, has never been sick. I have experienced no breast infections, and we enjoyed an uncomplicated six hour labor, a quiet unasissted home birth of a nine and a half pound son, and a postitive nursing relationship. I followed the Brewer diet perfectly during his gestation. This is a far cry from the nursing nightmare I had after my first baby, accompanied by horrible post partum emotional illness. I didn’t have enough knowledge, the proper skills, or the willpower to nourish my body the way I needed too. I wish every new mother could be educated in the principles outlined in this book. It would revolutionize our society! Jenny Hatch http://www.naturalfamilyco.com The Brewer diet is the most sound diet for pregnant women. As I have educated myself over the years and implemented the principles outlined in the Brewer Pregnancy Hotline book, each of my pregnancies has become healthier, and each of my babies has been more hardy and beautiful than the last. This is generally the opposite of what most women experience.

My first pregnancy was complicated by terrible skin problems, allergies, asthma, and I had a root canal during my second trimester. All of these health problems have deficiency connections.

My recent son, born eight months ago, has never been sick. I have experienced no breast infections, and we enjoyed an uncomplicated six hour labor, a quiet unasissted home birth of a nine and a half pound son, and a postitive nursing relationship. I followed the Brewer diet perfectly during his gestation.

This is a far cry from the nursing nightmare I had after my first baby, accompanied by horrible post partum emotional illness. I didn’t have enough knowledge, the proper skills, or the willpower to nourish my body the way I needed too.

I wish every new mother could be educated in the principles outlined in this book. It would revolutionize our society!

Jenny Hatch

http://www.naturalfamilyco.com

]]> Comment on Thank you, Dr. Brewer! by Angela http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-6 Angela Sat, 30 Jun 2007 02:08:43 +0000 http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-6 When I was pregnant with my first baby, in 1998, my midwives suggested a Brewer diet. I followed it, and found it easy to do so! I, at their recommendation, consumed a minimum of 100 grams of protein a day. I was “overweight” going into the pregnancy and gained about 40 pounds from conception to delivery (only 10 of which were remaining after she was born) . I felt wonderful during my pregnancy! My mother couldn’t believe that someone could really do as well pregnant as I was! I had one day of swelling, in the hot Texas summer. My daughter was born at 42 weeks, in the midst of a several week stretch of 110 + degree temperatures, so this was particularly note-worthy! Unfortunately, my blue ribbon baby grew to 10 lb 4 oz, which alarmed my providors. The “rountine” ultrasound at 42 weeks showed a “very big” baby, which they took very hard. I suppose it’s understandable if you put much stock in u/s estimates–she weight guess was 13 lbs. At any rate, my home birth dream when up into ultrasound smoke and my care was transferred to an ob, who refused even a TOL. So, my blue ribbon baby was born very healthy early the next morning. The best part of my Brewer success story begins here. My mother was surprised at the way I handled pregnancy, but she was downright stunned (and remains so, 5 years later) at my recovery from surgery. I requested to come home from the hospital the day after my operation, and was “allowed” to. Once home, I climbed the stairs to my apartment, with no physical discomfort. By far, my discomfort in settling into a nursing relationship lasted longer (a week) than my post-op pain. (that is not to say it was easy at first–the first 24 hours were very hard.) As soon as I went home, I switched to Tylenol, basically for nipple soreness, not c-section pain. I physically healed quickly. I believe this is largely due to the Brewer diet and its benefit to my body. Now, if only Dr. Brewer could come up with a diet to so quickly heal the soul! ;-) When I had my vbac, everyone was concerned about my baby’s potential size, assuming the 2nd baby would be even larger. I was asked to follow an 1800 calorie diet with about 60 grams of protein. The result: my baby was indeed smaller (7 lb 11 oz), I gained less weight (total of 9 lbs) and my healing was slow. I did not feel as good in my pregnancy, though I still did not struggle with any signs of toxemia. In my next pregnancy, I hope to be able to again benefit from the principles of Dr. Brewer’s nutritional advice! (not to mention, I am still dreaming of a home birth!) Thank you for the work you are doing to help expectant mothers! Angela in Ruther Glen, VA When I was pregnant with my first baby, in 1998, my midwives suggested a Brewer diet. I followed it, and found it easy to do so! I, at their recommendation, consumed a minimum of 100 grams of protein a day. I was “overweight” going into the pregnancy and gained about 40 pounds from conception to delivery (only 10 of which were remaining after she was born) .

I felt wonderful during my pregnancy! My mother couldn’t believe that someone could really do as well pregnant as I was! I had one day of swelling, in the hot Texas summer. My daughter was born at 42 weeks, in the midst of a several week stretch of 110 + degree temperatures, so this was particularly note-worthy!

Unfortunately, my blue ribbon baby grew to 10 lb 4 oz, which alarmed my providors. The “rountine” ultrasound at 42 weeks showed a “very big” baby, which they took very hard. I suppose it’s understandable if you put much stock in u/s estimates–she weight guess was 13 lbs. At any rate, my home birth dream when up into ultrasound smoke and my care was transferred to an ob, who refused even a TOL. So, my blue ribbon baby was born very healthy early the next morning.

The best part of my Brewer success story begins here. My mother was surprised at the way I handled pregnancy, but she was downright stunned (and remains so, 5 years later) at my recovery from surgery. I requested to come home from the hospital the day after my operation, and was “allowed” to. Once home, I climbed the stairs to my apartment, with no physical discomfort. By far, my discomfort in settling into a nursing relationship lasted longer (a week) than my post-op pain. (that is not to say it was easy at first–the first 24 hours were very hard.)

As soon as I went home, I switched to Tylenol, basically for nipple soreness, not c-section pain. I physically healed quickly. I believe this is largely due to the Brewer diet and its benefit to my body. Now, if only Dr. Brewer could come up with a diet to so quickly heal the soul! ;-)

When I had my vbac, everyone was concerned about my baby’s potential size, assuming the 2nd baby would be even larger. I was asked to follow an 1800 calorie diet with about 60 grams of protein. The result: my baby was indeed smaller (7 lb 11 oz), I gained less weight (total of 9 lbs) and my healing was slow. I did not feel as good in my pregnancy, though I still did not struggle with any signs of toxemia.

In my next pregnancy, I hope to be able to again benefit from the principles of Dr. Brewer’s nutritional advice! (not to mention, I am still dreaming of a home birth!)

Thank you for the work you are doing to help expectant mothers!

Angela

in Ruther Glen, VA

]]> Comment on Thank you, Dr. Brewer! by Jessica Mallard http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-5 Jessica Mallard Sat, 30 Jun 2007 02:07:15 +0000 http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/testimonials/thank-you-dr-brewer/#comment-5 I am sold! I had a baby boy in 1996, born 12 days before his due date. He was 6 lbs 13 oz and I had gained 50 pounds trying to eat the “right” way (”Best Odds” Diet). I had a couple of yeast infections, UTIs, and severe cervical irritation and bleeding which made labor truly unbearable. With my brand new baby girl, I went 3 more days into my pregnancy this time. I gained 25 pounds and it was literally gone by the time I got home two days after delivery. I had zero health problems this time and had a natural childbirth. My daughter weighed 7 lbs 7 ozs, quite a bit more than my son. I had a third degree tear with my son (first pregnancy) and a 1/2 inch 1st degree tear this time. I felt so good during this pregnancy and people always commented on how healthy I looked. I credit the Brewer diet with all of these positive changes. Jessica Mallard I am sold! I had a baby boy in 1996, born 12 days before his due date. He was 6 lbs 13 oz and I had gained 50 pounds trying to eat the “right” way (”Best Odds” Diet). I had a couple of yeast infections, UTIs, and severe cervical irritation and bleeding which made labor truly unbearable.

With my brand new baby girl, I went 3 more days into my pregnancy this time. I gained 25 pounds and it was literally gone by the time I got home two days after delivery. I had zero health problems this time and had a natural childbirth. My daughter weighed 7 lbs 7 ozs, quite a bit more than my son. I had a third degree tear with my son (first pregnancy) and a 1/2 inch 1st degree tear this time. I felt so good during this pregnancy and people always commented on how healthy I looked.

I credit the Brewer diet with all of these positive changes.

Jessica Mallard

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