The E.T. Effect: Healthy Mama, Healthy Baby
There are so many reasons that pregnancy and mamahood are incredible, but one of the reasons that wasn't apparent to me right away has actually become one of the factors that is now at the forefront of my mind: Health. When you are pregnant, and when you are a breastfeeding mama, your health becomes a major priority in a way that it never has before. I like to call this The E.T. Effect.
Remember in the movie, E.T., when Elliot goes to school and leaves E.T. home for the first time? E.T. gets wasted on some beers from the fridge, and in turn, Elliot feels drunk at school, releases all of the captured frogs about to be dissected, and kisses the blond girl in his class who stands about a foot taller than him. Well, this is the little movie clip that plays in my mind every time I have to put in a little extra effort to ensure my good health - except my baby boy's face is superimposed on Elliot's body. Yes, I am E.T. in a sense, and I want my physical connection with Jac, a.k.a. Elliot, to ensure his good health on a daily basis.
Since Jac arrived, I have been the healthiest I have ever been in my life. I find this pretty amazing since I have gotten the least amount of sleep I've ever had since becoming a mama, and lack of sleep has always been directly linked with getting sick for me in the past. There are a few key things that I have been doing during this time though, and I really believe these things are responsible for my new good health, and in turn, my breastfed son's good health. (Knock on wood), Jac hasn't had more than a stuffy nose in his almost seven months on this planet. With another blizzard on the horizon (at least for those of us in the Northeast), and a season of the flu upon us, I thought I would share what has been working for me.
1. Vitamin D: Country Life Vitamin D3 2500 iu, 200 softgels
My husband has come home sick with whatever is going around the office several times, yet Jac and I haven't caught it once, thanks to popping one of these each day. Jac takes vitamin D also: Baby Ddrops Vitamin D Drops for Babies 400 IU by Carlson Labs - 10ml
2. Floradix: Salus Haus Floradix Iron + Herbs 17-Ounces
I am always slightly anemic, and this product keeps my energy up. It's an all natural soulution, and the dreaded iron side effect of constipation is non-existent. This was first recommended to me by my midwife during pregnancy. Check out the incredible reviews of Floradix on Amazon.
3. Probiotics: Country Life Natural Acidophilus with Pectin, 250-Vegetarian Capsules
I take 2-4 of these per day, and they keep the digestive system moving well. They also strengthen immunity.
4. Neti Pot: Himalayan Institute Ceramic Neti Pot
This one is my husband's recommendation. He uses it at the first sign of headache, sore throat, or congestion. The sooner you use it after symptoms appear, the more effective it is.
5. Zumba: 
I go to a Zumba class at a great local dance studio (www.myhouseofdance.com), and I think you can't help but get healthier when you're working out this hard and having this much fun!
6. Happiness: No web site for this one. Just go and have yourself an amazing little boy, play with him every day, and you'll find a new level of happiness that will strengthen your immune system in no time!
