Since my days in primary school, I’ve never been a fan of drinking milk.
The only type I can tolerate is chocolate milk, but even that I can’t have it all the time.
It’s not that I’m lactose intolerant or anything, but the taste makes me feel queasy.
Fast forward to 10 years ago. When I became pregnant with my first baby, I became really worried.
Firstly, during pregnancy, it’s essential to drink milk for the calcium needed by both the baby and me.
Secondly, I’ve heard stories of mums losing their teeth due to a lack of calcium during pregnancy!
Honestly, throughout all three of my pregnancies, fear was a constant companion. I always checked to make sure my teeth were intact!
Nevertheless, I understood that every decision I made during my pregnancy was crucial for my baby’s wellbeing.
So, despite my dislike for milk, I found ways to incorporate it into my daily routine.
Today, I want to share my deeply personal experience of drinking milk during pregnancy, the significant benefits it offered, how I adapted when regular milk wasn’t an option, how I managed my intake after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, and the immense joy that being pregnant brought into my life.
The Benefits of Milk for Pregnancy
If you’re like me and dread drinking milk, let me tell you that learning about its incredible benefits can truly change your mind.
According to Parkway East Hospital, milk or soy milk are considered superfoods for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
They offer numerous advantages due to their rich nutritional content, including:
- Abundant in calcium, essential for strong bones.
- Contain high-quality proteins, crucial for overall development.
- Serve as a good source of vitamin D and vitamin B12, supporting various bodily functions.
- Help keep you well-hydrated during pregnancy.
- Reduce the risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia, safeguarding maternal health.
- Support healthy brain development in the growing foetus.
Understanding these benefits truly makes a difference, especially when pregnancy can be an emotional rollercoaster filled with excitement, worries, and anticipation.
So, every morning or before bedtime, I felt a beautiful connection as I gently cradled my belly while sipping on a glass of milk – knowing that the calcium, protein, and vitamins were nourishing my baby’s tiny bones and supporting their growth.
Adapting When Regular Milk Wasn’t An Option
During my pregnancy, I made an effort to drink regular milk.
But most of the time, I couldn’t bring myself to swallow it. It caused discomfort whenever I tried.
This made me feel disappointed, as I worried about missing out on the benefits of milk altogether.
Thankfully, my obstetrician was incredibly understanding and supportive.
They assured me that I wasn’t alone in feeling this way and suggested that I could choose any milk that I liked.
So, I went for the only milk that I love, which was chocolate.
They also mentioned that lactose-free milk could be a great alternative since it contains all the essential nutrients.
Embracing this advice, I started drinking chocolate-flavoured maternal milk daily and explored the world of lactose-free options.
It was like opening a door to a whole new range of possibilities.
The relief and joy I felt were immense, as I overcame the challenges pregnancy presented.
I knew my baby would still receive the goodness of milk, and I could enjoy its nourishing benefits without any discomfort.
Controlling Intake with Gestational Diabetes
But then, as my pregnancy progressed, my joy was accompanied by the diagnosis of gestational diabetes.
It felt like all my carefully made plans had suddenly been blown off track.
The doctors advised me to be extra careful about what I ate, including the amount of milk I drank.
At first, it was tough to accept that I had to control my sugar and carb intake.
I really enjoyed drinking chocolate and soy milk, so the idea of cutting back was hard to grasp.
But I understood that I had to do everything possible to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
I sought help from friends who had dealt with gestational diabetes themselves. Their support and suggestions meant a lot to me.
They suggested switching to low-fat milk and spreading out my consumption throughout the day to manage my blood sugar levels better.
I even started keeping a food journal to track the milk I drank and my blood sugar readings.
It was a bit of work, but it gave me a sense of control and strength.
As time went on, I found a balance that suited both me and my baby.
It’s Not Just About Drinking Milk
Throughout my pregnancy, I learned that being flexible and adaptable was key.
Managing my intake of milk became an empowering journey.
I discovered that it was not just about complying with medical advice, but also about taking charge of my own health and the health of my baby.
Beyond the nutritional aspect, drinking milk during pregnancy became a symbolic act for me.
It represented sacrifice and dedication to my child’s wellbeing, even when it meant overcoming personal aversions and challenges.
If I could offer one piece of advice to other expectant mothers, it would be to consider the benefits of milk during pregnancy and embrace it with an open heart – no matter what hurdles may come your way.
In conclusion, my personal journey with drinking milk during pregnancy taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the power of maternal love.
It showed me that sometimes, the things we might dislike or find challenging can become meaningful acts of love and devotion when we do them for the ones we care about.
Pregnancy is a unique and transformative experience, and it is up to us to embrace it with courage, determination, and an open heart.
Embrace the Milky Way and let its goodness guide you through this remarkable chapter of life.
Ultimately, the rewards of a healthy and happy baby are more than worth the effort.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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