Stork’s Nutrition Program®

To ensure optimal nutrition for our pregnant patients and their growing babies, Melissa Bennett, RD, CDE, a medical nutrition therapist with DVIF&G, developed a program exclusive to our practice called The Stork’s Nutrition Program®. The purpose of the program is to provide medical nutrition therapy to pregnant women to optimize the health outcomes of both mother and child.

“Moms-to-be who follow the program have a healthier pregnancy. When you eat healthier, you feel better,” says Ms. Bennett. “A healthy weight gain promotes a healthy pregnancy and decreases the risk of complications during delivery. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases a woman’s risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and back pain. Not gaining enough weight can deprive the fetus of much-needed nutrients for normal development.”

1. Include a variety of foods in meal planning.
2. Gain the appropriate amount of weight.
3. Supplement your diet with appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals.
4. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances.
5. Handle food safely.

The program also encourages pregnant women to walk every day for 30 minutes with their physician’s permission, to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water, to eat three servings of low-fat foods rich in calcium, and to limit caffeine to 300 milligrams per day (about two 8-ounce cups of coffee). By regularly exercising, eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, taking a prenatal vitamin, and drinking plenty of water and other liquids daily, common pregnancy problems such as “Morning Sickness” and constipation are often lessened.

Since fish is an excellent source of protein, minerals, and vitamins, the program includes in-depth information on eating fish safely. It includes a detailed listing of various fish, where they were caught, and whether they are safe to consume in small quantities or not at all. For example, certain kinds of fish such as canned tuna may contain excessive amounts of mercury that can be harmful to the developing fetus. Preparation and cooking guidelines for fish under advisories also are included.

For more information on the Stork’s Nutrition Program®, please call (856) 988-0072.