With my first pregnancy I had symptoms of gestational diabetes in my last 5 weeks of pregnancy. I was placed on a diabetic diet and monitored my blood sugar levels at home. I found the diet strange and difficult, but followed it. I gained 35 lbs on my 5' 1" frame, and did not exercise. My son was born 11 days early after a drugged labor, was 7 lbs. 4 oz., and had multiple health problems. He was recently diagnosed with learning disabilities and ADHD.
During my next full term pregnancy I followed the Brewer diet, ate a well balanced and varied diet, and exercised regularly. I gained exactly the same amount of weight, was regulary tested for gestational diabetes, but all tests were within normal limits, and I remained very healthy. My second son was born exactly on his due date after a natural labor, weighed 8 lbs. 14 oz., was extremely healthy, and continues to be so.
The only difference between the two pregnancies was diet, exercise, a midwife, and education.
-Amy V. Haas, AAHCC
Fairport, NY
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issue 47, Nov 19, 1999)
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