Optimum Nutrition Before During and After Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Achieve Optimum Well-being

"This book puts to bed all the myths to do with conception and childbirth ranging from "people have been having healthy babies without this information for centuries" to the current RDA information based on ancient research. This book provides a healthy eating plan that not only is aimed at getting you pregnant when you want to be but also a problem free labour, a healthier child and even what nutrients to get to prevent stretch marks. It recognizes the fact that because of increased pollution, stressful lifestyles, etc. food itself is no longer sufficient on its own to provide us with the nutrients we need and promotes the need for using supplements as a booster. I believe its no coincidence that "healthy" kids suffer conditions like asthma and behavior problems more than ever before while we live in a polluted environment (not just with pesticides in the atmosphere but also air fresheners, etc.) and consume more processed food full of additives and preservatives than our ancestors. I have read this book in preparation for my first baby and having previously followed Patrick Holford's Optimum Nutrition plan for a year after being diagnosed with food intolerances, I have decided to follow his advice knowing that while I can do nothing about unknown quantities (nor would I want to!), I can certainly do everything physically possible to give my child the best start in life."
~ Written on 2006-11-13

"Highly informative and authorative Bible on the required nutrients for a healthy baby. Is fully backed up with research papers and scientific results and contains advice on everything from how to maximise your fertility to boosting your offspring's IQ.

I made the mistake of reading it when I was already pregnant and, although I've always considered my diet pretty healthy, was consumed by guilt at how I'd failed my baby already. Still, at least I'll know for next time! And Patrick Holden does assure readers that if any problem does develop (with either yourself or your baby), every situation can be bettered considerably with optimum nutrition. So all is not lost!

A great sourcebook - but just read it several months before you decide to conceive so you can enjoy a healthy as well as guilt-free pregnancy."
~ Written on 2004-12-16

"Good book, packed full of useful facts about nutrition and "anti-nutrients".

Quite complex to read though, and certainly doesn't claim to provide a 'nutritional prescription'. Excellent reference material, but you really need to read the whole book cover to cover to find the relevant bits of info and bookmark them.

At first, the book seems to condemn such a lot of "toxic" foods and environments that you could be forgiven if you ended up terrified of eating ANYTHING or going ANYWHERE in case you were damaging your unborn (and even yet to be conceived) child!

You really need to dilute it with a bit of real-life practicality and make use of the bits that work for you. It's worth remembering that Yes, it's good to do the best you can, but millions of women have given birth to perfectly healthy, happy and intelligent babies, while still enjoying the odd cuppa or having to work in a smog-filled city. Don't let it scare you into starving yourself!

The bottom line, pregnant or not, is try to get some of ALL the vitamins, give yourself a zinc boost, and you won't go far wrong. You won't get a magic list of special vitamins from any book - we need a little of everything for optimum nutrition.

On the whole I'd highly recommend this book as I think it's always good to be informed, but for anyone who's looking for more of a quick overview of what fruit & veg they should be eating during pregnancy, this book isn't what you're looking for."
~ Written on 2004-11-15