A Cookbook Just for Us

Cathe Olson’s The Vegetarian Mother’s Cookbook is possibly the sole vegetarian cookbook created for pregnant and lactating women, and after receiving several recommendations about it from my blog, I decided I needed to get a copy and test it out.

As it turns out, it may just be as good as everyone says. It has over 300 recipes, with a wide variety from teas to tonics, to tofu scrambles and mango sorbet. And even better, it goes beyond recipes, containing useful nutrition information such as a list of “super mommy foods” and a compilation of common pregnancy ailments (with suggestions for prevention and treatment). Also, a user-friendly appendix includes recipes that are high in protein, iron, and calcium, for when you want to focus on getting more of these key nutrients.

I’ve only had the cookbook for about six weeks now, but I’ve already got some favorite recipes tagged. The Tofu and Udon Noodles with Sesame-Peanut Dressing is creamy, filling, and protein packed (and also a big hit with my husband); the Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas (I made the carrot variation) is a delicious way to eat some greens, and the Banana-Molasses Muffins made a perfect late morning snack. Mmm, I already have visions of making more, but with some added apples to get my fruit fix.

For the links go to: www.vegetariantimes.com/features/editors_blog/149

Alive and Well

I survived my amnio, a little embarrassed about the angst I had leading up to it (because of how easy it was), but relieved I didn’t fill the room with blood-curdling screams. I actually came out of the procedure with a much greater appreciation of today’s technology. There’s nothing more surreal than watching a living thing inside of you, doing its thing—especially when its laying out a yoga move.

These Genes Won't Budge

If you’re discovering motherhood a little later in life like me, you may be going through some of the more diligent testing for chromosomal and genetic birth defects. A woman’s risk rises significantly from the age of 35 on, which is why many doctors suggest additional testing for those who fall into that category.

The most common genetic test is known as an amniocentesis (or amnio for short). It’s a fairly simple procedure as far as medical procedures go; however, it does pose a small risk to the fetus. The benefit from the procedure is a nearly conclusive report as to whether or not the baby has spina bifida, Down syndrome, or other chromosome problems. With the results you can make an informed decision about what to do next if defects are detected.

I’m having my amnio done on Wednesday, after which I plan to take it easy for the suggested 24 hours. (As long as I don’t look at the needle, I should be fine.) Check out these links for more information on genetic testing: ACOG, March of Dimes, UPMC.