The journey of pregnancy and postpartum mark some of the most incredible and transformative moments in a woman's life. During this time, your body embarks on a profound journey of growth, nurturing, and self-discovery.
Taking care of yourself becomes paramount, not only for your well-being but also for the health and happiness of your baby.
In the midst of this journey, collagen can support your body in ways that are both powerful and unique. As a fundamental protein with a distinct composition, collagen plays multifaceted roles that make it stand out, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Special Amino Acid Profile
Unlike many other protein sources, collagen is abundant in essential amino acids such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These building blocks play a key role in collagen production, supporting the structural integrity of various tissues in our bodies, including the skin, joints, and connective tissues. Towards the end of pregnancy, the uterus makes more collagen due to the hormone relaxin, which helps prepare the body for childbirth. This extra collagen softens and expands the cervix, relaxes pelvic ligaments, and maintains the strength of the uterus and pelvic floor, all crucial for labour and delivery. Taking collagen supplements or eating collagen-rich foods, like slow-cooked meats on the bone, provides the amino acids needed to produce more collagen. This can support your body’s natural processes, ensuring you and your baby are ready for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
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Connective Tissue Support
Collagen is the main protein in joints, tendons, and ligaments, giving them strength, stability, and flexibility. During pregnancy, as your body undergoes physical changes and added stress from carrying a growing baby, collagen becomes even more important. It provides essential support to these structures during this time of significant growth.
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Skin Health and Elasticity
Collagen, being a major component of the skin's structure, acts as the "building blocks" that hold it together. Collagen fibres form a dense and flexible network within the skin, providing it with the ability to stretch during pregnancy and restore after childbirth. The specific amino acids present in collagen (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) are essential in building and maintaining this network. These amino acids are not as abundantly found in other protein sources, making collagen particularly valuable for skin health.
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Postpartum Recovery
Collagen becomes a key component in the body's recovery process, helping to heal tissues like the pelvic floor, stomach muscles, and uterus. By aiding in tissue repair, collagen provides essential support for your body as it rebuilds and recovers after childbirth, contributing to a smoother and more comfortable postpartum experience.
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Collagen Rich Foods
Lamb shanks
Osso buco
Beef bone broth
Chicken bone broth
Chicken skin & cartilage
Fish skin
Sardines: Bones, skin & scales
Pork skin
Dairy products: While they don't contain collagen, they're rich in two amino acids, proline and glycine, which are key components in collagen molecules.
Adding collagen to your diet, whether through collagen-rich foods or supplements, can bring these amazing benefits. It supports your body during pregnancy and postpartum, helping you handle all the physical changes and demands of motherhood.
If you'd like some inspiration, here are some beautiful collagen rich recipes for you to try: Rosemary & Mint Lamb Shanks , Mint & Tomato Lamb Shanks w/ roasted vege , Slow Cooked Osso Buco , Beef Bone Broth
Radiate & Glow Ritual
Give your skin the nutritional support it needs with our Radiate & Glow Ritual, featuring Grass Fed Collagen Hydrolysate Powder and Organic 100% Grass Fed Beef Liver Capsules.
Together, the Radiate & Glow Ritual delivers a combination of nutrients to nourish your skin from within, helping you achieve a healthy, glowing complexion while also providing essential nutritional support during pregnancy.
Learn More here
