Pregnancy and the postpartum journey are transformative phases in a woman’s life, marked by immense physical, emotional, and hormonal changes. During this time, prioritizing holistic health becomes paramount, not just for the mother but also for the baby. One often-overlooked supplement that can significantly support this journey is collagen. I have written and talked extensively about the benefits of a clinical collagen, but I haven’t gone in depth on the vast benefits of it throughout the pregnancy and postpartum journey.
If you are new to my page, I HIGHLY recommend reading my piece on everything you need to know about collagen supplements first, and then continue reading here.
PROPER collagen supplementation has drastically changed my life in the last year. The truth is, the topic of collagen is hot right now. It’s in ‘everything’ and frequently thrown around as a new buzz word. Big corporations are even trying to capitalize on this: i.e. Nestle acquiring Vital Proteins Feb 2022. It’s not going anywhere. Unless you know the exact types of collagen to look for, you are likely consuming a product with a molecular structure so large that it is not even being absorbed by your body – however Type II collagen molecules are much smaller, most mimicking the human body, and can be acquired from a single source: chicken sternal cartilage. Using type II collagen can increase the human body’s production of collagen (bioavailability) by 6000% in just 28 days. The absorption rate is upwards of 98%.
Beyond its beauty benefits, collagen offers a myriad of advantages for both prenatal health and postpartum recovery.
- Promotes Healthy Skin Elasticity:
Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity and hydration. During pregnancy, as the body expands to accommodate the growing baby, skin stretches significantly, leading to a strong possibility of stretch marks and loss of firmness. Incorporating a clinical collagen supplement can help mitigate these effects by supporting skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of stretch marks, and promoting a smoother skin texture.
- Supports Joint Health:
The added weight and shifting center of gravity during pregnancy can put immense strain on the joints, leading to discomfort and pain, especially in the hips and lower back. Collagen acts as a cushion for joints, providing support and reducing inflammation. Including a bioidentical collagen in the prenatal diet can help alleviate joint pain, allowing expectant mothers to move more comfortably throughout their pregnancy.
- Aids in Gut Health:
Pregnancy hormones can sometimes disrupt digestion, leading to issues like bloating, constipation, and heartburn. Collagen contains essential amino acids like glycine, which support the gut lining and promote healthy digestion. By strengthening the intestinal walls and aiding in the repair of damaged tissues, collagen can help alleviate digestive discomforts common during pregnancy.
- Contributes to Hair and Nail Strength:
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can affect the health of hair and nails, leading to brittleness and breakage. Collagen provides the necessary building blocks for strong, healthy hair and nails
- Supports Postpartum Recovery:
The postpartum period is a time of immense physical recovery and adjustment. Collagen can aid in this process by promoting tissue repair, particularly in the abdomen and pelvic region, which undergo significant changes during childbirth. Additionally, collagen’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce postpartum swelling and discomfort, facilitating a smoother recovery. It can also potentially help prevent tearing and tear recovery, as well as accelerate surgical recovery for those who have had a Cesarean section.
Additionally, postpartum hair loss is a very common experience after giving birth. My dear friend Mohana struggled with postpartum hair loss in her pregnancies prior to taking liquid biocell, and had accelerated hair growth once she incorporated it into her routine. In her most recent pregnancy and postpartum journey, she is not experiencing postpartum hair loss.
- Boosts Breastfeeding Nutrition:
For breastfeeding mothers, liquid biocell clinical collagen can be an invaluable addition to their diet, providing essential nutrients that support milk production and overall lactation health. By ensuring adequate protein intake, collagen supplements can help nursing mothers meet their increased nutritional needs while providing optimal nourishment for their baby.
Here you will see my dear friend Mohana’s brief story on her pregnancy and postpartum journey with and without clinical collagen supplementation, sharing her own personal experiences.
Watch the whole video from Mohana HERE.
Throughout pregnancy, proper collagen consumption has also been shown to help with morning sickness, support both gut and immune health in mom and baby, ease aches and pains. Additionally, the placenta is mostly made up of collagen, so it may contribute to healthy placenta. It can also aid in the possible prevention of tearing during the birth process.
Throughout the postpartum journey, proper collagen consumption has also been shown to support both immune and gut health of mom and baby, help accelerate c-section recovery wound healing, reduce postpartum hair loss, ease aches and pains.
Which one is best to take for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas? For pregnant and breastfeeding mamas, Liquid Biocell BEAUTY, LIFE or PURE is recommended.
Take 2 tablespoons per day by mouth, and keep refrigerated, feel free to contact me on here if you have questions regarding dosage, discounts, or want to share feedback!
In conclusion, collagen offers a multitude of benefits for both prenatal health and postpartum recovery. From promoting skin elasticity and joint health to supporting gut function and aiding in tissue repair, collagen plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth and comfortable pregnancy journey and facilitating a faster, more robust postpartum recovery. Incorporating collagen supplements into a well-rounded prenatal and postnatal wellness regimen can help expectant and new mothers thrive as they embrace the transformative experience of motherhood.
__
*Not medical advice, it is advisable to consult a medical professional prior
Sources:
Novel Hydrolyzed Chicken Sternal Cartilage Extract Improves Facial Epidermis and Connective Tissue in Healthy Adult Females: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31221944/
Acute and subchronic oral toxicity studies in rats of a hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage preparation https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17030382/
Ingestion of BioCell Collagen(®), a novel hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract; enhanced blood microcirculation and reduced facial aging signs https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22956862/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen#:~:text=Some%2028%20types%20of%20collagen,least%20one%20triple%20helix%20structure.
1 Comment on Pregnancy & Postpartum Journey on Liquid Biocell Collagen