Over the years I have worked with a handful of clients who wanted to do GAPS while pregnant and/or breastfeeding. It is not impossible to do GAPS while pregnant but it can be more challenging for a variety of reasons. There are a few reasonable rules to follow if you find yourself wanting or needing to do GAPS while expecting or breastfeeding.
Dr. Natasha recommends the full GAPS diet to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. The reason for this has to do with detoxing. A fair amount of detoxing takes place on the GAPS diet. When we go through die off (detoxing) our bodies are expelling toxins through our lungs, urine and bowel movements. The toxins can also travel through breast milk to the nursing child and that is something we want to avoid. Pregnancy and breastfeeding is a time where detoxing isn’t advisable, so being on the full GAPS diet during pregnancy is a very safe option.
Some pregnant and nursing mothers will need a bit of a GAPS-hybrid approach that includes rice and potatoes to maintain energy, milk supply and growth. This isn’t always the case, but I would recommend working with a GAPS practitioner or coach if you feel the need for additional support during either of those times.
The full GAPS diet will severely minimize die off due to the consumption of fruits, nuts, squashes and, if added, starchy vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes. Once a baby is no longer nursing the mother can shift over to the Introduction diet if she feels the need to do so.
Many people can see tremendous healing, even full healing, on the full GAPS diet alone. The introduction diet does allow for deeper healing and it is often the right track for those struggling with food allergies, major digestive issues, eczema, asthma and a handful of other tougher ailments. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and dealing with any of these additional ailments please know that a little bit of GAPS is better than no GAPS. Adhering to the full GAPS diet or a hybrid is going to do wonderful things to begin healing your gut.
The full GAPS diet will help balance your blood sugar and provide many nutrient-dense food options like organ meats, eggs, healthy protein and fats that give optimal nutritional support during pregnancy and breastfeeding. What you eat during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is incredibly important. Here is another good resource for learning about the importance of nutrient density during these times.
Get the GAPS book here or here.
Need help or want to work with me as a coach? Reach out through the contact tab on my website. I would love to help you navigate the diet.
Disclaimer: This post is not medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.
