Healthy Habits - Prenatal Possibilities

Dr. Paul Quinn PhD, CNM is an author, educator, and one of the only US-male midwives / a Certified Nurse Midwife for almost three decades. His new book, Pregnant Possibilities, is becoming a blueprint for women and their families during pregnancy. 

Paul also lives a gluten-free, vegetarian lifestyle. He relies on meditation and prayers, which he uses to “connect” with patients and families. Paul believes cooking is therapy and believes food is
uniting, bonding, healing, comforting, and transcends time and space  Where else can tradition, culture, and heritage all unite than at the table?

More about Dr. Paul Quinn PhD, CNM

• One of the only US-male midwives / a Certified Nurse Midwife for almost three decades 
• Director of Women and Children’s Services at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey
• Professor in obstetrical nursing and nursing research at Dominican University New York
• Author of 5 books, all found HERE on Amazon 
• New book, Prenatal Possibilities, is THE blueprint for families expecting a child. https://prenatalpossibilities.com/

 I had a chance to interview him to learn more.

Can you share a little about your book?

My book is a collection of delicious recipes that are easy to make and healthy. Pregnancy is a time when women tend to focus more on their health, so I wanted to maximize the opportunity to give women, and their families, recipes that contain all the important nutrients they need for good health. However, these recipes are not just for pregnancy; they can be used by anyone who wants flavorful meal ideas that will not have them spending too much time in the kitchen. This book contains recipes for all three meals and includes additional ones for appetizers, side dishes and desserts also. Anyone using my book can change or customize any of the recipes to their own tastes or make the meals in larger quantities for leftovers. My book takes the stress out of trying to eat healthy or plan meals and teaches people healthy options for a healthier lifestyle.

What sets your book apart from other books for mothers to be?

There is so much information available in books or on the internet about diets or specific foods for pregnancy- but not all of that information is correct. There are some useful books that have been written by registered dietitians or nutritionists while others have been written from an individual’s perspective or experiences. My book is the only one to date that has been written by a doctoral-prepared certified nurse midwife. In my three decades of nursing and midwifery experience, I have spent countless hours working clinically with women and their families throughout all stages of pregnancy and the birth process. As a midwife, I listen to women and have met women from different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, working one on one with them to educate them about a healthy pregnancy and to create meals using simple ingredients or ones they could afford. I bring a unique combination of clinical expertise and experiences coupled with scientific evidence about nutrition and health that is thoroughly vetted to each recipe that is not found in other books.

What are some nutrition tips mothers to be often overlook?

Pregnancy is a time of incredible changes to a woman’s body, and she often forgets that her body is basically working at its maximum capacity for most, if not all, hours of the day. During pregnancy, it is important for women to remember that healthy snacking between meals is equally as important as eating three main meals. Sometimes eating small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day that contain protein, the right amount of carbohydrates and fiber plus vitamins and minerals can be more beneficial than trying to just eat three meals. Women also forget to consider the sodium content in food, especially when indulging in some cravings for certain snacks, processed or fast foods. Women also overlook the importance of staying hydrated and consuming enough water or non-sugary, clear liquids throughout the day.

How can soon to be mothers make sure to take time for themselves before the baby comes, especially if they already have kids at home?

Motherhood is a full-time job that never ends! Pregnancy can add stress to a woman’s body and can drain whatever energy resources or mental resilience she may have. It is so important for women to take those moments to recharge or refocus whenever she can. I advise women to try to find small, frequent moments to rest or take a break if she is unable to take larger blocks of time for herself. For example, women should try to nap if their other kids are taking one. Walking is a great stress reliever and endurance-building activity that women can do alone or with their other kids. Listening to music or practicing meditation or guided imagery a few minutes before sleep can improve the quality of rest. Women should take advantage of any offers of help from family or friends and shamelessly ask for others to babysit or take the other kids out so a pregnant woman can have some uninterrupted time alone to take a relaxing shower, get a manicure or pedicure, massage, read a book, take a nap or meditate. Mindful breathing takes only minutes to do and can be incredibly re-energizing and restorative. Cooking or baking can be extremely therapeutic and calming and stimulates the body’s senses to bring about relaxation!

Recent Media: https://www.wfla.com/daytime/easy-and-nutritious-meals-for-pregnant-women/

Online:

• https://prenatalpossibilities.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/prenatalpossibilities/
• https://www.instagram.com/drpaulquinn/