Ep. 327: Protein in Pregnancy: What you should eat, how much and why with Amanda Howell

Ep. 327: Protein in Pregnancy: What you should eat, how much and why with Amanda Howell

Author: HeHe Stewart March 12, 2025 Duration: 1:20:30
In this episode, Amanda joins HeHe to discuss the critical importance of protein intake for women, specifically regarding overall health, pregnancy, and fertility. Key topics include basic protein requirements, potential deficiencies, the role of protein during pregnancy trimesters, and protein's impact on fetal growth and postpartum recovery. Amanda emphasizes the need for intentional eating, recommending strategies for protein intake through diet and supplements while debunking popular myths about nutrition trends such as collagen and soy. This episode offers practical advice for women at various stages of their reproductive journey, highlighting the broad-reaching benefits of adequate protein consumption.   Guest Bio: Amanda Howell is a dedicated public health professional and current Master of Science in Nursing student specializing in women's health, with a focus on pre and postnatal nutrition and fitness. She is committed to providing evidence-based insights that empower women to make informed decisions. Amanda emphasizes the vital connection between proper nutrition during pregnancy and improved health outcomes, striving to support women through education, advocacy, and accessible resources.03:10 Introducing the Birth Lounge App 04:24 Today's Topic: Protein in Pregnancy 06:34 Special Guest: Amanda Howell 07:48 The Importance of Protein in Pregnancy 21:04 Understanding Protein Sources 27:27 Debunking Soy Myths 34:53 Navigating Shift Work and Sleep 42:21 Navigating the Wild West of Supplements 42:39 Choosing Safe and Reputable Protein Brands 42:50 Importance of Protein During Pregnancy 43:19 Third-Party Testing for Supplements 43:35 Avoiding Unsafe Ingredients in Supplements 44:02 Artificial Sweeteners and Personal Preferences 44:48 Recommended Protein Brands 48:02 Protein's Role in Conception and Pregnancy 51:00 Protein Deficiency and Fertility Issues 52:09 Protein's Impact on Hormones and Stress 55:56 Optimizing Protein Intake for Pregnancy 01:05:05 Postpartum Protein Needs and Recovery 01:07:16 Quick and Easy Protein Snacks for New Moms 01:11:23 The Importance of Protein for Overall Health 01:14:15 Stress and Its Impact on Pregnancy 01:16:48 Final Thoughts and Resources   SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Amanda on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!   Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Watch the Avoid a C-Section webinar here!     RESOURCES MENTIONED: Connect with Amanda here!    Get HeHe’s favorite protein powder from Just Ingredients, here!     Optimum Nutrition Prepared Protein Shakes    Premier Protein Prepared Protein Shakes 

Hosted by birth and newborn expert HeHe Stewart, The Birth Lounge Podcast creates a thoughtful conversation around the many paths through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. This podcast moves beyond simplistic advice to explore the wide spectrum of normal experiences, offering evidence-based insights alongside real stories from parents. HeHe, who founded Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, guides these discussions with a blend of professional knowledge and deep empathy, aiming to demystify the process and empower your choices. Each episode serves as a gathering place-a safe space where clinical expertise meets lived experience, covering topics that span education, family dynamics, physical fitness, holistic health, and parenting young children. You’ll find a supportive resource here, one that acknowledges the variables and nuances of bringing a child into the world and navigating the postpartum chapter. Tune in for honest dialogues that honor different perspectives, providing companionship and reliable information for your own journey. The goal is to leave you feeling more prepared, less alone, and confident in your unique path through parenthood, all within the supportive community of this podcast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 432

The Birth Lounge Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 222: Donor Milk with Sterling Grey-Simmons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:29
Have you ever thought about using donor milk? Did you know it was an option? Do you know where you can donate? How do you sign up to be a milk bank recipient? How do you know if you are eligible? Are there benefits to do…
Ep. 221: The Importance of Counting the Kicks with Emily Price [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:44
Did you know there is an app that can help reduce the risk of stillbirth in the end of pregnancy? I know a big fear of many moms out there is how to know if your baby is healthy as your pregnancy gets closer to your due…
Ep. 219: Baby Reflux with Aine Homer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:54
Reflux in babies can be challenging and overwhelming. There are so many questions that parents have and very little places to turn for answers. What causes it? How do you know if your baby is experiencing normal spit up…
Ep. 218: Hospital Culture or Cult Behavior? with Billie Harrigan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:52
It’s no secret that the healthcare system is a profit-driven industry that needs an immediate overhaul to improve patient outcomes and start centering patient preferences. We all know that many hospital practices aren’t…
Ep. 217: Four Induction Methods No One has Shared with You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:19
Season Opener!!! This episode is jam packed with data and discussion points to help you have an informed conversation around finding your perfect induction equation so you can have a positive induction experience! The ch…
Ep 216: Bias in the Birth Room [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:53
The truth is-- unbiased care does not exist. If everyone from your doctor to your mom to the stranger in the super market has biases, what are you supposed to do? Plus, do those biases increase your risk of experiencing…
Ep. 215: How to Avoid a C-section [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:55
Unnecessareans (Unnecessary c-sections) are on the rise in America and for many reasons! So many women prepare for labor from a place of wanting to avoid a c-section but fail to understand what actually CAUSES unnecessar…
Ep. 213: Trauma Informed Breastfeeding Support [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:46
HeHe sits down with Nurse Beckie to discuss: Trauma informed breastfeeding support in the hospital How to have your breastfeeding goals heard and respected in the hospital How to best set yourself up for a successful bre…