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
11: Vagina Whispering with Sara Reardon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:27
In this episode, HeHe sits down with Sara Reardon, The Vagina Whisperer, to get a closer look at the pelvic floor. We dive into maternity belts, painful sex, and general vaginal care. Sara spills the beans on prenatal pr…
10: Friday Free Talk: Body Shamers ​ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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8: Friday Free Talk: Certification [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:21
This is an episode of Friday Free Talk- Where I freely talk about something I want you to know or what ever has been on my mind lately. Today, I dive into the question of "Are you certified?" I explain the range of care…
7: Exercise during Pregnancy with Erika Tsipouras [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:42
They say habits that are formed while you're pregnant are more likely to stay around! What better time to implement exercise into your life than when you are growing a tiny human! Erika is a ACE certified Pre and Postnat…
6: Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy with Audra Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:15
In this episode, HeHe sits down with Audra Smith, an expectant mom who has Type 1 Diabetes. She shares her story and how the disease has affected her pregnancy. She and her husband, Brian, struggled to get pregnant and A…
5: Diving into Tiny Human sleep patterns with Alyssa Blask Campbell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:28
Alyssa Blask Campbell is a lover of all things tiny humans. She has spent years studying the science behind our tiny human's brain development and is here to spill the beans! Join us as we dive deep into your child's sle…
3: Is acupuncture really worth it? with Nicole Brown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:08
Nicole Brown is an acupuncturist in the Boston area and specializes in Women's Health. She is honest about what she thinks will help and has so many remedies. She is part of the Tranquility Team and believes in the power…
2: Why you NEED Maternity Pictures with Malka Ahmed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:42
Have you ever considered maternity photos? Do you wonder why on earth you would want to document your pregnant body? Maybe you want to save the money and put it towards newborn photos? In this episode, I dive deep into n…