Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Why Collagen Is the "Fourth Trimester" Essential

1. The "Stretch" Challenge: Skin Elasticity

As your baby grows, your skin is asked to perform a miraculous feat of expansion. While genetics play a large role in whether you get stretch marks (striae), nutrition dictates the resilience of the skin. Collagen is the protein responsible for skin elasticity. It allows the dermis to stretch without tearing.

During pregnancy, your body’s demand for amino acids skyrockets to build the baby's skin and bones. If your diet is low in collagen, your body may "borrow" from your own stores, leaving your skin vulnerable. Drinking Angus Bone Broth provides the raw materials (Glycine and Proline) to maintain the structural integrity of your expanding bump from the inside out.

More Than Just Creams

Most mums-to-be diligently rub bio-oil on their bumps. While this keeps the surface hydrated, it cannot strengthen the deep dermis where the tear actually occurs. Internal nutrition is the only way to feed the collagen matrix deep within the skin layers.

2. Dealing with "Relaxin" and Pelvic Pain

During pregnancy, your body releases a hormone called Relaxin. Its job is to soften the ligaments in the pelvis to prepare for birth. However, Relaxin affects all your joints, often leading to instability and Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP).

While you cannot stop the hormone, you can support the tissue. Consuming collagen and gelatin provides the structural proteins needed to maintain the strength of the connective tissues holding your joints together. Think of it as reinforcing the "guy ropes" of a tent while the ground is shifting. It supports stability and comfort during the later stages of pregnancy.

3. The "Fourth Trimester": Postpartum Recovery

In many traditional cultures, the first 40 days after birth are dedicated to warm, nourishing soups. In the UK, new mums are often sent home with a sandwich and told to get on with it. The "Fourth Trimester" is a critical window for healing. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, your body has profound tissue repair to do. Bone Broth Concentrate is the ideal postpartum food because:

1. It requires zero effort: Just add hot water (essential when you are exhausted).
2. It supports recovery: High protein supports the restoration of abdominal muscles and the uterus.
3. It replenishes minerals: Restores nutrients lost during birth.

4. Breastfeeding and the "Milky Way"

Breastfeeding is energetically expensive. It burns roughly 500 calories a day and depletes the mother's nutrient stores. Bone broth acts as a nutrient-dense "insurance policy" for breastfeeding mums.

The healthy fats (from the bone marrow) and hydration (electrolytes) support milk quality and volume. Furthermore, because it is rich in protein but low in sugar, it provides sustained energy for those 3 AM feeds without the sugar crash that comes from biscuits.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Bone broth is a natural food, not a synthetic supplement. It is widely recommended by nutritionists and midwives for its mineral content. However, we always recommend the "Pure" (Unsalted) version to help manage blood pressure and support hydration without water retention.

2. Can it help with "Mum Brain"?

"Mum Brain" is often exacerbated by nutrient depletion and sleep deprivation. The amino acid Glycine in bone broth helps improve sleep quality (even in short bursts) and supports cognitive function, helping you feel a little more human.

3. Is it safe for the baby via milk?

Absolutely. The nutrients you absorb are passed to the baby. The amino acids and healthy fats contribute to the baby’s own growth and development. It is a gentle way to nourish both of you.

4. Does it help with postpartum hair loss?

Yes. As discussed in our "Hair Shedding" article, the postpartum hormone drop triggers hair loss. High protein intake is the best defence. Providing the follicles with collagen peptides can help support the regrowth phase.

5. I have nausea. Can I drink it?

Many women find that in the first trimester, savoury fluids are easier to tolerate than solids. Sipping weak, salty bone broth can help settle the stomach and maintain hydration when you can't face a full meal.

Final Thoughts

You spend 9 months growing a baby; don't forget to rebuild the mother. By prioritising your nutrition with dense, restorative food, you ensure you have the strength and resilience to enjoy the journey.

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