My first 9 months of pregnancy were kind of a breeze. I mean sure I felt uncomfortable; and had my fair share of leg spasms and insomnia, but for the most part it was manageable.

After giving birth I thought it would be all downhill, boy was I wrong.  

About 4-5 months after giving birth I had:

• Weight I couldn't lose
• Irritability
• Bloating
• Exhaustion
• Varicose Veins (I even had surgery to remove these!)

It wasn't until after my second pregnancy that I stumbled upon the amazing benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV).

Initially, I was frantic to find anything to help me get over my weightless plateau but I've since learned some pretty perfect benefits of taking ACV for new Moms. 

 

1. Stimulates the Thyroid

Not all new moms have thyroid issues after delivery.  However, postpartum thyroiditis can affect a percentage maybe 3 in 100 or 2 in 25.  

The symptoms can be troubling. Anxiety, fatigue, irritability, weight fluctuations, and insomnia to name a few. 

Apple Cider Vinegar helps maintain the acidity of the stomach and improves digestion and absorption of nutrients for the body.

 It helps organs like the thyroid function at their optimum, and if any medicines are being taken for the thyroid it helps their absorption. 

ACV also regulates body fats: By taking daily in addition to exercise and a healthy diet fatty weight gain can be managed or prevented and metabolism can increase rather than decrease, taking stress off your thyroid glands. 

 

2. Accelerates Weight Loss

ACV is pretty awesome in that it gives your body an assist by activating your metabolism to help it use fat as a form of energy rather than storing it.  Burning fat rather than storing it = less weight gain.

Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar also has the uncanny ability to suppress appetite.

This is one of the ways it does it: Most noticeably seen when consuming starches - it slows the digestion.  

When digestion is slowed you feel full longer.

ACV also seems to stabilize blood sugar so you aren't craving sweet snacks.  

Part of the pain in my postpartum weight loss journey after my second baby was constantly wanting to snack and crave sweets between meals. 

Apple cider vinegar eliminated this urge and I was able to plan out my meals and stick to my intake for the day.

 I know there's no such thing as a magic gummy or pill but it was pretty impressive. 

 

3. Eases Varicose Veins

I didn't know pregnancy could cause varicose veins.

It seemed like one day I was heading down to the beach to float (being in the water while pregnant is so enjoyable because you don't feel so heavy) and BAM big bulging vein on the back of my leg.  

Living in Hawaii, my legs are constantly on display.

Months after I delivered, more and more veins seemed to appear and my self esteem was crushed. 

One of the easiest and best remedies for varicose veins is Apple Cider Vinegar. 

ACV helps clean the body and it enhances the blood circulation through the veins.

When the conditions affecting blood blow are stabilized the veins automatically stop swelling.  

Improved blood circulation has so many additional great benefits too that include: liver detoxification and immune system support. 

 

4. Improves Digestion

As we age the stomach produces less acid. Bloating is an unfortunate consequence of low stomach acid.

Because ACV is naturally acidic it can help raise stomach levels to aid in digestion.  When levels are maintained or raised this prevents gas and bloating. 

Additionally, ACV is great for digesting protein heavy meals. Again, increasing the acidity levels of your stomach and helping the body create pepsin which breaks down protein. 

As a new mom you often hear up your iron and protein by eating more.  

Well, the goal for the digestive process is to break the protein into dipeptides and amino acids for best absorption.  It's great to add all these foods to your diet but you want to absorb them best for best results.

 

5. Keeps Urinary Infections at Bay

Women are susceptible to UTI'S during but also after giving birth. 

During labor there is an increased risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract. After labor its common to experience bladder swelling and sensitivity which makes UTI'S more plausible. 

ACV is a good preventative measure for an infection developing from bacteria.  The vinegar in ACV contains acetic acid that is effective in reducing the growth of infection causing bacteria. 

Your chance of contracting an infection is approx 3% in vaginal deliveries and up to 15% in cesarean deliveries.  Taking an ACV gummy like the baby blues Vegan ACV is such an easy way to lower this risk. 

 

6. Increased Energy

 If you are a new mom looking to get a healthy energy boost (ummm who isn't) ACV is such an easy good way.  

Here's how it works: Apple Cider Vinegar contains potassium and enzymes, and acts as a natural electrolyte solution.  

Additionally ACV contains amino acids that can prevent lactic acid build up in the body and help relieve fatigue.

 If you are feeling tired (I see you new mom) this can instantly boost your energy levels. It's kinda AMAZING.

Plus where you used to have to worry about the acid eroding your teeth .. taking it in gummy form eliminates that. 

 

I admit I initially gravitated to Apple Cider Vinegar for the weight loss perks after plateauing in the postpartum period. However, further research has opened my eyes to all the benefits that come with consuming it, especially for a new mom. Energy, digestive health, preventing UTI'S and varicose veins.  So many good reasons to pop two gummies a day.