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During time in the womb, we multiply in weight about three billion times, from a single cell to birth (anywhere between 5.5-10 lbs on average). After birth, we multiply in weight about fifteen to twenty times. Suffice to say, the vast majority of our total growth, development, and education occurs in the womb. Furthermore, what happens during pregnancy and childbirth is the greatest indicator of overall health and longevity. In Asia and other long-standing civilizations, people understood the importance of development in the womb (later becoming known as embryonic education). People also had strong extended families to support and pass on this understanding to the parents and family throughout and after pregnancy.

There are three aspects to embryonic education during pregnancy: the mother’s diet, activity, and emotional, mental and spiritual attitude.

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Basic guidelines for healthy embryonic education
Diet
A varied plant-based diet with whole grains on a daily basis and a variety of well-cooked, lightly-cooked, raw, and pickled and fermented foods. Include sesame and olive oil in cooking. Avoid animal and dairy foods as much as possible. Food is energy that transforms from solid to liquid to energy and nourishes physically, mentally, and spiritually. Try to cook with love and care and use high-quality ingredients.

Activity
Pregnancy is a part of life and should not be treated as an illness. Activity is important for pregnant mothers. As much as possible, maintaining a normal level of activity is very healthy and promotes circulation and strong development. The main things that should be avoided however are lifting heavy objects, bumps in car rides or while jogging, or flying early in the first trimester or too close to the delivery date. Activity is like a generator that circulates energy from food and the environment.

Emotional/mental/spiritual
Try to be happy and peaceful in relationships. Be happy about being pregnant and bringing life into this world. Avoid disturbing or overly stimulating books, television, and films especially before sleeping. Try to maintain the image of a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted baby. Gently ponder and envision life, nature, and the future of the planet. Thoughts and emotions are energies that circulate through the chakras and meridians to every organ and cell in our bodies.

The growing baby knows what it needs and has an appetite and personality from the very beginning. During pregnancy, a mother can become sensitive and listen to what the baby needs and provide those needs through diet and activity. Embryonic education largely can not be learned in books; it is a very intimate, human experience. It is best to connect with mothers whose children you love who can help guide and support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing.