At BMSG’s recent World Breastfeeding Week celebration, mothers gathered to hear Dr. Cheryl Kam, a family physician and mother of five, speak about a topic that often gets overlooked in the whirlwind of motherhood: maternal vibrancy.

Dr. Kam, who recently welcomed her youngest, a one-month-old, shared both her personal and professional insights, weaving practical tips with a compelling call to action for all mothers. “Being a mom of five is chaotic,” she began. “We’re juggling households, children, and careers, all while trying to live a full life for ourselves and our families. But amidst all of that, there’s one thing we should never compromise: our vibrancy.”

For Dr. Kam, vibrancy is more than just feeling energetic. It encompasses strong immunity, resilience against illness, physical energy, mental adaptability, and the ability to recover and renew oneself daily. She stressed that mothers’ efforts to breastfeed are not just acts of care—they are “feeding the world” and forming a foundational luxury of life that benefits society as a whole.

The Nutrient Connection

Transitioning from philosophy to science, Dr. Kam emphasized the importance of essential nutrients in sustaining maternal health. Chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and modern diets mean that even nutrient-rich foods may not provide adequate levels for optimal function. “Half of the room here, if not all of you, would respond very well to taking magnesium,” she noted. Magnesium supports over 300 enzyme-dependent processes, from bone and teeth development to nervous system health. Stress, sleepless nights, and even coffee consumption can deplete magnesium levels, making supplementation critical.

Next on Dr. Kam’s nutrient checklist was zinc, essential for wound healing, growth, collagen production, skin health, and immunity. She highlighted a common sign of deficiency—white spots on fingernails—and explained how insufficient zinc, often paired with excess copper, can impact maternal mental health postpartum. Proper zinc intake, through protein-rich meals or supplementation, helps balance these minerals, supporting both physical and mental well-being.

Iron, another key nutrient, also featured prominently in Dr. Kam’s talk. She noted that many women experience iron deficiency for years without realising it. “Most women are iron deficient for eight years before they seek adequate health,” she explained. Foods like liver, spleen, and oysters are excellent sources, and Dr. Kam offered practical tips, such as blending spleen into meatballs or bolognese for maximum nutritional benefit with minimal fuss.

A Simple Takeaway

Throughout her talk, Dr. Kam kept returning to one central message: prioritise your vibrancy. Her practical advice was clear:

• Magnesium: Take it daily, especially in magnesium glycinate form.

• Zinc: Eat protein at every meal—palm-sized portions of meat, eggs, or plant-based alternatives.

• Iron: Incorporate iron-rich foods like liver, spleen, and spinach, or supplement if necessary.

She concluded by reminding mothers that caring for their own health directly impacts their families and communities. “Prioritising your vibrancy has more to do with your impact and legacy than you may think,” she said.

The talk ended with applause and gratitude from the audience, who left with actionable strategies to nourish themselves while continuing their vital roles as caregivers. Dr. Kam’s session was a powerful reminder that maternal health is foundational, not optional—and that vibrant mothers are at the heart of thriving families and societies.

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