6 Realistic Ways To Keep Yourself Fed After Having A Baby

Nourishing our bodies with healing, nutrient-dense foods can be one of the first things that takes the back burner when we are exhausted and busy tending to a newborn. However, eating well is essential for replenishing and sustaining a mother’s body during the early days postpartum.

If you currently pregnant but haven’t thought about how you’ll be nourished in the weeks following birth, allow this blog post to inspire you to prepare for your postpartum nourishment just as much as you would plan for your pregnancy and birthing experience. Here are six ways to prepare a postpartum nourishment plan and ensure you are fed during the first six weeks postpartum:

1. Freeze A Meal Weekly

Chances are if you are currently pregnant, you are spending a lot of time cooking and preparing yourself nourishing meals on a daily basis. If you’re already spending this time cooking a meal, why not prepare a little extra and add it to your freezer for postpartum? This can be one of the best options for those that do not have the funds to buy a large amount of ingredients at once, or feel overwhelmed by meal prepping all of their postpartum meals in one day. Simply buy a little extra at the grocery store to make a double batch of a dinner or lunch you already plan to eat that week, setting aside a portion for your freezer. You can start this about three months away from birth and your future postpartum self will thank you!

2. Ask Others To Prepare A Freezer Meal

Another great option to get your freezer stocked with postpartum meals is to ask others to prepare a meal for you before birth. Print out some recipes that you would like to nourish your body with during postpartum and start reaching out to your support circle. Starting at about two to three months before birth, ask your friends and family if they can prepare and freeze one meal for you. Set up a good time to pick it up from them transferring it to your own freezer so that you are ready with many meals to support you after birth.

3. Have A Cooking Party

What better way to celebrate all that your body is doing to create and sustain a new precious being, than to come together with some of your closest friends with the intention to cook nourishing foods together to support you during those sacred postpartum days. Maybe a cooking party is something that you do instead of a baby shower or becomes a part of your mother’s blessing. It can be hosted anytime in the last 3 months at your own home or in the home of a close friend. Simply, have recipes printed out, bring the ingredients needed and spend a few hours together preparing multiple meals and snacks that can be placed in the freezer. If it feels out of reach to supply all the ingredients at once, ask each person to supply ingredients for one recipe each, or stock up on what is needed overtime. You will be so relieved to have these meals available to you during those sleepy postpartum days, and they will serve as a wonderful reminder how supported and loved you really are.

4. Set Up A Meal Train

If you cannot stock your freezer ahead of time, or prefer to have meals prepared fresh during your postpartum, consider asking friends and family to be a part of a meal train. Before birth, share with friends and family the recipes that you are really desiring for your postpartum nourishment and healing. Ask if they would be willing to sign up for specific days/times throughout your six weeks postpartum delivering fresh meals right to your doorstep. If you only have a few people who can contribute to a meal train, consider asking them to make large batches of a specific meal so that it can last you multiple days. This means that meal delivery does not have to happen every day and can be spaced out between participants, while ensuring mama has food available to her each day. This can be as simple as having friends and family sign up on a sheet of paper or in a google document the meals they plan to provide and when. You can also use a website such as mealtrain.com for friends to schedule their meal delivery online. No matter what way you decide to go, make sure to choose a friend that is organized, good at communicating and has the space to be your point person. This person can help keep it all organized and ensure you’re getting the meals you need during postpartum, so you can focus on resting, healing and bonding with baby.

5. Invest In A Postpartum Doula

The right postpartum doula can be an investment into your health and wellbeing for many years to come. Not only can they be there to ensure you are able to rest and tend to your own healing, but many are willing to cook for you, providing fresh, nourishment based on your current needs. Traditional postpartum care doulas, such as Ayurdoulas, are often trained in postpartum nutrition and cooking to support digestion, hormone balance, milk production and mood, as well as overall recovery and replenishment. However, you will find that many doulas are willing to cook recipes that you share with them. If you have specific meals in mind, have recipes and ingredients available in your home for your doula or any family/friend that is willing to get into the kitchen for you during postpartum.

6. Consider A Postpartum Meal Delivery Service

This is a great option for someone who feels overwhelmed with stocking their own freezer or asking others to cook for them. If you have the resources available to you, there are many different meal delivery services to choose from that cater to postpartum mothers. These meals get delivered right to your door already frozen. Simply add them to your freezer and when you are ready, reheat them and enjoy! Some great meal delivery services that are rooted in traditional postpartum nourishment, and focus on healing foods specifically for postpartum, are Restorative Roots and Chiyo. If this is an option you are interested in but feel overwhelmed by the cost, consider asking friends and family to chip in for a meal delivery service at your baby shower or mother’s blessing.

Postpartum is about creating a foundation of health and wellbeing for the mother and the baby for many years to come, and nutrition is a key part of this foundation. The best way to support yourself during the sacred days of postpartum is be fed warm, nourishing foods that support your mind, body and spirit in it’s overall replenishment and healing. Prepare a postpartum nutrition plan that feels good for you, and you’ll thank yourself for years to come.