I am by no means a nutritionist or health professional. But, health is an important part of my life and I wish nutrition were higher on our list of priorities in caring for postpartum women. A full-bodied diet is key in assisting our bodies during recovery from trauma or stress. Postpartum nutrition is no different.
At first, I expected to highlight a few important nutritional tidbits I know are crucial (iron and protein are clearly at the top of the list). But I found the deeper I got, the less I could exclude! The key to postpartum nutrition is including all the good stuff you can get and – if you want to put more thought into it – focusing on superfoods so you can get more bang for your buck.
If you have no idea where to start for the elusive “balanced diet,” I recommend In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. His book breaks down our dietary needs in the very simple mantra “Eat real food.” But, I’ll spare you my diatribe on our over-processed food culture.
A wholesome diet is important for all of us, but especially postpartum moms. Our bodies are working to heal tissue, replace blood that was lost during childbirth, and establish lactation. There’s no question that it takes good rest and proper nutrition to heal your body. Lack in either area determines the length and tone of your post-birth phase.
What has drawn me to the whole foods ideology is: you don’t have to count calories or pinpoint nutrients! I would rather spend my time and mental energy actually cooking healthy, wholesome food. Just eat wonderful, nutrient-rich, whole foods and you’ll be well within the criteria for a balanced diet.
I brought up some of the basic nutrients before, like iron and protein. If eating well is part of your life already, you will have plenty of both in your diet, but adding extra is prudent. Iron is there to restore lost blood and protein rebuilds, heals, and balances hormones. Also, don’t shy away from fatty acids, which support the production of breast milk.
So, while my general advice is to eat well and eat a variety, here are some healing foods to focus on:
Bone Broth
Broths and stocks boost vitality and restore blood and adrenal function. They’re full of electrolytes, which are especially important if you’re breastfeeding. They also help hydrate the digestive system and encourage elimination (in other words: bowel movements!). Those of us who have experienced the postpartum phase know how important that is!
While you can warm and drink bone broth by itself, consuming plenty of homemade stews and soups postpartum will help you get all the benefits of bone broth. Here’s my favorite crockpot bone broth recipe from The Pioneer Woman. Use it cook rice, replace it for the base in your favorite soup or use it for an extra savory whole grain porridge.
Sesame Oil
This oil and others like it are supportive healing foods. The sesame seed is nutrient-dense and is often used in alternative medicine. It’s easy to use whenever you are frying up vegetables or you can rub a tablespoon of sesame oil on top of a salmon fillet and let it bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes for a nice slow roasted salmon dish (which is also a superfood!).
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are immune-boosting and nutrient-rich: namely B vitamins, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium. I hate mushrooms, but it’s undeniable what they can do for you. My husband has gotten good at cutting them up really small and throwing them in with a vegetable hash or egg bake in the mornings.
Chili or Cayenne Powder
These warming spices boost circulation to help you heal and provide heat so you don’t develop a chill. They also regulate blood sugar and boost metabolism. Add either of these spices in moderation to a stir fry, tacos, or soup.
Black Vinegar
Black vinegar also enhances blood circulation and helps with indigestion and constipation. It includes amino acids for bodily repair and tissue growth. What is black vinegar? It’s vinegar that is produced differently than our common distilled white, so whenever you’re using vinegar in the kitchen you can replace it with this nutrient-dense alternative. It’s close to a balsamic in fruitiness. Salad dressings, marinades, or making your own sauces at home that require vinegar? Use some black vinegar instead!
In addition to these great superfoods, make sure to focus on eating foods that are anti-inflammatory (omega-3s, cruciferous vegetables, lemons, berries, cherries, pineapple, turmeric, ginger, root vegetables, whole grains). These types of foods have been shown to calm the body, promote healing, and can even prevent Postpartum Depression. Eat warm foods that are easy to digest, and as always, remember to hydrate!
*Information adapted from The First 40 Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou and helloglow.com
How does Marabou support women?
We live in culture where “bouncing back” is more valued than proper rest. As admirable as it may be for a sports star to get back on the field, the same rules don’t apply to postpartum recovery. The traditional resting period has been stolen from women through pressure to get back to their job or simply through lack of presence.
Grandmas, sisters and best friends who otherwise would have been there to help a woman transition into motherhood often live too far away to be of any help. Household chores and caring for older children inevitably fall on the mom. But she just delivered a new life! She needs rest.
Marabou Services is a unique gift registry which provides services instead of stuff. Most mom’s get too many onesies, too many baby blankets and not enough helping hands. Break out of a destructive cultural norm and start a Marabou registry today.
With a Marabou registry you can sing up for any service which will benefit you or someone you know during the postpartum recovery period.
Postpartum doulas for a first time mom
House cleanings for moms of multiples
Childcare for moms with older children!
Once your registry is created, add it to any other registry or post it to your Facebook and ask friends and family contribute to your postpartum service, rather than buying you more stuff.
More and more moms find they have to figure out postpartum alone. Is it any wonder why PMDs are on the rise? Or women are embittered by the journey of motherhood? We can change that by giving the gift of peace.
