Postpartum Healthy Eating Tips

After the birth of a baby, the postpartum time can be exhausting and stressful. Not only are you recovering from the physical after effects of labor or a caesarean section, but you’re also responsible for a new life now. One way you can start healing faster and getting your energy back is with a wholesome, nutritious diet. Your diet can also help you start to lose that pregnancy weight once your body has recovered. For nursing moms, it’s important to keep your calories at a reasonable level as well. Here are some easy healthy eating tips for new moms.

1. Eat Plenty of Lean Protein
Marathon sessions of taking care of your newborn through the wee hours of the night require lots of energy. You can help keep your energy reserves up a little more if you eat plenty of lean protein. For every meal, be sure to incorporate a source of protein, so you can keep up with your baby’s demands those first few months. Some great options for lean protein include fish, chicken breast, or turkey.

2. Try Low Fat Dairy
Your dairy intake is important after giving birth as well. It’s vital to continue to eat foods that have plenty of calcium while your body begins its recovery. Your calcium levels may be lower after giving birth because of how pregnancy affects your body. Breastfeeding mothers need even more calcium-rich foods, so their babies get enough of this nutrient as well. Low fat or skim milk with your cereal, cheese, or yogurt are all great options for snacks or other meals throughout the day.

3. Add Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables are also a great food to add to the menu when you’re home with your new baby. Foods such as kale, spinach, or collard greens are low in calories but high in nutrients and vitamins. You get an additional source of calcium to help improve your bone health, and you get another source of antioxidants to help restore your body to what it was before pregnancy.

4. Boost Your Iron Intake
Being a new mom can be one of the most energy-draining time periods of life. If you want to keep your energy levels up through the long nights and days, you should focus on increasing your iron levels. Choose foods that are rich in iron in order to avoid developing anemia or fatigue. You can find the two different forms of iron in both animal or plant-based foods, such as fish, red meat, fortified cereals and breads, and green vegetables.

5. Get Your Daily Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another important part of a good diet. It aids your body in absorbing iron to help keep your energy levels stable. You can also get a little more protection from disease or illness with a slight boost in your immune system by consuming this vitamin. Try incorporating plenty of citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruit, into your diet to meet your daily recommended intake of vitamin C.

6. Increase Your Fiber
Eating foods packed with fiber can also help you start to feel more like yourself after giving birth. Your digestive system’s rhythm may be a complete mess after coming home from the hospital with your baby. Pain medicine, surgery, or trauma may have affected your body’s natural processes. You can get back in sync if you choose foods that have a heavy dose of fiber, such as prunes, beans, bran, or artichoke. Eventually, your body can get back to its normal routine.

7. Enjoy Whole Grains
Whole grains are another great source of nutrition to keep your body well fueled after having a baby. You can feel fuller longer with the added nutrients that are found in many bread and cereal products with whole grains. You can even indulge a little with some freshly baked cookies made from Just Cookie Dough, a more wholesome treat from Hampton Creek, made with whole grain sorghum.

8. Replenish With Water
The final tip to follow for those first few months after your baby arrives is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fresh, cold water can help your body feel more refreshed and energetic during these difficult months. Nursing mothers especially may feel even more thirsty as their body provides their babies with nutrition during this time.

The arrival of a new baby is a joyous occasion for all, but for a new mom, it can be grueling. Make your time with your new bundle of joy more enjoyable with a proper diet, and see your energy levels return to normal a little faster.