Postpartum Nutrition Tips
When most families get home after the birth, they feel like they need to jump back into their normal routines and do everything they regularly do like cooking, cleaning, and running the household. But your initial postpartum period is a time for you to rest and focus on your recovery and your baby.
In the womb and outside of it, babies take up a lot of mothers’ nutrition like vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It is important to start replenishing those right away through your diet. Taking proper care of yourself allows you to have the energy and ability to best take care of your new little one.
Here are a few of our top postpartum nutrition tips!
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Stay Hydrated
On top of all of the normal reasons for staying hydrated, like regulating your body temperature, keeping your joints lubricated, delivering nutrients to cells, and keeping your organs functioning properly, it’s also important for your breast milk. Breast milk is made up of 90% water. Staying properly hydrated is a necessity for the health of both of you!
There isn’t a specific number everyone needs to stick to exactly because it will differ for your body. We recommend drinking for thirst and looking for signs that you are properly hydrated, like the color of your urine. A general rule is to drink ½ to ¾ of an ounce of water per pound that you weigh when you aren’t nursing.
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Support Gut Health
During this time, you will want to reduce the number of processed foods and add sugar for better recovery, rest, energy levels, and immune function. That means eating foods that support your gut health.
Your gut health is necessary for supporting your immune system and improving the digestion and bowels of mom and baby. Some easy ways to support your gut health are by eating bone broth, leafy greens, and healthy fats.
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Have Healthy Snacks on Hand
Coming home with a new baby means that the time you spent focusing on yourself diminishes A LOT! Having healthy snacks planned out that are easy for you to grab will make getting the proper nutrition effortless. Some of our favorite healthy snacks for postpartum moms are the postpartum smoothies from Sweet Mae’s.
Their postpartum smoothies come in 12 oz cups and are delivered frozen and blended. Perfect for placing in the fridge overnight and grab in the morning. All of their smoothies are made with organic Moringa, an all-natural food scientifically proven to increase milk supply.
You should always ask your care provider for the specifics on the best plan of action for your diet before making any changes, but we hope these tips were helpful for you as you begin to navigate your postpartum journey!