I started seeing an acupuncturist while I was on bed rest in hospital after giving birth to my first child. She asked me what my postpartum care plan was. Honestly? I hadn’t thought about it. I assumed I’d hire a lactation coach or a night nurse if necessary. She rephrased the question: “How will you care for me?” You “Postpartum?” That was definitely not on my mind. Instead, my strategy was to just hang in there and try to survive. Thankfully, she introduced me to a healing plan that included recipes for the first 40 days to help me nourish myself during this time of repair.
The First 40 Days – Essential Skills for Raising a New Mom Hen Ou It’s now your guide to postpartum recovery, and not only does it feature postpartum recipes, it also outlines how to take care of yourself after giving birth.
Photo from an interview with Alex Taylor Thiel Thomsen.
How to supplement your nutrition after giving birth
The first 40 days The book is based on Wu’s own experience with Zuo Yuezhi, a period of postpartum “quarantine” in which new mothers stay at home and focus on healing and bonding with their baby for the first 40 days after birth. The book features 60 simple, delicious recipes, including everything from healing soups to nourishing meals and snacks to calming teas that stimulate lactation. Each recipe is designed to support the unique needs of a new mom.
I reached out to Ou to share some of her favorite recipes and advice. “Soup is a staple of your postpartum diet, and having it stocked in your fridge or freezer will be a lifesaver in the early days of baby’s life,” Ou told me. “Just heat up a pot of different soups, add a mix of protein, veggies, and noodles, and voila!”
The recipes that guided my healing journey in the first 40 days
During postpartum recovery, the natural inclination is to want to eat healthy, but in fact, eating healthy isn’t enough: the types of foods we choose to eat have a direct impact on our recovery. Tara Sourathy Lelechefs, nutritionists, and The way you shine Best put it: “Cold foods are generally hard to digest, but after giving birth, when your body is recovering and producing milk, you want warm foods to be as digestible, restorative and nourished as possible.”
With that in mind, here are five postpartum recipes that I used during my postpartum period and would recommend you make for the new mom in your life – they’re guaranteed to be a big hit.
Read more: Postpartum Meal Prep: The Ultimate Guide to Healing Foods
Grain-Free Overnight Oats, 3 Ways
This grain-free overnight oatmeal is packed with nutrients. Oatmeal stimulates milk production, but everyone digests it differently. For new moms who have chosen a grain-free lifestyle, this delicious and nutritious breakfast is perfect. The base mix is a blend of nuts, seeds, and spices that will keep you full and energized. From there, you can customize it to your liking. Options include pear and granola, berries and cream, and chocolate coconut crunch.
Kitchari
Kitchari is a staple in Ayurvedic postpartum care. Soft, easily digestible foods make a great postpartum diet and are calming. This meal will make you feel like you’re wrapped up in a warm, comforting embrace. Think of it as a flavorful, anti-inflammatory alternative to chicken noodle soup. So yummy!
Adaptogen Hot Chocolate
Who doesn’t love a functional snack? This is my go-to when I have a chocolate craving. Cacao is known as a powerful heart opener on its own. When combined with rose, which is said to bring love, healing and compassion, this hot chocolate also allows for some time for yourself. If you’re gifting the ingredients for these postpartum recipes to a new mom, include an uplifting message to cheer her up. Who doesn’t love a good positive affirmation?
Simple bone broth
Soup is essential for postpartum recovery. Think of it as a superfood for recovering moms. Bone broth supports healthy brain function, reduces fatigue, and supports skin and joints as hormone levels balance after birth. Trust us, it’s easier than you think!
Vegan Meatballs
One of my favorite postpartum recipes are these meatballs – everything about them is perfect! Mushrooms are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and antioxidants — and they’re incredibly easy to prepare. Make a large batch and freeze, then heat as needed.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
