Postpartum Snack and Meal Ideas: Keeping New Moms Fed

01/05/2015

I had a calm, gentle homebirth with my daughter almost 3 years ago. I did not think for a second that I would have so much trouble keeping my energy stores filled and myself fed. Whether I was low on iron, not getting enough calories to balance out what was being used to breastfeed or just being plain old exhausted, I really struggled to keep myself properly fed. I survived on apples and almond butter and bowls of mini wheats (and I hate cereal, especially sugar-coated ones). I was desperate and focused completely on my baby.

Now expecting my second baby in approximately three months, and with an almost three-year-old at home, I know I need to be prepared. Perhaps for most of you mamas and mamas-to-be, this will a no-brainer, but it wasn’t for me.

So in case you need a bit of inspiration like me, here are some simple, quick, and healthy snack and meal ideas to keep yourself (and your toddler) fed during the demanding early weeks with your newborn and beyond!

• Pre-Made Oatmeal – add nuts, seeds (chia or hemp), raisins, apples, shredded unsweetened coconut and more. Check out my Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Recipe.
• Smoothies – milk, kale or spinach, banana, hemp or chia seeds, avocado, shredded coconut, frozen fruit, fresh ginger
• Mini Turkey Pepperoni and Cheese
• Apples and Almond Butter
• Pancakes – pre-make a large amount of batter and cook with coconut oil. Should last a while.
• Bananas and Milk – slice bananas and use whole milk if possible
• Muffins, Breads, etc. – pre-make and freeze with tons of good stuff like nuts, seeds, whole wheat flour
• Veggies and Dip (hummus, guacamole)
• Pitas and Hummus
• Whole Wheat Peanut Butter and Banana Pitas or  Wraps – substitute almond or seed butter, slice bananas
• Homemade Salad – pre-make dressing like this greek salad dressing or this sesame dressing and whip up a quick salad with any veggies you have: iceberg lettuce, slaw, cabbage, carrots, celery, peppers, etc., add avocado, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. Super super filling.
• Granola and Yogurt
• Multigrain Toast and Almond Butter – substitute peanut butter/seed butter, add sliced bananas
• Veggie Omelette – add tons of veggies and your favourite cheese and/or avocado and cook in coconut oil
• Gourmet Grilled Cheese – with multi-grain bread, extra old cheddar, gouda or harvarti cheese and veggies sautéed in coconut oil – onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc.
• Egg in a Hole – bread, butter, egg, spices
• Pita Pizza – whole wheat pita, sauce (tomato, spicy thai, bbq, peanut, . . . anything really) your favourite veggies, feta/other cheese

*You can easily change these snack and meal ideas to cater to food allergies, sensitivities, or special diets.

Other than the above mentioned, cut up veggies and fruit for quick access and if you have time before baby arrives or while baby is sleeping (in a baby carrier even) make homemade granola bars, breads, muffins, etc., packed with nutrients and good food. Better yet, ask visitors to bring homemade food and baked goods!

Whenever possible make enough food at supper for leftovers for the next day. Do not be afraid to use your crockpot.

Of course it is virtually impossible to survive without some processed food and/or take-out. That being said, you will feel better and have way more energy the more whole foods and less processed, refined and low-fat foods you eat. Try not worrying about calories and fats – whole foods closest to nature that have had the least amount of processing are always best!

Don’t forget to keep taking your prenatal vitamin, a great fish oil, probiotic, iron (if necessary), and anything else you need. I would definitely recommend seeing a Naturopath for help in that department.

What are your favourite postpartum snacks?

~chelsey