Here's how new moms can stay on top of their nutrition needs
family, food, healthy eating, cooking and people concept - happy mother adding chopped vegetables to blender cup and holding little baby girl at home kitchen
New moms can face a lot of unexpected challenges, especially when it comes to looking after their own nutritional needs. At times, it can be incredibly difficult for new parents to simply remember to eat or to eat enough when they’re caring for a tiny human that demands the majority of their attention. Not to mention, any eating typically has to happen quickly and easily, so consuming high-quality, nutrient-dense food can go by the wayside pretty fast.
Sound familiar? Don’t fret—here are some things new moms should keep in mind when they’re thinking about their nutrition goals.
Stock up on broth
It’s important to aid in replenishing and supporting the body postpartum. The gastrointestinal system is very taxing, so making the meals easy on the digestive system, but nutrient-dense in its contents is key. Warming up a broth is a quick and easy way to get those nutrients in your system.
Eat carbs, fats, and protein at every meal
Breastfeeding can take up a lot of energy and resources, so it’s important for new moms who are breastfeeding to keep up with the demand. This also helps keep the milk supply up. Try to limit or avoid highly processed foods, and aim to have a diverse colour palette on your plate for every meal.
Don’t forget about iron
During pregnancy, blood volume increases significantly and all the nutrients went to the baby. Now it’s time to replenish the blood postpartum and nourish the cells to help repair and recover. Blackstrap molasses is a good source of iron.
The information provided on the show is for general information purposes only. If you have a health problem, medical emergency, or a general health question, you should contact a physician or other qualified health care provider for consultation, diagnosis and/or treatment. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-diagnosis or treatment based on anything you have seen on the show.
