5 Foods to Eat After Giving Birth
Just like during pregnancy, it is vitally important that you continue looking after yourself and focusing on your needs after you’ve given birth. The first three months after given birth can be seen as the Fourth Trimester - where you focus on giving yourself and your baby a gentle, loving introduction to the new world you find yourselves in.
In many traditional cultures around the world, after a baby is born, a mother is nourished and nurtured by her female relatives for at least a month after giving birth. We’ve lost this culture in the western world; it’s no wonder we have one of the highest rates of postnatal depression when the expectations to bounce back is so realistic.
There are three aspects to healing and repair:
Wound healing and cell repair
Rebuilding strength
Supporting the immune system
All three of require important nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, protein, iron, and many more, to work properly. This is on top of what we normally require for our bodies to function PLUS the nutrients our baby is taking through breastmilk.
Commonly mums find themselves on a slow, downward spiral - sometimes weeks, sometimes months after giving birth - where they feel exhausted and just can’t cope anymore with the demands of looking after their baby.
But is there any wonder they feel like this, when the nutrient demands are so great on their bodies? This is without factoring in the fact that many women go into pregnancy depleted anyway!
Here are my top 5 nourishing and nurturing food that will keep you away from that downward spiral and allow you to focus on being the fantastic mum that you are.
Bone broth
Warm, like a cuddle in a mug. Made with good quality bones, it is hydrating, contains electrolytes to replace nutrients lost through breastmilk, collagen to help with wound and cell repair, and protein in small amounts for tissue repair
Avocado
Contains vitamin A which aids skin healing, and the fat that naturally occurs in avocado ensures that vitamin A, which is fat-soluble, is well absorbed by the body. Avocados are also a good source of vitamin E, which also support wound healing and promote hormonal balance, which is important given the huge hormonal changes your body goes through in the first few weeks.
Berries and citrus fruit
Contains vitamin C which is essential for immune system health and cellular repair. Vitamin C also helps to absorb iron from vegetarian sources such as leafy vegetables and lentils.
Turmeric and ginger
Warming, anti-inflammatory spices are an important part of the South Asian post-natal traditions. These support the immune system, reduce inflammation and heal scar tissue. Warm food is great for supporting the gut, especially in winter.
Lamb
Particularly high in zinc, which is another great mineral to support the immune system and help healing after birth. It also helps support the production and moderation of hormones, and has a positive effect to reduce the chance of getting postnatal depression.