Yes that is me and my son moments after I gave birth. In that very moment it was no longer about me and nourishing myself so I had a healthy pregnancy and in turn a healthy birth and son, it was all about baby. Well that isn't totally true, even though it is all about babe and learning how to feed him, how to get him to sleep, figuring out why he is crying, changing his diaper, running into walls because you are so tired and every other thing that comes along with a new baby, we tend to forget about ourselves the mom.
The old saying goes you can't help other's if you don't help yourself first, totally applies in this situation. Although there are no super foods, supplements or magic formula to make up for the lack of sleep, there are some key nutrients that can help mommy recovery from birth and keep up with the demand of being a new mom or a mom in general..being a mommy is hard work. Also if you breastfeeding you want to keep up with demand and have super breast milk.
Here are a few tips to get you back into a glowing super Mom.
*Sleep when the baby sleeps (easier said then done)... forget about the dishes and laundry. Do them when the baby is up, or ask a friend, family member or hubby in the 1st four weeks or so. You need to rest, you are still bleeding and healing and rest is important.
*Snack a lot, you might not have time for a proper meal so have cut up veggies, hummus, almonds, cashews etc handy. If you are breastfeeding you need about 500 extra calories to keep up demand. That isn't a lot and very do able.
*Drink a lot of water, water is your best buddy. After each feeding have a big glass a water and in between feedings when you remember.
*If you were on a good quality prenatal vitamin before, stay on it, you need to rebuild your nutrient stores the baby took and if you are breastfeeding they are still taking nutrients from you. Also don't forget about a good quality fish oil with extra DHA, good for baby's brain development and mommy brain. Also probiotics for you and baby are super important for over all health and a strong immune system as well they help ease any digestive issues and prevent allergies in babe. Also if you were given antibiotics during labour then extra probiotics are a good idea to help replenish the good bacteria in the gut.
As for what foods, most moms aren't able to eat freshly picked fruits and vegetables, have homemade whole grain cereals and granola, freshly caught fish and organic meats... all cooked for us. So we do our best.
*Eating a wide variety of foods including dark greens and organic when possible is important, because in general organic foods have a higher nutrient content. There are many nutrients mama needs right after birth but on top of a multi vitamin adding 1000-2000 mg of vitamin C, 1200 mg of calcium and 600- 800 mg of magnesium per day may be needed. If your blood sugar is up and down like most of the population then you may need an extra 200 to 400 mcg of chromium daily. White spots on your nails? Then add 20 mg of zinc every day till they fade. (all general guide lines, 1st consult your nutritionist, naturopath or MD)
*Drink fresh warm lemon water 1st thing in the morning...5, 6 or 7am :)
*Also try to make sure you have a protein with each snack and meal, for example protein powder in a yummy mommy smoothie, boiled eggs or even cottage cheese. Also try to get healthy fats from foods, from either hemp seeds, chia seeds or even flax. Make sure there are a lot of vegetables and fruit in your diet, like dark greens, this will help ensure you have a good amount of fiber and complex carbohydrates. A constipated mommy isn't a happy one.
The take away from this I believe is; don't forgot about mom, nourish her and treat her well. For new mommy's, you need to keep your energy up with rest, enough proper foods with high density nutrients and enjoy your time with the new baby. If you have help from others take it and enjoy this time. Happy Mother's Day :)
~ May 15th is the start of the Baby 1st Years Program, on top of food there is so much more information, you will walk away with a new found knowledge and understanding about you and your babe! ~
~ NEW MOMS IN THE TORONTO AREA ... too tired to cook but need and want healthy nourishing meals, delivered right to your door? Then look no further, another Kimmie is offering this great service. All the details here. ~