Before I had Taj I felt I knew enough about the sorts of foods I wanted to be fuelling my body with after I gave birth - all the yummy slow cooked, replenishing, nourishing, energy rich and healing foods. However, as any woman who has given birth may tell you, between "labour land" hormonal highs, ecstatic endorphin rich moments, sleepless nights, and days blurring into one another, the first week goes by so quickly you can be left wondering where it went.
So as a nutritionist, an advocate of whole food eating, and your girlfriend in the fridge who wants to get you excited about epic eating, I wanted to give you a heads up on my favourite foods that if eaten post-birth will nourish you and rebuild you from the inside out. And if you know them now, you can prepare yourself to have them.
Any mama will tell you the transition from pregnancy to postpartum is enormous — especially because it involves a newborn baby, making milk, and almost nonexistent sleep. Add that to the fact that between those stages you experienced childbirth which has to be the most tiring event in any woman's life - you're recovering from just having birthed a melon-sized-human-head outta your hoo-ha (not to mention the rest of baby's body)!
We really need to look at supporting this shift to promote healing and provide sustained energy (oooh I could wax lyrical at how as a society we could be supporting our mums more after they give birth but I'll save you). If we don’t get the nutrients we need with a healthy and balanced diet, our body will draw into its reserves until they are goneskies! And if our body isn't getting the proper nutrition we need, then we won’t have the energy and stamina to take care of our new baby (um, let alone crawl out of bed)!
1. Cordyceps
She puts the weirdest food at the top of the list? I know. You've likely never heard of this. Which is exactly why I want to share it with you as it's goddamn game changing. Cordyceps is a mushroom that has been used for a very long time in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and one that is also considered a 'tonic' herb, meaning it's safe for anyone to take long term.
It is a superstar mushie for athletes due to its ability to greatly improve performance, build physical power and strength, increase endurance, and promote fast recovery. But for all those same reasons it is amazing for women who have recently given birth and are recovering from labour, child birth and of course any challenges or complications that may have occurred during this time. As any mama knows, childbirth is exhausting, often very long hours, and after the equivalent of running a marathon, serious rebuilding is in order. Cordyceps will do just that.
ACTION: I use cordyceps from Teelixir which you can buy here (full disclosure it's an affiliate link, but you also get a discount). Superfeast is another brand I've bought and recommend. Both these are incredible Aussie brands doing amazing things for tonic herbalism. Then start with 1/4 - 1/2 tsp per day. When your body feels ready, you can increase your dosage according to your needs and daily requirements. It is very safe to consume in high doses.
2. Liver
One of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence, (yes) liver is super-duper-highly concentrated with retinol, which is pre-formed vitamin A (anyone with skin conditions - get. on. it). Liver is also rich in folate, choline, and has plenty of vitamin B12, blowing everything else out of the water - it's got almost three times as much B12 as kidney, seven times as much as heart, and about 17 times as much as regular ground minced beef.
Like I said - one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence, and contains many nutrients that are difficult to get elsewhere so it's a no-brainer to me! I'm also giving it to Taj now too and he loves it!
ACTION: Start eating it! I double dare you. If you eat meat, you should be eating the organs in my opinion. Find organic ones at your local farmers markets or butcher. And get cooking! You can find
loads more info on liver and one recipe I've got here ... and I've got another recipe here (free from all dairy, mushrooms, and alcohol which are often used).
3. Slow cooked meats + broths
Whilst cordyceps and spirulina are incredible supportive in their own ways post-partum, nothing feels as good and yummy as a hot slow cooked meal. It's like a warm hug right? Soups and stews and broths are all easy to digest as they've been cooking for long hours, veggies and meats become soft, minerals leech out of bones, and we are left with highly nutritious and healing foods.
In addition, simply the fact that these are warm foods mean they are gentler on our stomach and our digestion, leaving more internal energy to rebuild, repair, and focus on healing after birth.
ACTION: If you're yet to give birth, cook up a bunch of different slow cooked dishes, soups, stews and broths and freeze them in individual portions so all you need to do is chuck one in a saucepan and heat it up. Eat these daily! And if you've had bubba already, isn't never too late to fill up your freezer! Check out my bone broth recipe here.
4. Spirulina
I've often been asked what to do for energy levels. And it's always from a female. After a little digging, a lot of the time they are also vegetarians or vegans. And in comes spirulina.
This vegan-friendly algae is super rich in iron, folic acid and protein (three things often low in a vegan diet, and which all contribute to our energy levels [or lack of]).
Being super easy to digest and even easier to take (there are tablets people, no excuses about the taste here!) this is one super charged food anyone can take.
ACTION: Grab a bottle of tablets or capsules (or if you already know how it tastes and are happy with the powder, that's awesome too)
... And Chocolate
Coz every mama is a happier mama with it. So go out and buy some.
References:
http://www.spirulinaacademy.com/spirulina-and-nursing-mothers-the-perfect-complement/
https://www.superfeast.com.au/products/cordyceps-sinesis-powdered-extract
https://teelixir.com/products/cordyceps-sinensis-mushroom?variant=25314967688
https://teelixir.com/products/primal-essence-tonic-herb-blend?variant=25317371784
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