Let's Make Sure Mom Gets What She Needs Too!

One of the many challenges new moms experience after baby arrives is that they are exhausted!! While it is true that moms are waking up multiple times throughout the night and getting very little rest, mom may need more than just a few extra hours of sleep to help her bounce back.

It is very likely that mom is not getting the nutrition she needs in this period right after having baby.

It is very common for women to suffer from nutrient depletion both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.  Morning sickness and nausea will often limit the amount of food she is consuming during the early months of pregnancy.  The baby will take what it needs to grow whether mom is eating a sufficient amount of food or not.

After baby arrives, mom often focuses on losing baby weight and trying to get her pre-baby body back, all while not getting enough sleep and nursing her baby. Pregnant women need only about 2-300 more calories than normal; however, once postpartum, they need an additional 300 calories to fuel their bodies, especially if breastfeeding.

Another common postpartum condition women suffer from is thyroiditis.  In this scenario, thyroid hormones are decreased, resulting in symptoms that mimic fatigue, depression, and other symptoms similar to postpartum depression.  This can lead to a misdiagnosis and a prescription for antidepressants when not absolutely necessary.

So what can new moms do?

Start with a meal plan that includes nutrient dense foods. Even if you find that your appetite has decreased, meals such a soups, yummy bone broths soups and stews can be a great source of intake that provides a significant amount of nutrients into the body and are easily absorbed. 

Consider taking supplements. Prenatal vitamins are a must during pregnancy, but they can also be very beneficial during the postpartum period immediately following giving birth. Supplemental selenium should also be considered as it has been shown to provide cognitive benefits, help with thyroid function, and decrease the likelihood of postpartum thyroiditis.

If you have any questions or would like more information comment below or feel free to reach out and HOP ON A CALL WITH ME!!

Remember you are truly what you eat!