Pregnancy was hard on your body and so was the delivery process. When you bring your baby home your body will be recuperating from all the stress it underwent during the delivery process. Add caring for a newborn to that and what any veteran mom will tell you is you will be tired. They recommend you sleep while the baby is sleeping, but if you sleep while the baby is sleeping, when do you find time to do anything else?
One way you can catch up on the precious commodity of sleep when you are back home with your new joyous bundle of poop, spit-up, and crying is to meal prep ahead of your delivery. It is great to meal prep, not just for mom but for dad and siblings if those are going to be around. This way everybody is properly nourished and mommy doesn’t have the stress of doing it every day. So let’s get right into the how’s and why’s and also the recipes!
Is it OK to Meal Prep While Pregnant?
Yes, it is Ok to do meal prep while pregnant, and we recommend it. New moms have this transition period by bringing a new baby home. Even if this is not your first child, the new baby will need a lot of your attention. Make-ahead freezer meals allow you the opportunity to still support the rest of your family, support new baby, and still have time for yourself.
Meal prepping while pregnant makes your life easier, preparing food ahead of time for when you don’t have enough time and energy to be slaving in a hot kitchen. You will find that meal prep will become a lifesaver for you when you can pop something out of the freezer and have a healthy and filling meal ready within minutes for you and your family.
Pregnancy meal prep is by far one of the smartest things you will have done to prepare for your new baby.
Foods to Avoid After Giving Birth
If you are breastfeeding, it is important to note that the foods you eat will pass through your breast milk to your baby. As such, there are some items that you simply must not consume after giving birth. These include;
- Alcohol – You will find that different experts have different opinions of what quantity if any at all is harmful to the baby. Not drinking alcohol is your best bet, but if you have a social obligation you can have one drink at least 3 hours prior to nursing. But you don’t have to take our word for it, of course, talk to your doctor for the best advice.
- Caffeine – this little ingredient is found in your coffee as well as in soda. Drinking too much caffeine can affect your baby’s sleep, so you want to keep your consumption below 24 ounces per day if you must have your daily dose of joe.
- Fish – Some fish is not safe while breastfeeding as they have high mercury content. Mercury is harmful to your baby so you want to ensure that you do not consume the following fish;
a. King Mackerel
b. Shark
c. Tilefish
d. Swordfish
e. Tuna – This does not have to be avoided. You can consume “light” tuna but restrict consumption to less than 6 ounces per week.
What are the Best Foods for New Mom?
You’ve just gone through the miracle of childbirth, your body is tired, your energy has been depleted and you have this tiny human being to take care of. You need the energy to look after your new baby, to help your body recuperate and if you are breastfeeding your body is nourishing a life.
Experts note that some foods give new moms the added energy and nourishment they need to take care of themselves and their new baby. Here are some of those foods and why they are the best.
- Salmon – Rich in DHA, this provides baby with the nutrients necessary for the development of a healthy nervous system. Note, however, that experts advise the limiting of salmon to two servings per week.
- Dairy – rich in calcium and vitamin D, dairy products to include milk, yogurt and cheese will provide mothers with all they need to support the healthy development of their baby’s bones and teeth. With many black women having a vitamin D deficiency, it is important to ensure you are getting adequate amounts of this vitamin now that you need it for both you and your baby.
- Legumes – These are rich in iron. Add kidney beans and black beans especially to your diet to ensure you are getting enough iron to replenish your blood and support blood building in your baby.
- Blueberries – Rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals these are great for keeping your energy levels high. They are also high in antioxidants which are great for recovery after giving birth.
- Brown Rice – Carbs are necessary to ensure you have enough energy. Whole-grain carbs such as brown rice are the best option for both you and your baby.
- Eggs – These are a great source of protein for new moms, they are very versatile and easy to prepare, making them a great food item you can whip up in a jiffy. Because who has a lot of time to spend in the kitchen when you have a newborn baby at home.
- Oranges – Rich in vitamin c these are a great addition to your diet. Have 100% orange juice if you can’t find any whole oranges on hand.
- Whole Grain Breads, Cereals, and Pastas – Bread is a versatile food item and it helps to make for a quick meal. These foods are must-haves for busy and tired new moms. When you choose a whole-grain food items you are providing your body with fiber, iron, and folic acid, all necessary for you and your baby.
- Green Leafy Vegetables – These are rich in vitamin A and also excellent sources of antioxidants, Vitamins, A & C, and minerals while being low in calories. They are a great source of nourishment for both mom and baby.
- Water – It is very important to stay hydrated while breastfeeding. STaying adequate hydrated will help keep your milk production up so sip on water as much as you can throughout the day while including unsweetened teas and juices as well. Try to keep your consumption of caffeinated rinks low to ensure the baby as well as yourself gets a good quality of sleep.
How Do You Make Freezer Meals Before Baby?
Here are 8 tips that are super helpful for make-ahead freezer meals whether you are having a baby or just need to do some meal prep to keep you sane as you juggle the life of motherhood, wifehood, and being a boss lady.
Tip #1
Start with a clean freezer. If you have space for a spare freezer you can get that one. If not, clear out as much space in your kitchen freezer.
Tip #2
Get containers with a labeling system. For flat foods you can use freezer bags, these can help you to make the most of your freezer space, allowing you to stack items that can lay flat. So you can layer muffins, bars and cookies.
Pulled meat, meatballs, chili, or soup can be stored in freezer-friendly Tupperware which are super easy to get pretty much anywhere you shop for your groceries.
Tip #3
Freeze single portion sizes. Instead of freezing an entire meal together, portion them out and freeze portions. This makes it easy for you to prepare a meal just for yourself and it helps to save food and thereby money since you won’t have leftovers to waste.
When you freeze smaller portions, it also makes reheating a lot easier.
Tip #4
Embrace the slow cooker. Your slow cooker is your best friend when it comes to meal prep. You can choose meals that you can set and forget and get on with your day. When done, you can allow them to cool, portion them out all while not missing out on anything, and not spending too much time in the kitchen.
Tip #5
Choose meals that are easy and filling. This should be self-explanatory.
Tip #6
Remember to keep them healthy and delicious. Your super busy schedule with your baby now means that you will be using up more energy and your body is already recovering from its miracle fete. All your meals should be packed with nourishing ingredients, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Tip #7
Prep breakfast and snacks as well. Most meal prep focuses on dinner, but planning all your meals ahead of time can really help you stay on top of all the other things you need to do. If you have support in your home then this even means more time to spend loving on your new bundle of joy.
Tip #8
You can’t do it all at once, so give yourself a break when you are falling behind. If you want to make a dozen meals today and you only end up making five, don’t worry about it, at least you made more than you needed in one day. Enjoy the little wins, and come at it again tomorrow.
When Should you make Freezer Meals Before Baby Arrives?
A great time to prep your freezer meals is during your nesting period. During this phase, you have the energy to be up and about and you will want to keep yourself occupied. You can plan out your meals and have your grocery list ready to go so that when the feeling comes on to get things in order you can simply get to it.
If you have pregnancy complications that put you at risk of premature birth, then of course you will want to start prepping before your nesting phase sets in. You start at week 25, putting away a portion of every meal you prepare.
What to Make for New Parents?
If you would like to gift some new parents with the ability to not have to be in the kitchen, you can bring them pre-cooked freezer meals. Here are some options that are good choices. Of course, you will know the couple more personally and may have a better idea of their tastes than we do and so you may have other choices. We’d love to hear your recommendations and stories in the comments below.
Here is a list of freezer meals you will enjoy after delivery and boy will you enjoy not having to make them from scratch every day!
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – Find the recipe here. This can stay in the freezer for up to 4 months.
- Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken. Find the recipe here. This meal can stay in the freezer for up to 4 months.
- Breakfast Burritos. Find the recipe here. These can stay in the freezer for up to two months.
- Breakfast Casserole. Find the recipe here. This can stay in the freezer for up to three months.
- Granola Bars. Find the recipe here. These snacks are good in your freezer for up to three months and reheat nicely in the toaster oven.
- Vegetarian Pasta Bake. Find the recipe here. This meal is quite versatile as you can use your favorite pasta and change the type of pasta to make it different each time. This meal will last in your freezer for up to two months.
- Slow Cooker Chilli. Find the recipe here. This meal will last for up to two months in your freezer.
- Vegetarian Chilli. Find the recipe here. This is a hearty and nutrient-rich meal which is quite easy to reheat. It will last up to two months in your freezer.
- Sweet Potato Turkey Burgers. Find the recipe here. This recipe is gluten-free and Paleo-friendly. Freeze these for up to 4 months.
Conclusion
Freezer meals are a godsend for you when you come home with your baby. Not only will you not have the energy to be around a hot stove, but you also won’t have the time. You will need to rest up, take care of your baby, and ensure that you are nourishing your body properly so you can recover and nourish your baby for good growth. When you make freezer meals ahead of time you simply need enough time to reheat and sit down to have your meal. That’s a lot easier than cooking meals from scratch! We hope you can prepare some of the meals included above as well as some of your favorites to be ready and waiting for you when you come home with your new bundle of joy.
Cris
