Eating To Heal The Postpartum Body

Immediately after birth digestion is slower and weaker. All those organs that help to process our food have been squished up to make space for a growing baby and then suddenly they have so much space and it takes time for them to heal and adjust.

To help it is important to focus on easy to digest and warming foods. Foods that can be described as soft, soupy, warm and/or mild are exactly what the body needs to heal the weeks following childbirth.

Soupy foods replenish the body with liquids lost during childbirth, warming foods help to nourish and heal and soft foods are easier on digestion and all of these foods can help to prevent the dreaded postpartum constipation. 

For the first few weeks focus on broth-y soups, mild coconut curry and nourishing lentil soups. Some great options include:

• Ginger Lentil Soup
• Mild Coconut Curry
• Vegetarian Pho
• Black Bean Soup
• Kabocha Red Lentil Curry

Beyond soups and broths it is important to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Room temperature and warming liquids are ideal to help heal the body. Great options are water, herbal teas and broths. While you may want to grab coffee or caffeinated tea it’s best to keep those to a minimum at least for the first few weeks.

Additionally focus on healthy fats such as coconut, avocado and olive oil. Healthy fats help to enrich breastmilk and they also are said to boost metabolism, balance hormones and support your mood.

Ultimately the most important thing to do is listen to your body. Your body knows exactly what it needs so listen to it and follow its direction.