As a new mother who has given her all (and a lot of her body) to her newborn baby, the time after birth is a crucial period in which you should focus on rebuilding your body’s foundation. It is a time for self-care, rest, and focusing on you and your child. Diving into this new world is scary, but it is fine as long as you’re exercising, spending time with your baby, and eating the right foods. But what are the best foods for postpartum recovery?
You need to eat nutrient-dense food to bring your body back to pre-baby levels. We did some research and listed some of the most important foods to eat postpartum. Keep reading for more!
Best Foods For Postpartum Recovery
1) Whole grains:
Whole grains are a staple of a postpartum recovery diet. Fiber-rich whole grains can help aid in digestion, and make your bathroom time a little easier, but adding bulk to your stool. These are usually high in protein as well.
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2) Iron-rich proteins:
Iron-rich proteins like grass-fed beef, buffalo, lamb, bison, liver, and bone broths do wonders for the postpartum body and mind. Also, foods like meats, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, legumes, and seeds. The strength this protein provides for the body is immense and nourishing.
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3) Fruits and berries:
Fruits and berries are some of the best foods you can eat for postpartum recovery. They are low in caloric count and high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The health benefits of fruits and berries are proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
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4) Magnesium supplements:
Magnesium is one of the best supplements for postpartum recovery. With magnesium, most women will benefit from additional supplementation postpartum. According to MedLine, “magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong. It also helps adjust blood glucose levels. This also aids in the production of energy and protein.”
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5) Probiotic-rich foods:
Foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut help your body move throughout the day. For postpartum recovery foods, they serve their purpose tenfold. If you maintain a healthy gut, inflammation throughout your body can go down all while improving digestion.
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6) Fatty acids:
Fatty acids help with one of two things. The absorption of vitamins and minerals. This helps nourish the skin, hair, and nails. It also promotes proper nerve functioning as well as helps produce hormones. This can all help a little human being grow and develop normally.
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7) Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is something that you can find in guava, papaya, kiwi, oranges, strawberries, pineapple, bell peppers, broccoli, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, snow peas, and more. It is a water-soluble nutrient that acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals.
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8) Vitamin B:
B vitamins are found in lentils, liver, turkey breast, pastured eggs, avocado, yogurt, kefir, nutritional yeast, sea vegetables, macadamia nuts, almonds, pistachios, black, and pinto beans. According to Healthline, “B vitamins play a vital role in maintaining good health and well-being. As the building blocks of a healthy body, B vitamins have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism. Vitamin B complex helps prevent infections and helps support or promote cell health.”
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While you’re here, check out this article on how to get your baby past their sleep regressions.