What Do I Need Nutritionally In the Postpartum Time Period?

The postpartum period is a time of healing, recovery, and adjusting to life with a newborn. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in this transition, and one key nutrient that often gets overlooked is fiber. Whether you've had a vaginal birth or a C-section, your body needs support to heal, regain strength, and maintain digestive health. Fiber eases constipation, supports gut health, helps with weight management, balances blood sugar levels, and supports healing.

Protein is a vital nutrient that plays a significant role in postpartum recovery and overall health. Protein supports tissue repair and healing, maintains muscle mass and strength, enhances energy levels, supports breastmilk production and aids in weight management.

Calcium is just as crucial for postpartum health. Whether you're breastfeeding or simply rebuilding your body's strength, ensuring adequate calcium intake can make a big difference. Calcium supports bone health, it helps with muscle recovery and function, aids in breastfeeding and milk production, regulates hormones and mood and supports heart and nerve function.

Breastfeeding parents require additional calories to support the energy demands of milk production. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breastfeeding mothers need approximately 300-400 extra calories per day compared to their pre-pregnancy intake.

Here are some links to some nutritious and tasty recipes:

lilynicholsrdn.com

sollybaby.com

readysetgrownutrition.com