Topics in Staying Well
Eating well is about nutrition. In the 4th Trimester and beyond many women find it hard to have the time or the practical support to eat as they might like. Sleep patterns and your mood also impact when you feel hungry and when you feel full.
There are some foods that can help you feel good and others that if eaten in high quantities can cause problems. Stocking your kitchen and other places you frequent in the postpartum period with nutritious food that is simple to prepare can make it easier to grab-and-go with healthy options. If friends or family offer to bring groceries or a meal, ask them for cut up or bite-size fruits and vegetables, such as apples or carrots. Ready-to-eat whole grain cereal or crackers, nuts, eggs, cheese, and peanut butter are some other options that are easy to eat one-handed. Make sure that you’re getting plenty of protein, and are not just munching on carbohydrates. You might keep a pitcher or large cup beside your bed or next to your favorite chair so you can get plenty of water throughout the day.
Many women stop taking prenatal vitamins after they have a baby. However, you can continue the prenatal vitamins, or switch to a daily multivitamin, including chewables or small tablets. There are lots of nutrients in vitamins that might benefit you now.
Additional Resources to Explore:
- USDA Choose My Plate and USDA Choose My Plate Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- UC Berkeley Food Institute: From Mothers to Mothers: The Postpartum Nutrition Folklore Project
- The Preeclampsia Foundation has an excellent healthy eating guide – check it out here.
