Food is life. 

Whoever said that knew what they were talking about, especially when it comes to pizza and coffee. Many pregnant folks, if they’re lucky enough to avoid morning sickness, love the fun food cravings that come with the changes in pregnancy. Ask someone who has a child what their favorite craving was while they were pregnant and you’ll see their eyes light up a little bit! 

The topic of food after pregnancy gets a bad rap, because who really wants to cook when you’re exhausted? Our Postpartum Doulas will tell you that food during postpartum is super important! You can spend hours scouring the web finding foods you should avoid, (There aren’t any foods to avoid unless you or your baby are allergic/sensitive), or you can check out this quick list of foods our Postpartum Doulas love serving new families. 

1- Oats, Oats, Oats! Why do we love oats? Well, they’re a carbohydrate that gives us energy and no one needs energy more than a new parent who was up multiple times a night. This versatile food can be sweet or savory, hot or cold, simple or extravagant. This food item is a favorite among clients because it fits so many dietary needs. Our favorite way to serve oatmeal is by whipping up a few jars of overnight oats in the fridge so you can eat it cold or heat it up.

2- Quiche We know what you’re thinking, “Who am I? Julia Child. No way am I making quiche from scratch!” Many postpartum doulas know their way around eggs and pie crust, so don’t fret. You can buy premade quiche for a quick go to, or buy frozen pie crust. This doesn’t have to be complicated, we promise! Quiche is so  multifaceted, that one could load it with all the veggies you might need or meats. Forgo the crust and you’ve got yourself a frittata. High in protein, quiche can be eaten with one hand cold- because let’s face it you’ll be holding a baby in the other. 

3-Soup You’ve just run the marathon of your lifetime and delivered a baby, what better way to nourish your body than with a warm bowl of soup. Soup has layers and a lot of flavor. The act of sitting down and enjoying a bowl of soup is intentional. Although you may be short on time, eating soup might help you slow down some. The options with soup are pretty limitless. Is it strategic when your Doula puts a soup in your crockpot and fills your house with delightful smells? Yes, yes it is. Soup is love. 

4-Sandwiches It’s the truest fact of all time: a sandwich always tastes better when someone else makes it for you. This handheld food item is your Postpartum Doula’s go to when you just aren’t sure what you’d like to eat. When you’re navigating your way through life as a new parent, the gesture of a sandwich made by someone else can feel like a life raft. It’s okay if you’re not hungry, Doulas can leave you one in your fridge for later. 

5-Coffee! This likely goes without saying, but caffeine is mandatory for most of our families. Living here in the PNW, we know good coffee and our clients do too. If coffee is one of your love languages, please don’t be afraid to enjoy it during your postpartum period. There is worry that caffeine will keep your baby awake, but after consulting with our Infant Feeding Specialists we realized that there is a perfect kind of timing for drinking your coffee. If you find yourself reheating your coffee over and over again, cold brew might be your new best friend. 

Food during postpartum is restorative and so vital. Think about how much better you feel after a good meal, your body and your brain invite the nourishment. There is no judgement in what you eat once you’re home with your baby, because sometimes it’s about survival and getting calories in. The bottom line is you gotta eat! A Postpartum Doula will make sure you are fed while you’re busy caring for your baby.