Preparing a meal plan for the postpartum period can be a true lifesaver. Whatever postpartum meal plan you create can make healthy, nutrient dense meals for your recovery simple when life gets really busy. Plus, this can be a fun activity to work on as the months tick by during the final trimester of your pregnancy. Here are some of my favorite ideas and recommendations for clients when it comes to postpartum meal planning.
Meal Trains or Meal Sign Ups
One of the most popular ways for families to ensure they have decent meals postpartum are meal trains. You can set up a meal train a number of ways. You can send out a sign up schedule for the approximate order people will bring meals. Then, once you have your baby, you simply alert the first person and they begin the train. You can set this to have someone bring a meal everyday if you wanted or every other day, once a week, etc. Find what you think will be the most helpful and have people fill in if you need more help.
Alternatively, some people want to hand the reigns entirely over to a friend or family member who arranges it all. Just be sure to note any allergies, dietary restrictions, and preferences.
Food Delivery Programs
Another great option which has grown in popularity in recent years are food delivery programs. There a numerous options out there. Some people use these on a regular basis. If you already do, then you are covered with quick and easy meal prep. Some plans send you the ingredients for you to cook yourself in pre-measured amounts. Other plans send you individual meals pre-cooked. If this is an option within your budget, it can take the stress out of postpartum meal planning. This option often appeals to people who do not want guests during the early postpartum period.
Postpartum Doula Meal Planning Support
Postpartum doulas are another great resource. As a postpartum doula, I love cooking healthy, nutritious meals for families. I have a whole collection of nutrient dense meals that help with healing in the postpartum period. However, I love cooking a family's favorite meal and seeing the joy on their face. Your postpartum doula can also help with planning foods which encourage healing, support breastfeeding, and work for the entire family.
Freezer Meals & Canning Soups
Cooking large batches of meals during your third trimester and freezing them is another option. You can make entire casseroles or batches of soup and freeze them easily. This works well especially if you have a deep freezer to store weeks of meals. If you are into food preservation, canning extra soups is another option for quick and easy meals. Just remember to label everything well and use in the oldest order when possible.
Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Quick Sheet Tray Dinners
Of course, it doesn't hurt to plan some fun meal ideas that are quick. Using an instant pot and/or slow cooker can be a helpful resource for quick and nutritous meals postpartum. I also love quick sheet pan dinners. Many of these meals are simple with some veggies and protein baked together to perfection.
When it comes to making your life easier and more restful in the postpartum period, preparation is everything. I highly recommend a little postpartum meal planning to all my clients. I also love offering to bake or cook meals for families as part of my postpartum services. Any way you can alleviate stress and get the support you need during your postpartum period is essential.
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