When I was expecting my first child, I prepared for almost everything until the moment the baby was born. But when I got home from the hospital, I had a million questions about the baby and my own health took a back seat. When I was expecting my second child, I knew that the postpartum period was at least as important as the birth itself.

Although the postpartum period with my second child brought its own challenges, I am happy that I had consciously prepared myself on how to support my body during postpartum recovery. I stocked up on food and drinks both at the hospital and at home to consciously fuel my body after such a big achievement as giving birth.

Postpartum time: smart snacks and drinks

Below, I will share with you a list of foods and drinks that, in addition to more nutritious meals, would be useful to consume during the postpartum period to give your body the energy it needs and thereby speed up postpartum recovery:

Postpartum time: good drinks

• Yarrow tea – reduces blood flow, relieves inflammation, improves the condition of the gastrointestinal mucosa, and soothes. A good tea that you can start drinking immediately after giving birth.
• Chamomile tea – has an anti-inflammatory effect, and is also suitable for use in sitz baths.
• Rooibos tea – contains heart-supporting antioxidants.

Healthy fruits, berries

• Dates – are good for the heart, kidneys and liver, supporting their functions.
• Prunes / prune juice – help prevent constipation and have a slight laxative effect.
• Avocado – nutritious, good for digestion, promotes the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (the brain and nervous system are especially grateful for this).
• Pear – rich in magnesium, folate, calcium, iron, vitamin C and fiber. Helps prevent constipation.
• Banana – supplies the body with potassium, manganese, vitamins C and B6 and supports digestive function.
• Berries (e.g. blueberries) – contain fiber, manganese, vitamin K and vitamin C.
• Cherry tomatoes – fill your body with vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B6.
• Mango – mango, which contains a lot of vitamin C, pectin and fiber, strengthens the immune system and keeps digestion in order.

Especially beneficial nuts and seeds

• Almonds – protein-rich snacks with anti-inflammatory effects, containing calcium and manganese.
• Cashews – support the body with vitamins E and K, selenium, antioxidants and minerals.
• Pumpkin seeds – a mineral-rich snack with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Sunflower seeds – a snack high in vitamin E, magnesium, vitamins B1 and B6 and selenium, which has anti-inflammatory effects, promotes digestion, increases the level of the happy hormone serotonin in the brain.

Support a new mother!

One of the most beautiful moments of my postpartum period was when I received a huge package of fresh fruit and delicious snacks from my doula sister Kerstin in my first week after giving birth. It was more than a gift, it was care , it was love, it was support.

Sometimes, something as basic as a refreshing meal and drink is exactly what a new mother needs in addition to emotional, practical, and informative postpartum support..

A snack box or food delivery is not only to fill a mother's stomach and help her recover faster, but also to make her feel that she is still important, valuable, and loved alongside her baby!