The Newborn Parent & Why They Need Nourishing

As mentioned in my previous post, postpartum simply refers to a time after birth. In today’s bounce back society, many parents are pushed to get back to "pre-baby weight". This makes me want to swear loudly. While I understand the sentiment of feeling like your old self, it’s pretty terrible to say.

The postpartum body, whether it’s the first or fourth child, needs the opportunity to focus on healing and nourishing yourself and the baby. THAT’S IT. And yes, this is for everyone-parents who go back to work right away, parents who aren’t breastfeeding, parents with all the time in the world.

You are forever postpartum, and your body deserves care at every stage.

"Maternity Leave" is a laughable term, especially here in the US. Many other cultures cherish & prioritize this time. Concepts like the 4th trimester may sound new but the roots of "taking time" are cemented as far back as 5000 years ago. Reclaiming this time is an act of self-care, and it’s essential for recovery.

After birth, your body is experiencing postnatal depletion, a concept outlined by Dr. Oscar Serrallach. Blood, fluids, and nutrients are depleted, and sleep deprivation adds to the strain on energy, mood, and immunity. Your body needs time and proper nutrition to restore balance.

Nourishing the newborn parent means focusing on whole, minimally processed foods that support digestion, metabolism, and overall wellness. Postpartum, this also means warming the birthing parent -serving cooked, nourishing foods rather than raw, cold foods. Science backs this: hormonal changes after birth slow down digestion, so cooked, easy-to-digest foods help the body absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Some examples include:

• Hearty porridges and soups with well-cooked vegetables

• Broths - ideally Bone broth and organ meats for nutrient density

• Ghee and healthy fats to aid in absorption

• Warm, lightly spiced meals that support circulation and digestion

The goal is not to “bounce back” but to replenish what’s lost, restore energy, and reclaim your body’s vitality. This is the foundation for thriving in the months-and years-after birth.