There are a couple of life circumstances that warrant some special adjustments to ensure adequate nutrition. The postpartum phase of a woman's life is one of them.
It is not advised to do a juice cleanse during this time.
When breastfeeding, it is important not to restrict calories or nutrients in any way, as both are responsible for the volume and integrity of your milk supply.
While incorporating cold-pressed juices into your diet is a great source of highly absorbable nutrients (as well as something you can literally chug when you don't have the time) you will need to eat more calories than what is provided in a juice cleanse.
This time after the birth of your baby is not about losing weight. It is about nourishing yourself properly so you can nourish your baby without depleting your body. It is not time to count calories. It is not time to do a special diet. It is a time to eat a lot- even if you are not breastfeeding. You just spent 10 months growing and delivering a baby. Even if you ate the cleanest diet during pregnancy, your body still needs you to eat a lot after your baby is born.
You need protein and fat at every meal.
This postpartum phase, whether you are breastfeeding or not, is about eating warm, dense, comforting foods. Soups, stews, chili, lentils, warm grains, with lots of meat and fish (assuming you don't have any food aversions left over from pregnancy). While fruits and vegetables are also important, and should be eaten as much as desired, it is not necessary, or in most cases beneficial, to eat an all raw diet.
Foods to help with milk supply.
- Oatmeal and raw oats
- Dates
- Coconut & Coconut Water
- Lentils
- Garlic
- Fennel
- Chickpeas
- Almonds
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Brewer’s yeast - Try blending it into any Green Routine smoothie
Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia
These are common during the postpartum period due to chemical and hormonal fluctuations, but can also be from vitamin, mineral, and neurotransmitter deficiencies as well as irregular blood sugar levels- hence the need for protein and fat at every meal.
In addition to dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale, there are other foods that can help to alleviate these types of symptoms:
- Bananas
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Dates
- Avocado
- Mushrooms
- Sweet Potato
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Salmon
- All meat
- Eggs
- Leafy Green Vegetables