Post-Natal Nutrition: Easy Does It

I loved being pregnant. I worked less, exercised more,cleaned up my diet, and delighted in preparing delicious and nutritious meals for myself and my baby to be. I had never felt better.
Then, after an unexpectedly difficult labor and the birth of my beautiful baby daughter who seemed to never sleep, things started going down hill fast. It’s not that I didn’t know what I needed,I did. As a Doctor of Oriental Medicine who specializes in Women’s health and nutrition, I knew how important rebuilding was for a complete recovery from birth. 

So how was it that my perfect pre-natal life had succumbed to a diet of toast, watermelon and chocolate?  The answer was simple - overwhelm and exhaustion.

Post-natal recovery deserves a well balanced diet and lifestyle, but just in case, here are some simple power food suggestions to carry you through.

• Build the Blood with small amounts of organic red meat and organic liver, dark leafy greens, and sea vegetables.

Do the bunches of kale,chard and collards purchased often end up as a vegetable drawer of wilted uneaten greens? No problem; rinse, cut and place them in a large stock pot of water along with a handful of dried sea vegetables such as wakame or dulse and simmer for about 45 minutes. Strain and enjoy a fresh cup of mineral rich broth at least twice daily. The broth is also superb as a stock for soups, grains and beans, and can be frozen in smaller containers to be used for a few months to come.

• Increase Essential Fatty Acids, B12 and Folic Acid.

This will help restore your energy and vitality as well as support critical developmental processes for your baby. Quick go to sources are: sardines, kipper snacks, smoked salmon and eggs, as well as walnuts and avocado. No cooking required!

• Include Whole Milk Dairy Products.

Milk contains Calcium and Vitamin D. Both of these nutrients are crucial for post- natal recovery and as essential building blocks for bones, brain and immunity for your child. Calcium and Vitamin D require fat and protein for proper breakdown and assimilation. Therefore, less fat in dairy also means less availability of vitamins and

minerals. I recommend eating fermented dairy products such as yogurt, keifer, and buttermilk. The fermentation process naturally breaks down lactose and pre-digests casein as well as increasing available assimilation of nutrients.

• Continue taking your Pre-natal Vitamins

Allow your system the extra support of nutrients while you recover.
These suggestions are potent additions when integrated into your regular balanced diet. But, in a pinch, they may be the best that you can do on any given day. Remember that food is energy. Choose wisely. And as for me ? Things balanced out in time as all things do. At this point in the journey of motherhood my baby has become a wise and wonderful teen who reminds me to work less, exercise more and who loves to cook great food !


Lisa Wilson, D.O.M


Lisa has been practicing as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine for over 25 years. She shares her knowledge of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Nutrition,and Homeopathy with care and compassion, guiding individuals and families through all cycles of life and growth.

Lisa Wilson, D.O.M 505-989-4038 http://www.drlisadom.com