Postpartum nutrition myths

If you've spent anytime online, especially social media, then I bet you've read 10 'absolute must do' rules about postpartum nutrition and also 10 things that say to eat and do the exact opposite!  It doesn't need to be so complicated, but nutrition is important so that you have energy, recover and can do the things you want to do.  So let's start off with some biggies.

Myth: Nutrition is only important when you're pregnant and isn't an issue postpartum

So much wrong!  Firstly, nutrition is important for everyone, young and old, female and male.  Saying your nutrition is only important when you're pregnant is saying your health and wellbeing doesn't matter, only the baby does and frankly, that's more than a bit rude!  Ok, so, rant aside ....

Pregnancy places huge demands on a mother's body.  Bub is a bit greedy and key nutrients will go to bub first and mum gets what is left over so it is easy to get a little low.  If you are low on iron, calcium , zinc, iodine, B vitamins and a bunch of other nutrients then you're more likely to heal more slowly, feel depleted and fatigued, and to have more mood changes.  Oh, and if you had treatments before pregnancy, were a bit low on nutrients before pregnancy, were ill or had complications during pregnancy and birth, had a multiple birth, had a postpartum hemorrhage, hypertension or pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes or thyroid issues, or if you are breastfeeding (just to name a few) then nutrition is even more important postpartum.

Myth: Postpartum nutrition only matters to health your caesarean wound or if you had gestational diabetes

Sure, nutrition is very important to support healing, manage blood glucose level and recover from in the first few weeks postpartum.  It is also important for deeper healing and recovery which takes many months, and in some cases years.  In those early weeks you might need something different to what you need at 12 weeks, but your diet is still important for energy, mood, hormones, and overall health in the long-term.

Myth: Postpartum nutrition is essential so you can lose that baby weight

Nope.  It is about nourishing, healing, supporting, thriving, having energy, being well and enjoying food.

Myth: Postpartum nutrition only matters if you're breastfeeding

Nope. See #1.  You need a little extra when breastfeeding, but nutrition is important for recovery and strength whether you breastfeed or not.

Myth: You must follow the XXXX postpartum diet to recover and thrive

Wouldn't life be oh so simple - and oh so boring - if we all needed and ate exactly the same foods!  There is no 'one diet' for everyone, no fancy method, no exclusive club, no secret plan.  We need some good quality protein, fat and carbohydrate, and for most of us that will probably cover most or all of our micronutrient needs.  If you're postpartum, you need to ramp it up a little in terms of nourishing foods and in the short-term at least you need to continue your prenatal and DHA (omega 3 fatty acid) supplements.  But if you get that fabulous food eating a Mediterranean style diet, or Mexican, or vegetarian, or Japanese or whatever, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that you are getting the goodness you need and that it is yum! (And it fits any cultural or religious requirements if needs be.)

So, what is the deal with postpartum nutrition?

Postpartum nutrition can help you recover, support breastfeeding, improve energy, support normal hormone function and mood.  Every woman has different needs and different tastes, availability of food, support and interest in food.  Eating regularly is great, eating fancy is absolutely not needed.  Your plate is full, there is no room for guilt, shame or feeling overwhelmed about food.  If you are unsure what to eat, or how to make it as easy as possible, and if you have been unwell or have specific health needs, then get your information from an experienced qualified professional.