Those first few weeks/months of motherhood can be amazing, isolating, lonely, and joyful. It is also something that is difficult to prepare for, in many ways. If you have a friend or family member who has just given birth, there are many things you can do for the new mom to help her out. Whether it’s washing dishes, folding clothes, holding the baby, or just being there to talk, it can make a world of difference to your friend. If your schedule doesn’t allow for a couple hour hang sesh, you may find that dropping off a meal is the best you can do. Here I have put together a list of 5 meals that any new mom would be thrilled to get.
Turkey bolognese. It’s simple to make, freezes well, and can go on pasta, vegetables, or eaten solo. It’s similar to bringing over a chili, however the fiber + spice may not agree with the new mom’s body.
Chicken/spinach meatballs. Can be drizzled with olive oil or tomato sauce and eaten as a snack or meal. These also freeze well.
Berry oatmeal muffins. Adding in brewers yeast is known to help with lactation. With or without that, they freeze well and can make for a quick snack or breakfast.
Cucumber, mozz, herb salad. Think light and refreshing, and easy to eat.
Egg muffins. Because dinner isn’t the only challenging meal. Egg muffins are easy to eat, and the protein will help keep mama’s belly full.
Turkey Bolognese
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
1 jar tomato sauce (Rao’s is my favorite)
½ onion
Directions:
Saute onion on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes
Add ground turkey and cook until done
Add 1 jar of Rao’s marinara sauce to the turkey and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
Cool before freezing.
Great over zucchini noodles, whole wheat pasta, roasted cabbage, or even plopped onto a salad.
Chicken Spinach Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken
½ onion
2 boxes frozen chopped spinach, defrosted, and water drained (just squeeze it).
½ cup feta cheese (if mom needs to be dairy free, just omit this)
½ tbsp Greek seasoning or any spices you like
Optional minced garlic
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients together with your hands. Roll into balls and bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes.
These freeze very well!
Berry Oatmeal Muffins
Ingredients:
1 medium ripe banana
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
¼ cup honey
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
2 cups old fashioned oats
½ cup oat bran
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ cup blueberries
½ cup blackberries
½ cup raspberries
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp brewers yeast if it’s for a breastfeeding mama.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F and line muffin tin with foil liners
Place ripe banana in a medium size bowl and mash.
Whisk in eggs, vanilla, honey, and almond milk
In a large bowl, mix together rolled oats, oat bran, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and brewers yeast.
Combine wet ingredients with dry and then add melted coconut oil and mix. Add berries at the very end and mix until combined.
Fill each muffin to the top.
Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes.
Store in fridge for up to 5 days (airtight container) or freeze.
Egg Muffins
Ingredients:
8-9 eggs scrambled (2 cups of liquid)
1 head chopped broccoli
1 package of mushrooms
2-3 handfuls of spinach
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F
Line muffin/cupcake tins with foil liners
Scramble 8 large eggs (more if needed) to get 2 cups of scrambled eggs.
Chop mushrooms (or other vegetables) into small pieces and quickly saute in 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add spinach when vegetables are almost done.
Add vegetables to each tin and cover with egg mixture.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
If you want to make this into a frittata, follow the same instructions and bake in a 9x13 dish. And feel free to be creative with vegetables!
It’s important for mom’s to eat nourishing meals that will help her body heal. None of these suggestions are overly spicy or difficult to digest. Always check with the mom to see if she has any dietary restrictions.
