By Rosie Thompson, Co-Founder of CupFull and Nutrition Consultant for Mums
As a new mum, your days are a whirlwind of feeding, changing, soothing, and somehow finding time to shower (or not—no judgment here! 🙈). It’s a season of life that’s as rewarding as it is exhausting. But amidst the chaos, there’s one thing you can’t afford to forget: nourishing your body.
After pregnancy and childbirth, your body has just run a marathon and now it’s working hard to recover and adapt. It’s healing from birth, adjusting to hormonal changes, and, if you’re breastfeeding, producing the nutrients your baby needs.
This is why postpartum nutrition is so important. It’s not just about eating, it’s about fuelling your amazing body so you can feel your best during this incredibly demanding season.
Why postpartum nutrition is crucial
1. It supports healing
Your body has been through a lot—whether it’s a vaginal birth or a C-section. Nutrients like protein, vitamin C, and zinc are like the dream team for helping your body recover.
2. It boosts energy levels
Those newborn days are no joke. With all the feeding, soothing, and sleepless nights, it’s easy to feel completely drained. Eating nutrient-rich foods helps restore your energy so you can keep going (even on two hours of sleep).
3. It balances hormones and mood
We all know how unpredictable postpartum emotions can be. The right foods can stabilise your blood sugar and support hormones that help you feel calmer and more grounded.
How to nourish yourself without the stress
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “This all sounds amazing, but how on earth do I make it happen when I can barely keep my eyes open?” Don’t worry, you got this. The key is to start small and keep things simple.
1. Prep once, eat often
Batch cooking is your best friend right now. Trust me, future-you will thank you! Make a big meal, portion it out, and freeze it for those days when cooking feels impossible.
2. Keep nutrient-dense snacks on hand
When you’re in the middle of a nappy change and suddenly realise you haven’t eaten in hours, having something quick to grab is a lifesaver. Stock up on nuts, seeds, boiled eggs, or even veggie sticks with hummus. These little bites can keep you going until your next meal.
3. Make brekkie a non-negotiable
How many of us skip breakfast because we’re just too busy? 🙋 Starting your day with something nutritious and balanced can set the tone for everything else. Smoothies are an absolute game-changer here - they’re quick, easy, and packed with goodness. You don’t even have to sit down to drink them if its one of those days.
Making nourishment easier
We get it—prioritising yourself when you’re caring for a newborn feels next to impossible. That’s one of the reasons we started CupFull. Our smoothie packs are designed to take the guesswork (and stress) out of eating well.
With pre-measured, nutrient-rich ingredients, they’re an easy way to give your body the fuel it needs without any chopping, prepping, or planning. Just grab a pack from the freezer, blend, and enjoy. That’s it! Even if you’ve only got two spare minutes (and let’s face it, that’s most of us), you can still give your body the love it deserves.
The postpartum period isn’t just about looking after your baby, it’s about looking after you, too. Nourishing your body isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
Start small. Maybe add one extra nourishing snack to your day or prep a few meals in advance. And when life feels too hectic, remember there are tools out there to make things a little easier (like smoothies that do the heavy lifting for you!).
You’re doing an incredible job mum. And you deserve to feel strong, energised, and cared for—because when you’re thriving, your whole fam thrives too 💖
