5. A postpartum doula knows her postpartum nutrition
During postpartum it is essential that you feed yourself first mama. A postpartum doula will know just what your body needs for optimal recovery, nutrition and lactation support. It took a long time for your organs to move when accommodating your baby, so it’s going to take a hot minute for them to be functioning regularly again. Ideal fourth trimester foods are similar to the warm, cosy, comforting foods you want when you have your period. Think easy to digest, braised meats, warming curries, nourishing soups and feel-good (but super nutritious) snacks. A postpartum doula will know to focus on foods that incorporate all the big players of postnatal nutrition like iron, glycine, magnesium choline, potassium, omega-3, zinc, vitamins A, B12, C and E, galactogogues and all of the healthy fats. With so much to try and incorporate, it can be a relief to leave your meal preparation in a professional’s capable hands. Most postpartum doulas will offer meal and snack preparation as part of their care packages, some may even offer separate meal delivery services.
Ever heard the expression “fit your own oxygen mask first”? Think of a postpartum doula as your oxygen mask in case of an emergency. While hiring a postpartum doula may feel self-indulgent and bougie, remember, you only get this sacred time with your baby once – make sure you do it the way that you want to. You spent nine months nourishing and growing a whole entire human, Mama, now you deserve to be nourished too.
Heng Ou, The First Forty Days; The essential art of nourishing the new mother
Images by Rebecca Sears Photography
Mellanie Crane is a 35-year-old wife, mama to five beautiful boys, and postpartum doula living in Sydney’s leafy Hills District. Mellanie is the creator of the nourished postpartum co. and offers postpartum planning sessions, mother blessing facilitation, in-home care, meal delivery, and digital doula support. You can find her on Instagram @nourished.postpartumco, Facebook @The nourished postpartum co., and further information at www.thenourishedpostpartumco.au.
