Your Go-To Snack List for Breastfeeding
Today's guest post comes from Misti Buie, a local Austin mama and certifying nutritionist who is passionate about helping other women improve their relationship with their bodies and live a life of wellness and health. You can catch her around AustinBorn teaching DIY Baby Foods for our AustinBaby workshop series!
Even after delivering your precious bundle of joy, you will more than likely still be physically attached. Hopefully, you will have one free hand to help feed your hunger. There are many quick, go-to snacks to keep within arm’s reach. Choosing foods that are nutrient-dense and high in protein will keep you satisfied and energized.
Some examples of snacks to have around are:
hard cheeses
crackers
bananas
apples
nut butter
avocados
cottage cheese
yogurt
smoothies
hard boiled eggs
hummus
veggie sticks
roasted turkey or chicken
You know that coconut oil you're slathering all over your little one? Go ahead and have a spoonful. No, really! Coconut oil is known for its numerous health benefits that include digestive and immune support, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, and enhanced fat metabolism.
But what about those times you’re stuck in bed, on the couch or in a nursing chair? Fortunately, there are many healthy packaged snacks on the market. Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, nitrate/nitrite-fee dried meat sticks/jerky, and bars do not require refrigeration, so you can stash them anywhere.
The following bars are a great choice because they contain few and recognizable ingredients and are lower in sugar than most conventional bars:
It may be tempting to grab processed sugary and salty snacks for a quick fix, but such snacks have the potential to make you feel tired and unsatiated. And when you're getting settled into life with baby, who has time for that?! Be sure to stock up on healthful prepared snacks before having your baby. Stock the area where you’ll be situated during the first few weeks after your baby is born with packaged snacks and bottled water. It may seem silly to need a reminder to eat but that, along with staying hydrated, is extremely important in the first few weeks after birth. Don't forget, you're burning an extra 500-600 calories everyday while breastfeeding so replenishing is a must!
These early days can be intense: you're caring for a new little one and getting breastfeeding off to a good start. Taking care of yourself by fueling your body with satisfying, awesomely healthy (and tasty!) snacks throughout the day will help you recover faster and feel more energized.
xoxo
-Misti B.
Offering expectant and new parents :
newborn and infant care
infant and child CPR
body (breastfeeding/chestfeeding) + bottle feeding
childbirth education
relaxation in birth
tools for partner support