Even those of us who have had a new baby can barely remember our thinking in those blurry first days. Why? Life with a brand new baby puts you in survival mode. Especially with a first baby, your vision becomes myopic … all that you think about is the new baby. Are they nursing enough? Does their stomach hurt? Do they have reflux? Are they peeing enough? Do they have a diaper rash? Are they pooping too much?!?
Wondering what you can do to soften the raw edges of those early days for a new family? FEED THEM.
Note: Before you go shopping, remember to ask food dislikes and/or allergies. You might remember your friend Sarah loooooving cheese, except that she had to give it up four days ago because of her baby girl’s reflux.
Here’s What to Make
A BIG SALAD
Just because a new parent is incredibly sleep-deprived doesn’t mean they don’t want to eat healthy. But when you can’t remember when the last time you washed your hair, then the seemingly simple taste of peeling and or cutting vegetables becomes insurmountable.
New parents need to eat just as healthy when they are breastfeeding as when they were pregnant. Most new mamas CRAVE veggies. The more colorful, the better!
Here are some good salad recipes:
Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
CASSEROLES, STEWS & LASAGNAS
They are already pretty-much made (just need to be popped into the oven or on the stove), they are hearty, nourishing and can be frozen and and eaten later. Casseroles, stews and lasagnas are perfect for a new family.
- Can’t get better for casserole recipes than Southern Living. Here are 25 of their favorites.
- Baked Mac ‘n Cheese (don’t forget the bacon!)
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- The Pioneer Woman’s Sunday Night Stew
NOTE: New parents appreciate smaller-serving containers. That way they can eat a little bit at a time and save the rest for later.
BAKED GOODS
- Quiches, Quick Breads, Bagels & Cream Cheese: don’t forget breakfast! (For a new mama, this can happen at any time of the day . . .)
- Fresh bread or muffins
- CAKE!
Remember, new breastfeeding mamas need extra fat, extra sugar. I once saw a new mama eat 2 cheeseburgers and a plate of pancakes, sausage and bacon at one sitting. They get hungry!
FREEZER FRIENDLY:
- A big pot of home-made marinara sauce to freeze for later
- Meatballs
- 31 Freezer-friendly Meals
QUICK & EASY
Just because you’re in a hurry doesn’t mean a new family can’t eat well. Bring a veggie platter, a platter of cut-up fruit, a plate of cold cuts, or a pre-made pizza.
New parents also don’t mind getting a take-out dinner on you! Just call in advance to make sure they don’t already have dinner plans.
OTHER TIPS
- Bring your food in disposable tins or in dishes you don’t expect to get back. You probably won’t.
- Especially in the first few weeks, think of bringing some disposable plates, silverware and napkins with your meal. It may not be eco-friendly, but for a new family it will be a sigh of relief.
- IMPORTANT: DROP AND RUN. When dropping off your food to a family in the first weeks of a new baby’s life, don’t stay longer than fifteen minutes. Set your watch in advance. Trust me, that’s all a new family can handle. See Seven Rules for Visiting a New Baby
- Put it on autopilot: set up a free meal registry at Take Them A Meal!
Thank you so much for reading and for taking good care of the new families in your life.
THE TAPROOT DOULA PROJECT 