Wednesday, January 16, 2008 12:00 AM
What kind of food can I make for a new mom?
There is no Dos and Don’ts list of foods new moms should avoid. I always thought that if a breastfeeding mom eats spicy or acidic foods, or a “gassy” food like cauliflower, broccoli or cabbage, baby would have tummy troubles. Not true. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, “research shows that a mother’s milk is affected only slightly by the food in her diet.” Those foods might give mom heartburn or gas (which is why you should ask first, and avoid any foods or spices that have a bad affect on her), but they won’t necessarily affect baby—unless the baby is sensitive to the same foods.
This question has been on my mind this week because my sister, Meredith, just had a baby—a sweet, tiny girl named Abigail Grace. And, since I’m not so great at changing diapers or cleaning that weird post-umbilical cord nubbin (seriously, it scares me), I’ve been thinking about how I can make up for my squeamishness with meals and snacks that will make her happy and give her the energy she’ll need to get through the next few weeks.
Do you have a standard dish you give to new moms?
I feel like there’s usually a brigade of casserole-toting well-wishers who cover the main dish category, so I’m trying to think outside the box a little. So far, my list includes:
Granola
Why? Complex carbs in whole grains and nuts give mom longer-lasting energy, and will make her feel full longer because they take longer to digest. And, I make a mean granola. (Recipe follows)
Edamame
Why? Those little soybean pods are packed with protein, and it’s just about the easiest grab-and-go snack there is.
“Celebration” punch
Why? Dehydration is a common problem, and can make an already-fatigued new mom feel even worse. We usually serve it at family holidays, so hopefully having a gallon or two of this homemade fruity, juicy (and, if you add ginger ale, bubbly) punch around will be an enticing reminder to drink more fluids.
Ingredients
1 16 oz. can frozen oj
1 6 oz. can frozen lemonade
1 6 oz. can frozen limeade
1 ½ quarts water
1 46 oz. can pineapple juice
Ginger ale (optional)
Mix all ingredients except ginger ale in a large pitcher until well blended. To serve, pour over ice in a tall glass and top with ginger ale to taste.