Breaking the postpartum rules
We are told as new mothers that a postpartum priority is to ensure the body does not look like it has grown, not look like it has nourished - and potentially continues to nourish - a baby. We are told that a mothering body is not socially acceptable – it is even shameful.
As a consequence, millions of pounds are made at the physical and emotional expense of the new mother as well as possibly the baby and the wider family.
The part of the postpartum story that is often neglected (but should take centre stage) is the intense requirement for nutrition and rest a mothering body needs. The mental and physical exhaustion at carrying, giving birth, feeding and keeping a baby alive as well as possibly caring for older children, elderly relatives and earning a living, can easily be the hardest thing anyone will ever do ever.
If these needs are ignored then there will be significant and upsetting consequences. These consequences can range from mental & physical health issues, difficulty producing enough milk and more intensified exhaustion during an already shattering period.
A couple of unhelpful postpartum food & body rules:
“Eat a low fat - especially a law saturated fat - diet“
Fat at this time of a women’s life is vital. Baby would have used up a lot of fat to grow and for brain development. New mothers need adequate fat for good oestrogen production – which is important for bone health.
Phosphatidylcholine is a type of fat found in eggs and lecithin. Baby laps this stuff up for brain development. Cutting down on eggs is not a good idea when levels need to be replenished to protect the liver.
“Don’t eat dairy”
We need the wonderful calcium and magnesium found in dairy for healthy bones (for mummy as well as baby if breastfeeding) – baby would have drunken up lots of minerals and these also needs replenishing. Dairy, alongside green vegetables, is one of the most delicious ways to replenish these minerals.
Milk and yoghurt and cheese are also rich in protein and most dairy is rich in valuable B vitamins and iodine.
“Must Exercise”
For sure:- movement and getting fresh air is good for mummy and baby. However, postpartum bodies are very fragile and are going through a tremendous amount. No male bodied person will ever go through such an intensity of making. We are told we need to sculpt the body, but really we need to allow it to heal externally and internally. Keeping a baby alive is physically demanding enough. Therefore, one needs to rest as much as possible. One has one’s whole life to exercise. Postpartum is a time to rest and heal.
At Breaking The Rules we are mindful that there are always individual circumstances and it is always important to talk to a qualified nutritional therapist before embarking on any food or exercise changes.