It is no surprise that nutrition plays a pivotal role in decreasing the risks of developing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders prenatally as well as during your fourth trimester while recovering and healing from childbirth. Mom’s, it is so important to be eating and drinking enough during postpartum to nourish your body and mind. Nutrient dense foods such as chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, bone broth, salmon, and eggs will increase your energy levels, support tissue healing, breastfeeding, as well as possibly decrease the risk of experiencing a perinatal mood disorder.

Our nervous system depends on specific nutrients such as fatty acids (DHA/EPA), vitamin D, B-Vitamins (B-6, B-12 folate), as well as minerals zinc, and selenium to support mood regulation during pregnancy and postpartum. Research has shown incorporating these nutrients into your diet can lead to better mental health outcomes and whereas if you are lacking these key nutrients due to the demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding, you may have a higher risk of developing a perinatal mood disorder.

Do not despair there are many easy, quick, and nourishing recipes to get you through your postpartum days. To make the process even easier, why not ask a family member, friend, or a postpartum doula (me!) to help you with meal prepping, grocery shopping or gathering tasteful recipes that you and your family will enjoy. If you’re interested in learning more about foods that are specifically beneficial for your diet, please reach out to @maiyaahluwalia.rd who is very knowledgeable about pregnancy and postpartum nutrition.

This week #daisydoulatastytuesdays is featuring @crystalkarges Simple Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Postpartum Soup Recipe. Who loves a good bowl of hearty chicken soup? Me!

Simple Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Postpartum Soup - serves 6
This recipe is freezer friendly and great if you’re making it for a new mama or for you and your family ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1 cup onion, chopped

• 1 ½ cups carrots, diced

• 1 cup celery, diced

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 ½ cups wild rice

• 6 cups chicken bone broth

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients minus the fresh parsley to a slow cooker. Stir to combine.

2. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

3. Shred the chicken with a fork and mix in the fresh parsley to serve. Enjoy!

I can’t wait to try this recipe. Let me know what you think and if you’ve changed up the recipe to make it your own!

Ciao,

Sadhna