We love to pamper new moms with cuddly, stuffed animals, baby outfits, and of course, delicious food gifts. But did you know there are certain foods and treats new moms should steer clear from? Before loading up those Easter baskets and gift towers, get the facts on what types of foods are most beneficial for new moms and which treats should be avoided.
Healthy Food Gifts For Nursing Moms
It’s not uncommon for new breastfeeding moms to experience increased dehydration after giving birth. When creating an adorable gift basket for a new mom, include a few small water bottles with pink and blue bows tied around their necks. These look cute nestled among spring-themed gift baskets and charming food crates. Plus, it encourages new moms to drink plenty of water, which helps regulate healthy milk production.
Believe it or not, another food that helps with healthy breast milk production are fresh baked oatmeal cookies! These aren’t exactly your grandma’s cookies, but home baked lactation cookies can sure taste like them. These are a classic addition to any congratulatory gift basket. There are plenty of delicious lactation cookie recipes online, which make for fabulous food gifts for new moms. Many of these healthy recipes call for ingredients ideal for breastfeeding moms, like flaxseed, brewer’s yeast, and eggs.
Make a Splash with Fresh Produce Gifts
Crates of sweet-smelling gourmet produce are classic gifts for new moms and families. They taste great, look great, and are probably one of the healthiest food gifts you can bring a new mom. On average, new moms should try to have at least 2 to 3 servings of fruit, or a liquid equivalent, per day. So this is an opportunity to channel your creative side and serve up a delicious and colorful gift basket chock full of tasty treats.
Vitamin-rich blueberries are a delicious treat for a new mom. Along with great antioxidants, blueberries contain healthy carbohydrates for milk production, potassium, and calcium. Try sprinkling frozen blueberries over raspberries, pear slices, and fresh leafy greens to create a quick and yummy salad for your friend.
Since an infant’s gastrointestinal tract isn’t fully developed, acids in citrus fruits can be an irritating agent in breast milk. Avoid buying oranges, strawberries, and lemon-lime treats. Instead, choose non-citrus fruits like raspberries, pears, apples, and watermelon.
Avoid Chocolate and Coffee Gifts
Along with acidic fruits, traditional coffee gifts, and fancy chocolate should be avoided as well. Boxes of candy are such go-to crowd pleasers, but unfortunately, chocolate and caffeine are not great food gifts for breastfeeding moms. Instead, purchase or create your delicious blueberry and raspberry fruit beverage. You can even serve them with frozen apple juice cubes and cute little umbrellas with brunch!
Becoming a new mom is such an exciting time. Help that brand new mom in your life begins a healthy start with food gifts that benefit her health and the wellness of her baby. What are some of your favorite food gifts for new moms?
References:
- http://www.babycenter.com/0_best-foods-for-new-moms-mood-boosters_1458835.bc
- http://www.todaysparent.com/recipes/8-meals-to-take-to-a-new-mom/
- http://www.webmd.com/parenting/breast-feeding-diet
- http://www.babycenter.com/0_diet-for-a-healthy-breastfeeding-mom_3565.bc
- http://www.mom365.com/baby/breastfeeding/10-foods-to-increase-lactation.aspx
- http://www.mom365.com/baby/breastfeeding/is-it-safe-to-have-while-breastfeeding.aspx
Are you a new mom or will be one soon? Maybe you know one?
Look for more tips, tricks, and other great articles on Advice for a New Mom page
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Are you a new mom or will be one soon? Maybe you know one?
Look for more tips, tricks, and other great articles on Advice for a New Mom page
When I was a new mom, I was just happy when someone brought me a meal. I wasn’t fussy – I would have eaten anything.
We had neighbors that brought us meals for a week. It was so nice. Fresh Produce is something that I would have loved too!
What a great list! They sure do make great gifts.
I love when people are so kind and bring meals when a baby comes!
The thing most helpful when I was a new mom is definitely when neighbors bring in meals. But it was hard when food had onions in it…it always upset me and my baby (tummies). Definitely avoid foods with onions.
I was so grateful that my family brought meals when I was a new mom. I was equally grateful that they knew what a mom should and shouldn’t eat for the baby’s sake.
Great tips. I like to have food delivered a couple nights after the new mom is home. Normally a meal ready to go with little prep. I love the idea of giving fresh fruit! Thanks for this list
Boy do I ever wish I had family and or friends who would have brought me meals when I gave birth. Unfortunately I received no help aside from my hubby’s but he worked a full time job so I was on my own.
I think fresh fruits are always a good idea as a gift. They provide so many nutrients and health benefits.
This really good to know, I’ll have to avoid coffee. I think fresh non-citrus fruit is an awesome idea!
I love to bring over precooked meals for new Moms. It is such a busy time for a new family having a few meals ready to go helps a lot.
I like to bring new Moms a big fruit basket. I always put a few sweet snacks in as well.
This is a great list! It is really nice of people to bring over meals once a new baby arrives home.
I love these gift options for moms! I loved when I got food after having babies!
It’s hard to remember sometimes that what you eat the baby eats. Lots of things tend to make babies gassy.
LOVE this post. I wish when visitors come over they would have brought healthy snacks
You are right about avoiding coffee. New moms need sleep and coffee won’t help that rest
fresh fruits and veggies YES! i know a lot of people like to bring meals, but snacks are always a good idea too.
Thanks for sharing this list! It is great.
http://www.simplysassystyle.com
dawn
Giving a new mom and her family snacks and pre-portioned goodies is a great idea. I say pre-portioned that way it’s just a grab and go since the first few weeks are busy.
Fresh produce is a great gift because it is so healthy and great for a new mom to get her energy back. Herbal teas are also good. Thanks for the tips.
These are great gift ideas for new moms.
Many people do not think of what to avoid when giving a gift. Great ideas!
I know we are talking new Moms but taking over snacks for other brothers/sisters is nice and makes them feel special too. I like taking things like Bevita bars for Mom and cookies or something homemade for the kidss and Dad. Its so hectic for them, I allways like sending oober the grab and go things too.
I think it’s nice to have food delivered when a new mom is home but
especially when it’s some lovely fresh fruit.
Learn something new everyday even me. Didn’t know about lactation cookies sending this one to my daughter that just had my newest grandson!