Caution! Don’t Forget about You!
Registered Dietitian Katy Murphy Dispels 5 Postpartum Myths about Nutrition and Caring for Yourself.
The baby is here, and all focus is on him or her. Whether it is your first baby, or your fifth baby, a new little one in the house means routines have changed, eating has changed, sleeping has changed – life has changed. In this midst of all this beautiful change, postpartum moms tend to forget about one thing. Themselves.
Registered Dietitian Katy Murphy talks to five postpartum myths that often lead moms away from properly caring for themselves. Katy begins by saying, “You have to take care of yourself, to take care of your family.”
Myths:
- “I don’t have time to eat regular meals.”
It is easy to forget to eat when you are tired and stressed. But eating regularly is very important for you to be healthy and have enough energy to care for your baby. Skipping meals deprives you of energy.
When you put together meals and snacks for your baby, prepare something simple and healthy for yourself at the same time. Snack when your baby snacks. Meals should be a time to sit down and spend time with your family.
- “My kids need to eat healthy, but it doesn’t matter what I eat.”
What you eat is just as important as what you feed your baby. Being a healthy food role model is one of the most important thing you can do to help your baby eat healthy. You, as a mom, have a big impact on the food attitudes your baby develops. If you demonstrate a healthy food attitude, your children are more likely to follow in your path.
In addition, all moms need to eat a healthy diet. Eating nutrient rich foods will help you feel fuller longer and have the mental and physical energy you need.
- “I have to wait six weeks until exercising”
Exercise can actually be one of the best things for you postpartum. It can have many physical and mental benefits, such as muscle restoration, boosted energy, improved mood, stress relief, and weight loss.
It is important to note that returning to a healthy weight is a good thing. Excess weight can lead to gestational diabetes and high risk pregnancies in the future. But, don’t stress over weight loss immediately after having your baby. Focus on starting slow, getting into an exercise routine, and being healthy – highlight on the healthy not on the weight loss.
All that being said, please talk to your health provider. If you had a difficult delivery or feel discomfort, the 6 week wait may not be a myth in your situation.
- “I don’t need my prenatal vitamins anymore”
After delivery and during breastfeeding it is more important than ever for your body to receive the correct nutrients. You can’t always get everything you need from your diet. That’s where your prenatal vitamins come in. They provide you with the extra dose of iron, folate, calcium, and zinc that your body needs.
Not only do these vitamins fill you up with essential nutrients, but they are good for your postpartum mental health as well! Women have reported healthier moods and mental health when continuing to take their prenatal vitamins postpartum –so don’t skip on the vitamins!
- “I can’t eat any common allergens”
If you do not have a history of food allergies, it is ok to eat everything in moderation postpartum. It can actually be beneficial to expose babies to common food allergens, such as eggs, dairy, and nuts, through breast milk. Incremental exposures over time may help prevent allergic reactions.
If you do have a history of food allergies, it is best to discuss this with your health provider first. The most important thing is that you and your baby are getting the proper vitamins and nutrients you need, so if you are planning to cut out foods, make sure to sit down with your provider and create a food plan. They will make sure you get the nutrients you are lacking in other ways.
Still have questions? Watch this video on Postpartum Nutrition from MommyCast.
Call Sixteenth Street Registered Dietitian, Katy Murphy, at 414-897-5472, to make an appointment or stop by any of our Sixteenth Street locations to get set up with the help you need.