Foods To Eat During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Updated: Mar 19, 2021
Here is a quick list of foods that should be on the plate for moms who are nourishing baby in the womb, who are recovering from labor and delivery, and who are taking on the nutritional load of breastfeeding (extra 300-500 calories per day – same as 2nd and third trimester- and a glass of water at every nursing session).
NUTRIENT BREAKDOWN FOR PREGNANT AND NURSING MOMS
300-500 extra daily calories - 2100-2500 total per day
25 grams of extra protein – 100 total grams per day
800 mg extra calcium – 1400-1600 total per day
400 mg folate – 600-800 total per day – **low amounts linked to PPD
12 mg extra iron – 30mg per day – remember to take apart from calcium for proper absorption - low amounts linked to PPD
500 – 600 extra mg of DHA – daily total Omega3- 1000 mg **low amounts linked to PPD
**Moms giving birth to multiples need additional nutrients each day – including 250 extra calories and another 25 grams of protein as well as more folate and iron.
HOW TO GET THE NUTRIENTS WE NEED

Try and cut out the processed foods, sugars, gluten, and dairy. Fill your plate with vibrantly colored veggies, a small portion of protein (palm sized), Healthy Oils, nuts and seeds, and low glycemic fruits.
Proteins (15-20% of daily nutrient intake)
Wild Salmon – don’t shy away from this fish. It is packed with important Omega 3s for your brain and for baby’s development.
Non-Albacore Tune
Sardines – these are a go-to at my house.
Organic grass-fed beef
Organic chicken
Organic turkey
Organic pork
Organic legumes
Organic nut butters
Organic eggs
Nuts and seeds
Carbohydrates (50-60% of daily nutrient intake) – lots of fiber here
Sweet potatoes
All veggies (the more color the better – and don’t peel if you don’t have to – that is where most of the fiber is)
Nuts and seeds
Low glycemic fruits
Healthy Fats (Cold Pressed)
Cold Water Fish
Nuts
Avocadoes
Olive oil
Coconut oil
Flax oil
Avocado oil
Iron
Meat and poultry
Liver – I sneak this is smoothies
Beet Greens
Potatoes with skin on
Prunes
Vit C foods increase iron absorption and calcium lowers it ( also - coffee, tea, and antacids lower the absorption)
Calcium (non Dairy) – regular exercise helps your body to absorb calcium
Salmon
Sardines
Collard greens
Sesame seeds
Rhubarb
Spinach
Broccoli
Kale
Almonds
My nutrition certification is with the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute. The facts from this article came from Dr. Sears Wellness Material.
Do not let this list stress you out. Do the best you can, and take it step by step.
If you have not started before your become pregnant, set a goal to work on your nutrition starting at the beginning of your second trimester. Try and stock your freezer with healthy, nourishing meals that will give you the nutrition you really need during your last few weeks of pregnancy and your first few weeks of postpartum (when you may not feel like cooking.) Read this article about the 6 things I wish I would have known about postpartum.