Your dear friend just had a baby and you want to do something nice for her aside from popping in with some adorable onesies and packages of diapers. Like making her eat! After all, she's a little busy right now, and pulling out the food processor or Pinterest recipe is the last thing on her mind (sleep is the first, second, and third on the list … eating comes in about fourth).
Plus, a woman cannot survive on the neighbor's baked ziti casserole alone. Running over a warm homecooked dinner or even a special snack or dessert you prepared yourself is probably the sweetest thing you can do, especially if she's nursing or has older kids (and a husband) with hungry tummies, too.
We asked moms who've been there and nutritionists to share some thoughtful ideas with a harried new mother in mind. Feast your eyes on these 10 great recipes with a nutritional bonus and then tell us: Which one would YOU want to devour if you just had a baby?
Image © Roberto Westbrook/Corbis
Basket of Blueberry Muffins
CafeMom contributor Lizzie Ann says she typically likes to bring muffins to new moms for a quick and easy breakfast. That's a great idea that's also good for mom and baby.
According to WebMD, breastfeeding moms should try to consume two or more servings of fruit per day. “Blueberries are an excellent choice to help you meet your needs. These satisfying and yummy berries are filled with good-for-you vitamins and minerals, and they give you a healthy dose of carbohydrates to keep your energy levels high,” the website notes.
Black Bean Chili
Nutritionists agree that iron-rich beans, especially dark-colored ones like black beans and kidney beans, are a breastfeeding super-food, especially for vegetarians. Black bean chili fits the bill and is a dish the entire family will love! Serve it with sour cream or shredded cheese and some whole grain chips and enjoy! This reheats well and makes enough that you'll have plenty leftover.
Sliced Veggies -- Ready to Eat
"I would have liked precut and washed fruits and veggies and other healthy grab and go foods," said one CafeMom contributor. "Hydrating foods that I can snack on easily while I sat and breastfed. Foods that would keep things regular after giving birth."
Slice away and deliver those veggies with a yummy spinach dip that also helps mom keep up with her dairy and calcium requirements.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Here's a sweet treat the whole family will love: oatmeal raisin cookies.
"If I know a new mom is breastfeeding I like to bring her a batch of homemade oatmeal cookies. Good for milk production," noted SunshineDaydream.
Oatmeal has also been known to lower cholesterol and help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Asparagus Quiche
A yummy asparagus quiche has a lot more going for it than just flavor. Asparagus is another powerhouse food for new moms because it's high in fiber, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, and K. The eggs in the quiche also help Mom meet her daily protein requirement.
Brown Rice Casserole
Brown rice casserole is not only so delicious your crew will ask for seconds (and thirds), it's great for breastfeeding moms. How, you ask?
Well, check this out: Brown rice may help with lactation in that consuming it may cause an increase in serotonin levels in the brain, which in turn stimulates the secretion of prolactin — a key hormone when it comes to lactation, researchers note.
Homemade Granola Bars
Granola bars are incredibly versatile and super-easy for moms to enjoy in the car while shuttling older kids to and from school and other activities.
Made with oatmeal (which we just learned is awesome for new moms), dried cranberries, and banana, these granola bars are packed full of nutrients and require no clean-up.
Turkey Cutlets
Moms are always looking for ideas for some different dining options. Bringing a dish your family devours may be just what she's craving.
"It was nice when someone brought over extra of what they were having for dinner. Someone brought us roasted turkey cutlets and couscous and it was delicious and a nice change. We also had a chef salad one time. The change was nice," notes LittleRed80.
Savory Stew
The great thing about stew is that you can really make it your own. So if you know the new mom's preferences, you can tailor it to her taste buds. Let's face it: Stews are among the ultimate comfort foods, but throw in some lean beef (full of protein and iron) or carrots and beans, and you've also got a healthy and hearty winner.
Jessica at Loving My Nest shares these great stew recipes that can not only be made in the Crock-Pot, but also can be frozen so new moms can pull them out and defrost when they could most use a break. Awesome!
No-Bake Chocolate Nut Butter Cereal Bars
If you want to see a new mom swoon from something other than pure exhaustion, bring her these amazing no-bake chocolate nut butter cereal bars. Made with rice and corn cereal, peanut (or other nut butter), and shredded coconut, they're sure to please the whole family and make a great dessert or treat on the go.