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GUEST INTERVIEW: Nourishing Your Body and Mind for a Smooth Postpartum Journey

Deb Jimenez

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Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time, but as you get ready to meet your baby, it’s equally important to plan for what comes next—your postpartum recovery. Many new moms find themselves feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsupported after birth, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

In this post, we’ll explore why taking a holistic approach to postpartum care, with a focus on nutrition and gentle bodywork, is crucial for new mothers. We’ll also share practical strategies to help you prepare for a smooth, healthy postpartum period, ensuring you feel nurtured and ready for motherhood.

Postpartum Care: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

Postpartum care shouldn’t be about just getting through it—it should be about healing, nourishing, and enjoying your early days with your baby. Creating a support network before your baby arrives, like a postpartum doula, lactation consultant, or naturopathic doctor, will help you thrive, not just survive, in those early weeks of motherhood.

Postpartum Nutrition: Fueling Your Recovery

What you eat postpartum plays a huge role in how quickly and comfortably your body heals. Dr. Samantha Klim, a naturopathic doctor specializing in women’s health, stresses that postpartum isn’t the time to cut back on calories or nutrients. You’ll be healing, possibly breastfeeding, and regaining strength, so it’s crucial to focus on nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods to support your recovery.

Here are some nutrition tips for a smoother postpartum recovery:

  1. Warm, Comforting Foods: Soups, stews, and broths packed with proteins and fats are perfect for healing.

  2. Healthy Fats: Foods like avocado, nuts, seeds, and fish support hormone balance and boost energy.

  3. Hydration: Stay hydrated to support breastfeeding and recovery—herbal teas and water are key.

The Power of Gentle Bodywork

Your body goes through a lot during pregnancy and birth, and gentle bodywork can be an amazing tool for recovery. Craniosacral therapy, for example, is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps release tension in your body, promoting both physical and emotional healing. According to Dr. Sam, this therapy can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and ease the physical discomforts of postpartum life.

Preparing for Postpartum Success: Build Your Support Team

Just as you’re preparing for birth, take the time now to plan for your postpartum care. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  1. Assemble Your Team: Identify a support network, like a postpartum doula, naturopathic doctor, or lactation consultant.

  2. Prep Meals: During pregnancy, prepare and freeze nourishing meals to help you get through those early weeks.

  3. Book Bodywork: Set up appointments with a craniosacral therapist or postpartum massage therapist to aid in your recovery.

Postpartum is a Time for Healing and Nourishment

Motherhood shouldn’t feel like martyrdom. Instead of “pushing through” the exhaustion, think of your postpartum period as a time to heal, rest, and bond with your baby. You deserve to be nourished and cared for, just as much as your baby does.

Start planning for your postpartum now—because a healthy, nourished mom is the foundation for a thriving family. It’s not just about surviving, it’s about truly flourishing in motherhood.

Want to Learn More?

For more insights on improving your postpartum experience, listen to our latest episode of The Birth & Baby Podcast featuring Dr. Samantha Klim. Together, we’re working to create a culture where new moms are supported to heal, thrive, and enjoy this beautiful new chapter.

More about my guest:

Dr. Samantha “Sam” Klim, ND is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor dedicated to empowering women, particularly new mothers, through every stage of their reproductive journeys. With experience as a birth and loss doula and training from Bastyr University, Sam founded Trillium Naturopathic to address the gaps in women’s healthcare, offering a holistic, preventive approach that supports health from preconception through postpartum and beyond. A Michigan native now based in Washington, Sam combines her medical expertise with knowledge of yoga, earth-based spiritual practices, and environmental stewardship to provide compassionate, individualized care. When not caring for patients, she enjoys exploring nature, gardening, and spending time with her husband and fur baby.

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