The festive season is magical - but for pregnant or newly postpartum mums, it can also be exhausting. Between sleepless nights, friend/family gatherings, and an endless to-do list, looking after your own health often slips to the bottom of the pile.
The good news? Staying nourished, energised and emotionally balanced doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple strategies, you can enjoy the celebrations and support your postpartum wellbeing.
Here are 3 nutritionist-approved hacks to help new mums feel healthy, happy and grounded throughout the festive period.
1. Never miss (a protein rich) breakfast
With newborn chaos, it’s easy to look up and realise it’s midday and you haven’t eaten. Starting your day with a balanced breakfast can make a huge difference in your energy, mood and appetite control throughout the festive period.
After a night of broken sleep or early feeds, your blood sugar can dip, which worsens fatigue, irritability and cravings. A simple breakfast with protein + fat + fibre helps stabilise your energy and sets you up for healthier choices later in the day.
Breakfast Suggestions
- 2-3 x scrambled free range eggs (or tofu scramble), 1/4 avocado, wholegrain sourdough toast + cottage cheese, smoked salmon or baked beans for extra protein, spinach/broccolini/asparagus if you have time for greens
- overnight oats or chia pudding made with soy milk, berries, pumpkin seeds and *protein powder (and just a touch of maple syrup if you like) topped with greek yoghurt and cinnamon
- a simple and delicious protein rich smoothie: milk of choice or coconut water, mango or berries, frozen banana, frozen spinach/kale/cauliflower, nuts or nut butter, seeds, *protein powder
*try to find a protein powder with minimal additives so as not to interfere with any pregnancy/postnatal/breastfeeding supplements you might be taking. Recommendation: Bare Blends.
2. Simple prepping guarantees your future success
Use an hour (an hour of power we like to call it) or ask your partner to do this for you. We find Sunday afternoon works well so that when your partner goes to work or is busy with the toddler, you are set up for the week ahead.
Prep Suggestions
Wash/chop fruit and vegetables ready to eat/use
Roast a tray of veggies to add to meals
Boil and peel eggs
Prepare overnight oats or chia puddings
Prepare bags of smoothie ingredients so all you have to do is add milk and blend
Portion nuts or trail mix for an easy snack
Freeze a portion of every meal if there is extra for lunches next week
3. Hydration: drink more water
We know, you know. But everyone can use the reminder. Thirst can often feel like hunger, fatigue, headaches... Aim for 2-3 litres or 10 cups of fluids daily, especially if breastfeeding.
Hydration supports mood regulation, milk supply, digestion and appetite control.
Keep a water bottle nearby at all times. Try flavouring water with lemon, lime, mint or berries to make it more appealing.
Remember to be kind and gentle to your self.
This (postpartum) season isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling supported, enjoying the moments that matter, and taking gentle care of yourself as you care for your little one. Here’s to a healthy, happy, and beautifully balanced festive period.
Daisy x