Congratulations on your new baby or babies! As new parents is a hugely exciting time for you, but can also be extremely daunting, with a new level of worry and doubt about your ability. Thats why I’ve written this guide to postnatal health for new parents. I’ve grouped together essential articles that are all based on the latest guidelines and scientific evidence, to help you find reassurance and information. Included are how to adapt your postpartum diet to support your health while breastfeeding. After giving birth, there are so many other things to concentrate on other than your postpartum diet, but this new parent’s guide to postnatal health gives you some practical time saving tips too.
Firstly I’d suggest you read my guide to eating well as a new mum.
Do you know about the friendly bacteria in breastmilk and why they matter? Does the odd bottle of formula milk matter? Read about how the bacteria transferred to your baby’s tummy differ between direct transfer of breastmilk, pumped breastmilk and formula milk here.
Do you know which vitamins your baby needs depends on their age, if they have formula milk and how much they drink every day. After birth breastfed babies should be started on vitamin D supplements. Find out all you need to know here.
Has your baby been diagnosed with Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy? Read my guide to Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy here. If your baby has cow’s milk protein allergy or out of personal choice, you are thinking about how to choose a dairy free or plant based milk, I’ve got a guide that talks about the different micronutrients, and how to choose one that is right for you. Read my guide to how to choose a dairy free milk here.
Before you baby is ready to start weaning, check out my essential guide to weaning. Government advice in the UK is to start weaning from around 6 months (but not before 4 months of age). However, in reality when a baby is ready to start weaning, will vary, as they will all reach their development milestones at a slightly pace.
It’s a good idea to wait until they are ready, because they are more likely to be able to move food safely around their mouth. For the first 6 months, milk (breast or formula) provides all their nutrition. After this time while milk still provides most of their nutrients, they do start to need additional intake of some micronutrients, such as iron. This why weaning is sometimes called complementary feeding, as it complements the nutrients from milk.
When you baby has a raised temperature for the fist time can be scary, so GP Dr Laura Lenihan has written a guest article about fever in children.
I hope this new parent’s guide to postnatal health has answered your questions. If you would like a FREE nutrient checklist, get your copy here now so you don’t miss out on optimising your health.
For much more information see my book ‘Postpartum Nutrition: An Expert’s Guide to Eating After a Baby‘.
You might find these other articles useful too.