Healthy, nutritious meals are important for a breast-feeding mom. There are certain considerations to think about when preparing the meals, whether the meals are a gift for a new mother from a family member or friend, or whether the meals are prepared in the home. Food items like garlic, jalapeños and onions can pass through the breast milk to the baby, making for a long and colicky night.
Breakfast
A basket full of breakfast goodies can provide a new mom with healthy food choices. The new mom can help herself to the basket when she has a moment to grab a quick bite between feedings and diaper changes. Muffins, homemade wheat bread, bagels and English muffins pair wonderfully with fresh fruit. Fresh fruit can consist of bananas, oranges, kiwi, cantaloupe, melon or apples. A variety of cheese, particularly those in single-serving sizes, will add an important protein to the breakfast menu.
Home-cooked breakfasts can be balanced by serving eggs with whole-wheat toast or whole-wheat tortillas. A glass of orange juice or apple juice will add a serving of fruit to the meal. Turkey bacon or sausage will balance the meal with a healthy serving of protein.
For a quick meal choice, serve whole-grain cereal or oatmeal with a piece of fruit and a glass of milk. A gift basket for this meal can consist of small, individual boxes of cereal offered with an assortment of fruit.
Lunch
Sandwiches made with whole-wheat bread, lean turkey or chicken, slices of cheese, lettuce and tomatoes will make a tasty lunch offering. The sandwich can be served with a glass of milk and a piece of fruit or applesauce. A side salad will add more servings of vegetables.
Vegetable soups offer another way to mix in a variety of healthy vegetables. Make sure to omit cabbage or garlic that can make the breast-feeding baby uncomfortable. Serve the soup with a muffin, a serving of fruit and some cheese sticks to round out the meal.
A large salad can be filled with fruit and vegetables. Use a variety of lettuce for the best health benefit. Romaine lettuce and spinach are packed with great vitamins. Try new toppings, such as mandarin oranges and vitamin-packed nuts like walnuts, pecans and sunflower seeds. Be creative with cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and celery.
Dinner
Dinner can be more of a formal affair. The new mom will appreciate the chance to sit down for a nice meal. Baked chicken served with one or two vegetables like green beans or corn pairs up nicely with a warm dinner roll.
Pork chops can be placed in a casserole dish on top of stuffing and baked until the pork chops are fully cooked. Serve with a crispy salad complete with the new mom's favorite toppings.
A full Thanksgiving-style turkey dinner will provide the new mom with a variety of special comfort foods. An added bonus is the leftover turkey that can be used over the next few days for sandwiches and snacks.
