Erica Chidi

Two quick and easy recipes for breastfeeding mamas. Nutrient dense and quick to prepare, these two meals well boost your energy and nourish your supply.  

SOAKED SUPERGRAIN PORRIDGE

Ingredients:

1 cup steel-cut oats 1/2 cup chia seeds 1/2 cup millet 1/4 cup flaxseeds 1 cup medjool dates 1 cup Turkish apricots 1/2 cup raw almonds 1/2 tsp Himalayan sea salt 1 apple (Pink Lady or Honey Crisp) 4 cups whole milk or milk alternative (almond or cashew milk), plus extra to loosen 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave 1 tsp blackstrap molasses 1/4 tsp vanilla extract Fresh seasonal berries A sealable container, like Glasslock *Try and select organic and local produce.

Directions:

Mix steel-cut oats, chia, millet, flaxseed, and salt. Roughly chop dates, apricots, and almonds and mix in with grains. Grate apple and mix in with grains and other fruit. Pour over milk to cover. Stir in maple syrup, molasses, and vanilla extract. The next morning the grains

As part of our "Ask the Expert” series, where you can ask our resident experts about a variety of baby-related topics, our friend, doula, and founder of Loom,  was able to answer your family’s questions about a healthy pregnancy. Here are the questions you asked and answers below.

Any clue what might cause one's water to break but labor not begin? I'd like to avoid this next go around.

First

Becoming a mother is an incredible shift. Filled with beautiful moments, it’s also accompanied by a swift adjustment period. Finding a new flow between you, your babe and your partner takes patience and little support. Here are a few helpful tips that will ease the transition.  

Go Lightly & Follow Your Babe

Take it easy and rest as much as time allows. The trick? Follow your babe. Try sleeping when your babe sleeps. Short power naps during the day will restore your energy quickly and make attending to your little one in the weehours of the morning much easier. If you’re not into naps, try what I call an ‘active-rest session': Pop on an audio book (maybe that parenting book you didn’t get the time to read) and let your mind unfurl for a moment.

Delegate

Let others know how they can best help you, including your partner. If your partner is going to be home with you during your maternity leave, consider delegating certain responsibilities to one another.