The postpartum period, also known as the 4^th trimester, is the 3-month period immediately following the birth of your child. It’s a difficult time for both mother and baby as you both adjust to your new life together. Mom, you are recovering from pregnancy and delivery while learning how to care for your precious, albeit helpless, little bundle of joy. A night of sleep becomes a night of light naps. Showers are no longer a daily priority, and speed-eating (if eating at all) becomes one of many new talents you will add to your mommy resume.

It’s so important to take good care of yourself during this time. After all, the better you are feeling and functioning, the better you will be able to care for your new baby. One way to care for yourself is to start each day with a healthy, energizing meal. In this article, we’ll share 5 reasons why we feel that overnight oats make the perfect postpartum breakfast.

(1) Milk Production

That’s right, oatmeal is said to increase milk supply in breastfeeding mothers. Part of this reason is that they are high in iron, and known to lower cholesterol, 2 things said to have a positive effect on milk supply. Now, it’s important to mention that while breast milk is the ideal nutrition for your little one, a well-fed baby is what’s most important.
There are many reasons why a mother may need to supplement with formula or exclusively formula feed. If you are a formula mama, read on, because there are still plenty of ways overnight oats make the perfect postpartum breakfast for you.

Breastfeeding/Pumping Essential:

Warming lactation massagers are a worthwhile investment.
They help to relieve clogged milk ducts and improve milk flow.

(2) Energy

The complex carbs in oatmeal mean it’s a slow-burning source of energy. In fact, oats are also said to boost serotonin production which can help us manage stress and enhance memory function.  It goes without saying that energy, stress management, and memory are all hard to come by in those early postpartum days!
Learn about other energy boosting foods here.

(3) Weight loss

Not all of us are fortunate enough to come home from the hospital already rocking our pre-pregnancy weight. In fact, excess weight can be a major source of stress and dissatisfaction for many women following childbirth. As a result, weight loss becomes a major goal for many women during the fourth trimester and beyond.
It’s important to remember that it took your body 9 months to get where it is today, so you can expect it to take just as long to get back to what it once was. The good news is that overnight oats can help you lose weight! This is because oatmeal keeps you feeling full longer than other breakfast foods.

(4) Health

What you put in your oats will only increase the nutritional benefit to both you and your baby. Our favorite toppings are mixed berries and flax seeds, which are both packed with health benefits to help you and your new baby thrive through and beyond your fourth trimester. While it’s not scientifically proven, flaxseed is also said to help increase milk supply.

Let’s face it. Those first few weeks settling in with your little mini are some of the most exhausting weeks you’ll experience in your life.

Having pre-made breakfasts ready to go each morning (and easy to eat with one hand) makes all the difference in ensuring you are starting your day well nourished.

The postpartum period can be a stressful and exhausting time for families. Both mother and baby are healing from the traumas of delivery, and baby is counting on momma’s milk to build immunity and help them make the most of the growth spurts to come.
As you could expect, both momma and baby will need plenty of nourishment to help their bodies through this healing process. Making easy, yet healthy food choices can go a long way in energizing momma and alleviating some of her stress as she provides good nutrition for her growing baby.
Check out our hack for another quick, simple way to ensure both momma and baby stay nutritionally thriving before, during, and long after pregnancy.