Oxytocin, the love hormone, is so important for new mums. It protects mental health, heightens empathy, and increases resilience. But when you’re struggling with sleep deprivation or exhaustion, boosting your own oxytocin is probably not at the top of your priority list – you’re just trying to survive. That’s why I help my clients create an oxytocin checklist BEFORE baby is born, so they can stick it up on the fridge and do at least one of the items every single day.

During this 5-Day Challenge, I’ll share some easy brainstorming techniques so you can create your personalised oxytocin checklist.

Challenge Day Four: Nourishing Recipes for Postnatal Peace and Joy

Many postnatal traditions call for warm, nourishing meals. In the Ayurvedic tradition, newborn mothers are high in Vata, which means they have an abundance of air and space, and many Ayurvedic recipes are all about bringing the postnatal body back into balance with the water, earth and fire elements.

But actually, unless you have a particular interest in Ayurveda, or any other tradition, that’s all irrelevant. The ingredients of your postnatal meals are less important than one simple question: does it bring you peace and joy? It’s far more important that you eat what you love than that you follow specific dietary regulations.

If your mum always brought you have waffles and ice cream in bed on your birthday, there’s a high chance that this treat is an instant oxytocin-boost. So stock your fridge with ice-cream as your due date approaches! (Just don’t eat it all now.)

Make a list of your favourite meals. If something is complex or time-consuming, ask your partner, relatives or postnatal doula to prepare it for you after your baby is born. Some things can be made ahead and frozen. It’s good to include several simple meals too.

Here are a couple of delicious soups that postnatal women often enjoy:

Zucchini and Almond soup

This is a nourishing, delicious soup that is very warming after childbirth. It comes from Nourishing Newborn Mothers by Julia Jones.

Creamy Cashew Butternut Squash Soup

I often substitute sweet potato as I prefer the taste. Either vegetable is very easy for a newborn mother to digest.

What is on your postnatal recipe list?

Antonia

When women are nourished and nurtured after giving birth, they feel calm, connected and confident. My passion is to provide this high level of postnatal support to women in Canberra and worldwide. I guide expectant parents to create a vision for life with baby, and give them the practical tools to make their vision a reality.