During my pregnancy, and honestly even before, I became engrossed in learning as much as I could about various aspects of health. Focusing on the periods of trying to conceive, pregnancy and postpartum, the information I found was fascinating and empowering. Along with conversations with women in my life, I gathered information from many sources, including lots of reading/research. Some of the practices I’ve found helpful and am happy to see growing in popularity in the west are practices adopted and adapted from Traditional Chinese Medicine! This postpartum recipe is based in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Undoubtedly, diet has played a major role in my health and well being while trying to conceive, during pregnancy and postpartum. Eating to keep my hormones balanced, nourish fertility and grow life, then to recover in postpartum was so important for me and something I believe is crucial for others as well. Having a diet primarily composed of nutrient rich foods helps with healing, energy, mood and cravings. If you are looking for support in this realm and would like to work with me, please contact me at amy@wellbasedlife.com for more info.
While I won’t deep dive the benefits of each individual ingredient – know that this oatmeal is: nourishing, easy to digest, helps with circulation, and is full of healthy fats and carbs to promote healing and milk supply. For the first meal after I gave birth, our doula made a variation of this at my request. One of the midwives who attended the birth suggested the addition of butter, and she was spot on with that! I ate this often in the weeks after giving birth. Having a big batch ready to go in the fridge to heat and have in a moment’s notice was so helpful! Consider making this for yourself, having a loved one make it for you or making it for a new mama!
Nourishing + Healing Postpartum Oatmeal with Traditional Chinese Medicine Ingredients
Time: 15 Minutes
3 Cups of Rolled Oats (312 grams)
4 Cups Water
1 Cup Chopped Dried Jujube (86 grams)
1/2 Cup Dried Goji Berries (60 grams)
1 Cup Chopped Walnuts (120 grams)
1/2 Cup Pumpkin Seeds (60 grams)
3 Tbsp Hemp Hearts (45 grams)
1 Tbsp High Quality Ground Cinnamon
1 Tbsp High Quality (Organic Preferred) Butter (Or Coconut Oil for Vegan)
1 Tbsp Real Maple Syrup
Directions:
1. Cook oats on the stovetop in water according to the package. I use the One Degree Organic Sprouted Rolled Oats. When there are ~2 minutes left in the cooking time, add the jujubes (I love this incredibly high quality brand) and goji berries (check out the snacks + consumables section on my Fullscript page for my favorite goji berries!) to the pot and stir. Continue cooking oats for the suggested cooking time then turn off the heat.
2. Stir in walnuts, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, cinnamon, butter and maple syrup.
3. Store leftover oatmeal in the fridge. Add 1-2 tbsp of water to the portion you are reheating for best consistency.
If you are interested in reading more about some Traditional Chinese postpartum practices, check out this post from one of my favorite cooking websites! I also highly suggest working with an acupuncturist before, during and after pregnancy. If you are local, I would suggest checking out Eclipse Acupuncture and Seneca Falls Acupuncture!
