Introducing High-Protein Organic Prenatal, Postnatal Support Smoothie Mixes

Organic Valley Chocolate Prenatal Support Smoothie Mix and Vanilla Postnatal Support Smoothie Mix contain 17 grams of protein per serving! They are also packed with other important nutrients for expectant moms and new mommies.

As a mom of two, a registered dietitian nutritionist, and a postpartum certified doula, I love to help my patients learn how to eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

I enjoy working with mothers and families to learn more about their specific health needs—like pregnancy nutrition, nutrition for postpartum healing and recovery, and ways to improve breastfeeding—and help them find sustainable ways to care for their babies and themselves.

One question I’m often asked by new and well-seasoned moms alike is if they can drink protein shakes during pregnancy ... yes! In fact, your protein needs during pregnancy almost double as do your nutrient requirements for many other vitamins and minerals, so getting adequate protein is important.

And did you know that protein is vital for your baby’s growth and development and can even influence their health as an adult later in life?

Helping families with questions like these are at the center of my work.

Knowing what to eat to stay healthy during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum can be one of the more challenging tasks, but it doesn’t have to be.

Pregnancy and postpartum can be such a special time for moms and families.

Feeling your baby’s first kicks is pure magic. Getting showered with attention and support on the daily is so nice. People are constantly encouraging you to rest, and life almost feels like it slows down momentarily, which is such a gift in a culture that loves to go-go-go.

Then you have the baby and get those sweet baby snuggles, celebratory visits from family and friends, meal deliveries, gifts, and cute little baby clothes. You watch your sweet baby grow and you experience many exciting firsts like your baby’s first smile and those precious giggles that warm your heart. 

However, pregnancy and postpartum also have challenges. 

Parents have a constant to-do list and overwhelming worry that weighs heavy at times. Rest and sleep are limited and the physical demands, especially while breastfeeding, are no joke.

To help lighten the load, I work with my patients to learn more about their specific health and nutrition needs.

Nutrients I typically focus on include protein, omega 3s/DHA, calcium, choline, folate, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. To help mamas increase their intake of these fundamental nutrients, I recommend eating a minimally processed or unprocessed, whole foods diet whenever possible. Read more about whole foods nutrition and find flavorful whole food recipes at carlyknowles.com.

A specific food I like to recommend to all mamas is smoothies. They’re a great and safe way to get a variety of nutrients into your diet. They’re ultra-convenient, easy to make, and are customizable to meet everyone’s taste preferences and nutritional needs, which is always a priority for us busy moms, am I right?

Smoothies are also a great tool if you’re suffering from pregnancy-related nausea. Drinking cold drinks are often better tolerated when dealing with nausea, and smoothies can help you fill the nutritional gaps from a lack of appetite or when you’re having a hard time keeping food down.

A boost of nutrition for moms and moms to be

Organic Valley’s smoothie mixes were designed specifically to provide a boost of nutrition for new moms before (prenatal) and after giving birth (postnatal), and when you add them to Organic Valley milk, you can ensure that you’re getting what you and your baby need to stay healthy and thrive. 

Organic Valley’s Prenatal and Postnatal Support Smoothies, when mixed with milk, provide:

• An excellent source of protein (17 grams)

• A good source of potassium, selenium, and zinc

• Calcium, iodine, phosphorus, and vitamin B12

Protein is also an important nutrient for postnatal health too—it’s essential for birth recovery and breastfeeding. Protein-rich smoothies are a great way to support your increased protein needs while also giving you a burst of energy and something tasty to keep your blood sugar balanced.

My favorite way to mix in some protein is with Organic Valley’s Prenatal Chocolate Milkshake and the Postnatal Vanilla Milkshake. I like to mix them with Organic Valley Whole Milk and 1 cup of ice to create a thicker protein smoothie for when I’m wanting a substantial and satisfying snack. Sometimes I’ll add fresh or frozen raspberries or strawberries or half of an avocado for a delicious and nutritious variation.

Also, I really like that Organic Valley’s Postnatal Support Smoothie has fenugreek, a clover-like herb that has long been used in cooking and medicine.

Finally, I feel confident recommending Organic Valley’s smoothie mixes to my patients because they’re made from ingredients that are U.S. Department of Agriculture Certified Organic, so you can be sure there are no chemicals, synthetic hormones, antibiotics, or GMOs in your glass. Because the prenatal and postnatal support smoothie mixes come from Organic Valley, you know they’re made with the love and care you (and your baby!) deserve.

There are 14 servings in each 10-ounce canister of Organic Valley smoothie mixes. Where can you purchase the new prenatal and postnatal support mixes? Visit our product page to locate stores near you.

Carly Knowles is a master's-educated registered dietitian nutritionist, licensed dietitian, and postpartum certified doula. She specializes in holistic postpartum care for new mamas and families including nutritional counseling and private chef services. She recently published her first cookbook “The Nutritionist’s Kitchen: Transform Your Diet and Discover the Healing Power of Whole Foods” (Roost Books) that focuses on seasonal whole foods to nourish good health and bring joy. Knowles continues to offer virtual cooking classes, food/nutrition writing, recipe development, and nutrition consulting for healthy food and cookware brands.