When to Stop Drinking Postnatal Smoothies

It’s amazing that one day you’re very pregnant and the next you have a baby. Now let’s not oversimplify things here—a lot happens in between those two significant events!

You “run” a marathon and birth your sweet little baby, and then the real work begins. Unlike running an actual marathon, though, after giving birth rest is hard to come by and recovery takes days or even weeks (sometimes months, depending on your circumstances).

This unique time in life after giving birth is called postpartum. Some people refer to it as the “fourth trimester.”

What is the Definition of Postpartum?

There’s no clear definition of the postpartum period. Expert opinion varies from 100 days, to 12 weeks, to even six to nine months after birth. 

The point is, the length of the postpartum period varies from person to person, but it is always a time to focus on healing and recovery, creating a healthy bond with your baby, and establishing new habits and routines.

Nutritional Considerations in Postpartum

There are many nutritional considerations in postpartum, including getting enough calories and nutrients to fuel your body. Your energy needs in postpartum increase substantially as you heal and recover, especially if you’re also breastfeeding. One way to support these added energy needs is to incorporate easy, organic, whole foods into your diet.

Focusing on a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients including protein, omega-3s or healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and fluids and electrolytes is also important. For example, protein is an essential nutrient of focus in postpartum healing and recovery as well as for establishing quality breastmilk. Healing tissue requires protein in the form of amino acids like glycine and proline to help your body make collagen, which aids in healing connective tissue and skin specifically.

Benefits of Protein-Rich Smoothies

Research shows that even if a breastfeeding mom is unable to eat a nutrient-dense diet, according to studies, she will continue to produce nutritious breast milk for her baby (pretty cool science).

However, if a woman is unable to meet her own nutritional demands for healing, she will deplete her personal stores of nutrients in order for her to provide for her baby. Thus, eating a nourishing diet is critical for postpartum recovery!

Protein-rich smoothies are a fantastic way to help you meet your nutritional needs in postpartum while providing you with energy and a tasty one-handed snack while holding your new baby.

Organic Valley Postnatal Support Smoothie Mix is perfect for many new moms in the postpartum period looking for a nutritional boost after giving birth.

 Organic Valley Prenatal and Postnatal Support Smoothie Mixes, when mixed with milk, provide:

• An excellent source of protein (16 to 18 grams, depending on flavor).
• An excellent source of calcium, iodine, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.
• A good source of vitamins A and D.

Organic Valley Vanilla Milkshake Flavor Postnatal Support Smoothie Mix is delicious when mixed with Organic Valley Whole Milk and 1 cup of ice to create a thicker protein smoothie for a substantial and satisfying snack. You can also add fresh or frozen raspberries or strawberries or half of an avocado for a delicious and nutritious variation.

Organic Valley Postnatal Support Smoothie Mix also contains fenugreek, which is a clover-like herb that’s been used in cooking and medicine for thousands of years.

Drink Postnatal Smoothies as Long as You’d Like

You can drink postnatal support smoothies for months after giving birth and even after you’ve fully recovered! One thing is certain as a new mom, you’ll be busy! Having a go-to smoothie mix around for quick and easy added nutrients to support your overall health is a great idea.

And postnatal smoothie mixes can be consumed by anyone, any gender—pregnant or not pregnant! Of course, always check with a health care provider before adding to your diet. 

If you’re breastfeeding, the postnatal mix continues to be a nutritious drink to include for the first year postpartum. After your baby turns 1 year old, I recommend refocusing on a whole foods diet to meet the majority of your nutrient needs and to establish long-term healthy habits. And rest assured when you’re ready to discontinue drinking postnatal smoothies, there are no side effects.

Finally, 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. 

Visit Organic Valley’s product page to locate stores near you that carry Organic Valley Prenatal and Postnatal Support Smoothie Mixes. There are 14 servings in each 10-ounce canister.