Before You Have a Baby, Here’s What You’ll Actually Need (and What You Don’t)
Before having a baby, your mind will likely race with all the “essentials” you think you’ll need. Do babies need shoes? (Nope! Their tiny toes are just for show at this point.) Will you need one of those donut pillows to sit on after labor? (For me, not at all—those things were not the lifesaver I imagined.) Should you plan on a home food delivery service? (Not if you have a partner who meal-preps like a champ. Shoutout to my husband for filling the freezer with meals that were lifesaving when sleep was nonexistent!)

But there’s one thing that often flies under the radar for expecting moms: how you’re going to recover and balance your hormones after giving birth.

Let’s be real: postpartum recovery isn’t just about catching up on sleep (though, yes, please). Your body has gone through an incredible, life-altering event. Blood loss, healing tissues, and hormone fluctuations are part of the journey. Focusing on the right foods during this time can make a world of difference.

Here are a few nutrient-packed powerhouses to keep on your radar:

  • Salmon: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps fight postpartum blues and supports your brain (which needs all the love it can get during those foggy newborn days).
  • Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale): These are rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium—key nutrients for rebuilding strength, aiding in milk production, and replenishing what your body has lost.
  • Eggs: A simple, versatile food full of protein, choline, and vitamin D to help with healing and energy.
  • These foods don’t just taste great; they work hard to help your body bounce back. They’re like little cheerleaders for your hormones, energy levels, and overall healing.
So, while you’re preparing for the arrival of your little one—stocking up on diapers and cozy onesies—don’t forget to think about you, mama. Your recovery matters.



0 Comments

Leave a Comment

Meet Leah Negrin

 
I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys. 

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit  Brittany Hassett 

I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.


Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin

 
As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.


Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen 

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.

Contact

Copyrights © 2025 held by respective copyright holders, including Leah Negrin, M.S. Nutrition, CHHC, CPBN.