By Erin Erenberg 

Looking to feed yourself or a new mama postpartum?  Keep it warm, keep it easily digestible.

New mothers need warm foods to restore their life force, referred to as “qi” in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Warm foods help balance a woman’s energy, as she’s lost blood, passed a hormone-rich placenta and is slowly closing in all the places that opened to hold and birth a baby. Additionally, warm foods are easy to digest at a time when a woman’s system is already overly taxed.  

One of the best foods you can consume or bring to a new mama is bone broth. Yes, it’s a fad, but this one’s sticking around for postpartum health. Its benefits are rooted in ancient postpartum rituals.  

 And we found a really delicious and simple recipe for you.

Ingredients:

• organic whole chicken
• 2 unpeeled carrots cut in medium rounds
• 2 whole spring onions
• 1 medium onion halved and peeled
• 2 inches ginger root peeled
• 2 whole garlic cloves peeled
• 2 tbsp pink himalayan salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Place chicken in a pot and cover with water, two inches above chicken. Bring to a boil, then lower to medium heat and boil for 30 minutes. Toss in remaining ingredients and cook for 3 hours uncovered. Pour through a strainer and store in glass jars. (from Kristen Sokel, adapted) 

Even Easier: crock pot style -- throw it all in a crock pot and strain after cooking for 5-6 hours.

Bone broth is a powerhouse warm food because it’s rich in collagen, protein, vitamins and minerals that support healthy brain function, combat fatigue and support skin and joints as hormone levels balance out after childbirth. Amino acids gycine and proline help speed recovery after perineal tearing, episiotomy or C-section. 

We love sipping on a mug of bone broth all on its own, and it’s great when added to grains like farro. Throw some dark greens in while the broth is hot, and you’ve got an extra boost of plant proteins and minerals. 

To your health, pretty lady,

Erin