Foods for new parents

Good food can't help you get a good night’s sleep, but it can give you an energy boost.

Let’s face it, life with a new baby is utterly amazing, but totally exhausting. Fortunately, food is your friend – fill your boots on ingredients rich in iron, zinc and calcium for energy. They’ll soon have you feeling more HiPP.

Should you eat organic?

We’ve been proudly organic for over 60 years, so naturally we think dodging pesky pesticides is a good thing for you, the planet and the taste of food. And if you’re breastfeeding, organic produce is an amazing healthy option for you and your baby.

Find out why we love organic

Feel good foods

A healthy and varied post-pregnancy diet will ensure you get loads of different nutrients. Try to ‘eat a rainbow’ of different coloured foods every day including:

  • Iron-rich foods like red meat, lentils, spinach and broccoli alongside foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, tomatoes and red peppers to help you absorb it
  • Zinc-rich foods like red meat, seafood, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, fortified cereal and baked beans
  • Calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, yoghurt, sardines (with bones)
  • You’ll get small amounts of vitamin D from eggs, oily fish, milk and yoghurt but most of it from the summer sun. Adults need 10mcg of vitamin D each day, so as the British weather doesn't always deliver, all adults including breastfeeding women should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D, particularly during autumn and winter. Those with a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are advised to take a supplement all year round
  • Slow-release carbohydrates, like wholemeal bread, porridge, brown rice and pasta, give you energy to get through the day — and night! Plus, the fibre will help you beat postnatal constipation too
  • Protein from lean meats, lentils, fish and eggs will help your body recover
  • ‘Good fats’ found in olive oil and avocados will stop you feeling hungry and are packed with healthy vitamin E
  • Organic fruit and veg are packed with vitamins and minerals, so pile your plate high every day.

Drink up

Staying well hydrated is vital to milk production. Drink a big glass of water during every feed, and top up with other liquids like soup, juice, milk or tea the rest of the day.

Give yourself a break

If you rely on ready meals or takeaway for a little while, don’t worry about it. But quick snacks like beans on toast, cereal piled with fruit and yoghurt, or hummus and pitta, are easy, cheap, very nutritious and make a perfect post-pregnancy diet. And if a friend or relative offers to help, ask them for a home cooked meal!