Being a new mom is rewarding as well as exhausting. Having a
new little bundle to care for does take time away from other duties. The best
advice given is sleep when your baby sleeps. That works well when you have one
baby, but what happens when baby number two comes along and your toddler doesn’t
like to sleep when the baby sleeps? When will dinner get cooked? While you
still have energy, before the baby comes it might be worth doubling up your
dinner cooking. Whatever you are cooking, cook two and freeze one. With in just
a few weeks you will have a freezer full of healthy meals just waiting to be
thrown in the oven. If you have a church group, or a group of friends they may
be bringing meals the first week or so too. That was easy. However, what can
you do when that is all gone and you need an easy meal? Let’s look at the
ideas.
Getting a roasted chicken, throwing some potatoes in the
oven and cooking a veggie is one of the easiest dinners to put together. The
next night you can use that same chicken and shred it with some of your
favorite taco sides. If you want to the third day throw the chicken into a
crock pot filled half way with water and boil it down. Half way through the
day, drain out the chicken bones and place the broth along with any chicken
back into the crock pot. Add some carrots, celery and a diced up potato and you
will have a nice warm chicken soup for dinner. These are quick and easy meals.
Giving a little thought before baby is born will save you 10
fold after baby arrives. Stocking up on healthy snacks, and easy to prep
dinners will save you any anxiousness later. If you have more than one child,
keeping snacks in a cupboard and drawer they can reach will keep it easy and convenient
for you. When you have a few moments make ahead sandwiches for lunch, slice
apples and put in baggies for snacks fill juice cups and keep in the refrigerator
for later. Then when you are resting or nursing you can direct your other child
where to go to find refreshment.
Why not have a pantry baby shower? Along with baby gifts, have each guest bring an item that would help the new mom stock her pantry with healthy snacks and food for baby and family. You could even have a frozen meal shower! Instead of baby clothes, each guest could bring a meal that can be frozen and kept in the freezer for future use. What a great way to make sure the new mom is not worried about cooking meals during the first few months of baby's life.