Why Planning for Baby Feeding Isn’t Enough: Feed Your Family, Too

When you picture your postpartum period, you might imagine midnight feeds, endless diaper changes, and finally holding your baby in your arms. But there’s one thing new parents often forget to plan for—and it’s not the car seat or swaddle technique. It’s how you will eat.

 

Let’s be real: babies need to be fed, yes. But so do parents. And when exhaustion hits, it won’t be a perfectly balanced meal you crave—it’ll be anything that doesn’t involve prep, cleanup, or decision-making. This is your reminder: planning how you’ll feed yourself is just as essential as stocking up on bottles or nursing pads.

 

Why Feeding the Parents Matters Just As Much

 

Postpartum isn’t just a physical recovery—it’s a full-body, full-brain, full-family shift. Without consistent meals, parents are more likely to experience mood dips, decision fatigue, blood sugar crashes, and burnout. And for neurodivergent families (where executive function, sensory sensitivities, or meal aversions may already play a role), a missing meal plan can mean full system shutdown.

 

The Goal: Feed the Family Without Overwhelm

 

So, what should you plan for? It’s not about gourmet. It’s about sustainability. Your goal is nourishment without extra decisions—meals you like, that are easy to grab, reheat, or delegate.

 

How to Plan Ahead (Without the Stress)

 

Make a “fave foods” list

Include 5–10 breakfast/lunch/dinner options that are easy to eat and comforting. Think smoothies, frozen soups, sandwiches, protein bars, pasta salads, rotisserie chicken with rice, etc. Share this list with friends who want to help—or stick it on the fridge for brain-fog days.

 

Batch or freeze ahead

If you’re in the third trimester or prepping postpartum, consider freezing a few meals. You don’t have to become a meal-prep queen—just make double when cooking chili, muffins, or soup, and freeze half.

 

Set up a meal train

One of the kindest gifts someone can give you is food. Use sites like MealTrain or just set up a shared Google Sheet with delivery days, allergies, and a cooler on your porch. Make it clear: drop-offs only, no visits needed.

 

Ask for specific help

Want your sister to drop off cut fruit? Your bestie to do a grocery run? Ask for it. The more specific the request, the more likely you are to get real support.

 

Plan for takeout (and budget for it)

Build a “takeout stash” into your registry or savings. Even one or two nights a week where food shows up without you doing anything is a gift.

 

Bonus: Build Your “Feed the Family” Plan in 10 Minutes

 

Want to feel more prepared without adding to your to-do list? Try this mini planning exercise:

 

Step 1: List Your Comfort Meals

Jot down 3–5 go-to meals you love and can reheat or throw together fast. Think:

• Smoothies
• Rotisserie chicken + rice
• Pasta with frozen veg
• Oatmeal + nut butter
• Pre-made muffins or soup

 

Step 2: Pick 2 to Freeze

Next time you cook, double up and freeze half. Label with the date and reheating instructions.

 

Step 3: Make the Ask

Text a few friends or family members: “We’re prepping for postpartum and wondering—would you be up for dropping off a meal in our first couple of weeks home? We’d love something from this list.”

 

Step 4: Create a Delivery Zone

Cooler on the porch. A note on the door. Zero pressure for visits. Just nourishment.

 

Step 5: Budget for Takeout

Decide how many nights a week you want to rely on takeout, and add that into your baby prep fund.

 

Reminder: You’re allowed to make this easy. Your needs are valid. Feeding yourself is part of caring for your baby.

 

Let’s make it simple, supportive, and sustainable—just like postpartum should be.

 

I’m Alix, the founder of TENDER.LY, where I provide compassionate, judgment-free support to growing families. With a background in postpartum care, infant feeding, and mental health first aid, I specialize in supporting neurodivergent parents as they navigate pregnancy, birth, and the early years of parenthood. My approach is all about meeting families where they are, offering ADHD-friendly strategies, and helping parents feel more confident and supported in their journey.

 

Looking for personalized support? Let’s connect! Follow me @lovetender.ly_doula