Food prep after birth (2 weeks to go)

[Readytopop2022x]

Hi all, currently 36+3 with our first DD. Found out today that we are being induced on the 16th.

Question - did you food prep before hand? If so, what was the easiest meals you made? I don't want DP to be cooking away in the kitchen (not that he'd even be bothered, he's amazing and hands on).

Did you do a food shop just before you were induced/went into labour?

What was your essential, easy to go to food items for dinners/lunches?

Interested to know answers as my brain is drawing a blank and I'm usually great at coming with up with new recipes!

Xx

I make sure that there's some meals in the freezer that are good to be heated - Lasagne, shepherd's pie, bolognese, chicken casserole etc. Or just some ready meals! Ideally things that either need no or minimal accompaniment, just to get you through the first days/week while you're adjusting.

I really thought this was going to be about placenta cooking tips.

I went into labour unexpectedly at 38w and only managed to make a big batch of spag bol and another of chilli for the freezer. Some friends bought us the Cook New Parents meal box and it saved our bacon! Then we just made sure we had loads of picky bits in the fridge when we got home - our DD was in NICU / Special Care for a couple of week so i think we booked a shop to be delivered a couple of days after she was discharged, so we booked lots of bits for sandwiches, toasties, jacket potato / omelette fillings that we could grab for lunch etc

I did a food shop whilst I was in labour 😂🤦🏻‍♀️ We ended up with a lot of gifted Cook vouchers in advance of the birth and ordered enough evening meals for two weeks. We only had to cook accompaniments such as rice or mash.

I batch made lasagne, shepherds pie, pasta bakes and curries/ chilli and froze in individual disposable foil cartons to minimise washing up as well. I also wrote the heating instructions on the cardboard lids for when we were feeling sleep deprived! Soup was also good for the freezer. I bought lots of easy snacks like cereal bars that could also double as breakfast.

Soup frozen in bags

My brother came to stay for the weekend and helped me.make tonnes of fresh veg soups and bolognaise sauce that I froze. It was a god send.

I’ve made and frozen bolognaise, chilli con carne, curries, various pasta sauces like roasted red pepper and paprika sauces that I will add chicken to fresh after defrosting. Then all I have to cook is rice/mash/pasta.
Also bought frozen things like burgers, pies, sausages and mixed veg for when I really don’t have the energy to cook. Also got jacket potatoes to have with the chilli/baked beans/tuna etc and even some jars of pasta bake sauce.
I froze everything in 2-3 portions worth to defrost easier and only use what we need for the meal.

@Neilsfavouritechilli

I really thought this was going to be about placenta cooking tips.

This made me laugh so much 🤣🤣🤣

@mumofmunchkin

I make sure that there's some meals in the freezer that are good to be heated - Lasagne, shepherd's pie, bolognese, chicken casserole etc. Or just some ready meals! Ideally things that either need no or minimal accompaniment, just to get you through the first days/week while you're adjusting.

Oh yes! Good shout! Shepherds pie, lasagne, chilli, bolognese! Some ready meals as well. Cannot go wrong!

@Bitesize123

I batch made lasagne, shepherds pie, pasta bakes and curries/ chilli and froze in individual disposable foil cartons to minimise washing up as well. I also wrote the heating instructions on the cardboard lids for when we were feeling sleep deprived! Soup was also good for the freezer. I bought lots of easy snacks like cereal bars that could also double as breakfast.

This is absolutely perfect. And with the cooking instructions. Top tip. Will pop into home bargains and grab the little individual cartons!!!!

@mumofmunchkin

I make sure that there's some meals in the freezer that are good to be heated - Lasagne, shepherd's pie, bolognese, chicken casserole etc. Or just some ready meals! Ideally things that either need no or minimal accompaniment, just to get you through the first days/week while you're adjusting.

This. Tinned custard and warm puddings are nice too for cold wet evenings.

I'm almost 38 weeks pregnant, we've just signed up for a Gusto box delivery! I've selected the meals that are quick to prep and quick to cook. I've never been good at meal prep and freezing/ defrosting.
Also there's some good deals on the first 4 weeks of orders!

Have you thought about meal prep companies? They can be a little pricey, but are really great at saving you time, and making sure you have nutritious meals on-hand. I think Fresh Fitness Food have a maternity plan now which might be helpful, especially if you're breastfeeding, as they can cater the plan to that - could be worth considering just while you get settled!

I was too exhausted to cook in my final weeks of pregnancy and still had a lot to do. We ended up arranging a delivery of COOK meals and it has been brilliant. We also got in frozen vegetables and mashed potato that could be bunged in the microwave to make complete meals.

Make sure you have lots of snacks as well, you’re constantly starving if breastfeeding. Things I’ve liked are baby bel cheeses, oat cakes, roasted nuts, satsumas, etc plus crisps and chocolate!

I made some curries, chillies, pasta dishes. My daughter then was diagnosed with a cows milk allergy at two weeks old so couldn't use any of the ones containing dairy as I was breast feeding. Will definitely be doing it again as it was so handy but will be making them dairy free just in case my second also has cmpa!
Agree with lots of snacks, ready meals and just easy things to eat.

Agree with what everyone has said - we batch cooked lots of meals like pasta sauces, bolognaise, chilli, curry, lasagne etc that only needed rice / pasta or salad with it. If breastfeeding try think of snacks you can eat that aren't just biscuits (tho I had lots of those!) and are easy to grab and eat one handed. I think I had a lot of oatcakes, fruit, little sachets of dried fruit & nuts, my friend made me some flapjacks, toast with banana and PB, sometimes I'd make up sandwiches in the morning that could be kept in the fridge. Good luck! xx