what to feed a new mama

me and mary james (or molly, i’m not sure!) as a newborn

In those first few weeks of becoming a mom (no matter how many times you do it) most day to day life is a total blur.  You are operating on fewer hours of sleep than you imagined possible but you manage to focus in on a few things that stick with you.  With MJ (my first) it was mostly words of wisdom (invited or uninvited) but the sharpest memory of all was when a very good friend of mine came over (1 week after the baby) to deliver a meal (that I also remember every detail of) and I burst into tears over how I couldn’t do it and I am her mom and how come i can’t handle this?  She told me that all moms cry the first week – it’s overwhelming and hard.  I found comfort in her words although they were simple..it’s what I needed to hear.

When Molly was born I remember nothing so there’s a good chance that picture above is of her.  (I had an 18 month at home also)

When Mills was born all I remember was my best friend brought over some banana pudding that her mother made and she (my friend) said you have to return the dish (it came in) because you know how moms are.  I do know how moms are and they make GOOD banana pudding.  Then she told me to quit breastfeeding because my milk supply was pitiful (priceless suggestion).

My point – delivered food is more than just comfort for a new mom.  It allows her to focus on what really matters – that sweet new baby and herself. And in honor of Arre’s new (ridiculously late & ridiculously exciting!) announcement and the fact that she calls me every time she wants to take dinner to a new mom to see what she’s supposed to make…here are some ideas (and it doesn’t always have to be a meal – just something that makes her life a little easier).  I am always wanting more so please share your favorites as well!

baked spaghetti (yes they will receive a million baked ziti, spaghetti dishes..this one is GOOD and from my mother-in-law and can be made in advance..just put it in the oven 20 minutes before serving) add bread and a simple salad and done!

• 8 oz Spaghetti Noodles
• jar Spaghetti Sauce
• 3 oz Cream Cheese
• 3 Green Onions (Chopped)
• 8 oz Sour Cream
• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 2 c Cheddar Cheese-shredded

Cook ground beef, drain. Let the ground beef simmer with spaghetti sauce. Cook noodles as directed, drain. Mix sour cream, cream cheese, green onions.  Layer in a 9x13 casserole dish starting with noodles on the bottom, then sourr cream mix, then meat mix. Top with cheese. Cook 350 for 20 minutes.

pulled pork sandwiches with slaw – From the Pioneer Woman – this is really yummy and is almost even better if it’s eaten a day or two later!

pork tenderloin in slow cooker with green bean bundles, biscuits

fried chicken basket – pick up the chicken from somewhere (because you probably have kids or a life too and don’t have time for the mess of frying chicken), add a couple of in season sides (caprese salad, a potato or squash cassesrole)

pimento cheese (they gotta eat lunch too!) Add fresh fruit & crackers.  My favorite recipe:

~1 8oz. block cream cheese
~4 cups shredded sharp cheese
~1 teaspoon garlic salt
~1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
~3/4 cup duke's mayo
~7 oz. jar (drained) diced pimentos

homemade granola bars

And if all else fails, have food delivered from a great local restaurant because it’s not about being home cooked, it’s about not having to think about dinner.

a few thoughtful additions to that delicious meal you are delivering

• grab a pack of diapers to add to the meal
• include the recipe with the meal (teach a man to fish…)
• add a bottle of wine because good lord she needs a drink
• add a book or small gift for sibling

What do you take a new mom?