Recipes

[Matrescence]

I saw another post and it reminded me I'd wanted to ask this...

As a postpartum doula do you cook for families?
If so do you use their recipes or your own?
Do you prepare snacks too?
Do you cook there or bring in food you've made at home?

For those of you who use your own recipes would you mind sharing some that have been your clients favorites?

I'm thinking about making a notebook of recipes for clients to go through and choose from, things I know how to make and am comfortable making. I know some doulas here use moms recipes but this is such a diverse area and I have no idea how to make some things like vegan dishes that include ingredients I've never used or some fish dishes... I'd be scared I'd mess it up

[Abbydoula]

I'm not a post partum doula...

I LOVED that my doula made cornbread muffins during labour. It was so good smelling as I laboured in my birth tub in my living room. Then she brought me the most wicked granola (I wish I still had THAT recipe).

I intend to make New Mama Energy Orbs. I've tested them on a couple of post partum friends and they went NUTS for them. Packed with protein and fat these really satisfy!

"A hit with adults and children alike, Chocolate Energy Orbs can be made on the weekend to be enjoyed throughout the week. They’ve got lots of the protein and fat that children’s bodies need for growth, along with fibre, protein, and antioxidants from the cocoa powder. The orbs are lower in sugar than their processed energy bar counterparts and include natural ingredients for maximum nourishment. Tahini (sesame seed paste) adds calcium.

3/4 cup (180 mL) nut butter (almond, cashew, peanut) I use peanut though because a lot of moms prefer to keep peanuts out of their diet for the first year I will sometimes use almond or cashew depending on what i have.
1/4 cup (60 mL) tahini
1/2 cup (125 mL) maple syrup
1 cup (250 mL) toasted sesame seeds (I've used raw vs toasted and the flavour is still great. I've also used pumpkin seeds...this is also good)
1/4 cup (60 mL) cocoa powder
1 cup (250 mL) oat bran
1/2 cup (125 ml) wheat germ
1/2 cup (125 ml) unsweetened coconut

Add nut butter, tahini, and maple syrup to bowl of food processor and blend until smooth. Add sesame seeds, cocoa powder, oat bran, and wheat germ and blend until mixture becomes like dough. Scrape down sides of food processor as necessary. Spread coconut on a plate. Roll mixture into 1-inch (2.5-cm) balls (child size) or 2-inch (5-cm) balls (adult size). and roll in shredded coconut. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Makes 12 large orbs or 18 small orbs." This is not MY recipe, I got it from http://www.alive.com/3486a7a2.php?su...read_cramb=207

I put them in 3s in 4 zip lock baggies with a hokey little label that I made up including the ingredients list.

The other thing I love to make is a dal out of mung beans and serve with basmati rice. It is CHEAP to produce (1/2 cup of dry beans, some spices and a 28 oz can of tomatoes and onion and garlic) but it is sure tasty and mamas seem to gobble it up.

I also give these food items out as a gift at showers/blessingways that I'm invited to and everyone is always so impressed with my practicality. LOL.

Abby

[PostDoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MamaBellies [indent]As a postpartum doula do you cook for families? If so do you use their recipes or your own? Do you prepare snacks too? Do you cook there or bring in food you've made at home?

I honestly don't do a whole lot of "cooking" for families. In the Prenatal consultation, I'm usually pretty clear that my focus is on SIMPLE meal preparation. I do basic meals and snacks, like sandwiches, salads, spaghetti, etc. The majority of my clients seem to have this covered with frozen, delivered, or prepared meals, and so the help they need is minimal.

I ALWAYS prepare snacks, especially for Breastfeeding moms!! Aside from helping them create nursing stations with Granola, Nuts, Water bottles, etc. I make humus, bring LUNA bar samples, and often boil eggs and make sandwiches to be eaten later as snacks.
If I did have a client who needed more cooking, than I would probably try to partially prepare something at home (i.e. lasagna, etc.)
I love the New Mama Energy Orbs! Can't wait to try it!!

I think preparing and agreeing to a set of recipes in advance is a GREAT IDEA, though!!

[HamiltonBirthRevolution]

I was wondering about this. There are so many different kinds of allergies and preferences. Is someone allergic to eggs? Are they vegetarian or vegan? I guess you'd have to cover that off in your prenatal visits.

I know as a new mum I was loathe to make requests of people and was secretly thrilled when people brought food enough for one or more meals for more than just me.

I once gifted a friend four double servings of vegan chili and a ring sling

I like the idea of bring over one meal at the first postpartum meeting. It would have to be something that was really healthy, as most parents are probably not paying much attntion to healthy eating.

- Pasta Salad with lots of vegetables, w/ or w/out tuna or shrimp or chicken
- Chili w/ ground beef or w/soy ground round
- Linzen Suppe, with Westfaeler sausage or vegetarian (lentil soup)
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad

If they had a slow cooker, I could bring over some chicken quarters and root vegetables and seasoning - easiest dinner ever!

[AussieDoula]

I always bring a meal and usually prepare another one while I'm there (that can be frozen and reheated). I try to make sure there will be enough for the rest of mama's family as leftovers.
If I am in a rush, I will stop and pick up a skillet lean cuisine meal or something similar (balanced).
During prenatals (if they seek me out before then - for women I didn't work with for birth I mean) they fill out a quick list of things they are allergic to, don't like, and a "menu" of foods they prefer in numbered order (nutritional, balanced meal I know how to cook LOL - this is helpful for me to be able to prepare foods before they will need it - due dates are so unpredictable!). This has worked really well, so for whoever mentioned they were thinking about a 'recipe book', I would suggest that you go ahead and give it a trial run!
I bring Luna Bars, bottles of water, Ensure shakes, and trail mixes (part of the goody bags I bring for them with other postpartum supplies they may need). While I am there I might make them a sandwich or another quick fixer (boiling eggs for later is a great idea!).
If they want me to make a "custom" meal, they provide me with the recipe and ingredient list, and pay extra for the cost of groceries and gas money (I pick everything up before/on the way to their next visit).
Postpartum work is fulfilling, I love knowing these mamas appreciate the things I do for them in their time of need.

[Bex]

I'm bumping this b/c I was about to post a thread like this!

What do you pp doulas do as far as cooking? Do you always cook, or offer the option? Have any special recipes for recovery? What sort of feedback do you get with cooking--is it a huge part of your service? What do you cook for the whole family?

[ScootchsMom]

You ladies read my mind, lol. I just was thinking about this the other day and was planning on doing a sticky of recipes here. Ya'll just beat me to it, lol. I'll go ahead and make one, and if you ladies would like to swap recipes, for yourselves or clients, then please do so!

Liz

ETA - I'll merge this with the sticky thread so we can keep it all in one conversation for now. Thanks!

[ScootchsMom]

Welcome to the AllDoulas cooking school! I thought it would be great if we could all share recipes we make either for ourselves or our clients. If you have specific cooking questions or questions about postpartum doula cooking you can post them here as well, and we'll try our best to get you an answer

So, post those yummy recipes and great questions!

Liz

[fearlessbirth]

Something yummy that we just started making alot is scrambled tofu! It would be a perfect meal that's cheap, healthy and you can easily make a lot of it (or a few variations of the same) for later eating! And it's VEGAN!

1 block tofu, drained
2-4 tbsp nutritional yeast
Bragg's liquid aminos
turmeric or curry

Smush up the tofu well and add all other ingredients. Set aside.

In a skillet saute onions and garlic in olive oil until nice and soft. Then add veggies of your choice (we always use spinach). Set that aside. Saute tofu mix in a pan with a little olive oil , 'scrambling' until brownish all over. Throw in veggies and mix together over heat for a few minutes. Mmmmm...

[betterbirths]

I like the idea of finger foods, especially for breastfeeding moms. I do this alot for my family when we are busy. I cut up cheese and make plates of just cheese, crackers and fruit. It is balanced and nutricious. Cut up veggies and hummus dip wold be good.

[brilliant]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HamiltonBirthRevolution I know as a new mum I was loathe to make requests of people and was secretly thrilled when people brought food enough for one or more meals for more than just me.

i was exactly the same. for some reason with my second baby people "forgot" that i still needed to eat and had even LESS time.

[DoulaGrams]

I'd like to add a soup recipe, being new, I'm not sure where to add it.

[familyway]

An easy meal I've recently taken to making quite often is what I call 'cheater chicken'.

Basically, I put whatever chicken pieces I'm using into a casserole dish and pour a large can or two (depending on the size of the meal I'm making) of stewed tomatoes over the chicken. Pop it into the oven at 350. On the stove, I make a large pot of Minute Rice Instant Brown Rice, with frozen veggies (usually peas, carrots and corn) added to the water and a shot or two of Braggs Soya Sauce instead of the salt/butter the minute rice calls for.

I set the rice aside and once the chicken is done I make a bed of rice, top with the chicken, and spoon some of the tomatoes over the whole thing.

*Variation* Sometimes I use Salsa instead of the canned tomatoes depending on what I have on hand.

[dirtgirl]

I agree that you just can't go wrong with chicken noodle soup (unless mom's family is vegetarian or vegan, of course)! In my DONA training, we learned that if you look at most traditional cultures in the world, an extremely common gift to postpartum families is a chicken.

I love to make big batches of chicken stock and freeze it for future use. It's a great way to use up the bones after a roast dinner too.

For stock I throw into a large stock pot:
the carcass from at least one chicken & water to cover (about 1" over)
two carrots, coarsely chopped
two celery stalks, coarsely chopped
one onion, coarsely chopped
1 tsp. dried thyme
salt & pepper

Bring to a boil, skim any froth from the top. Reduce to a simmer and simmer for at least 12 hours. (A crock pot is great for this.) Add salt and pepper to taste.

For the soup:
1 TBS olive oil or good quality coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
3-4 qts. chicken stock
1 lb. boneless chicken thighs or other parts
1 cup elbow macaroni or other favorite small noodles
1 tsp. dried thyme
salt and pepper


Sautee the onion, carrot and celery in the oil, add stock and bring to a boil. Add the chicken parts and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes (depending on which parts you use). Add noodles and thyme, cook 10 minutes or until noodles are al dante. Add salt and pepper to taste. YUM!

[douladarla]

I make it very clear to the families that I work with that I do not cook. They really wouldn't want to eat anything I would cook LOL!! Thank God I have a husband that cooks!
I do refer my clients to places like Dream Dinners where they can prepare a month's worth of meals before they deliver and keep them in the freezer. It's a great way to have meals on hand for after the birth and they just need to pop in the oven! I also recommend that they invite a bunch of their pregnant friends (or other students from their childbirth ed classes) to go to Dream Dinners and have a meal-making party.

~Darla Burns
CD, CPD, CPD-Trainer, CCCE, CLE, CHBE