In my work with new mothers, I always have kind of figured that not
having much of an appetite for a couple of weeks postpartum was usually
quite normal. Since I am a WIC Nutritionist, we do ask mothers at their
postpartum appt what they are eating AT THAT TIME. Some women eat very
little at first. Usually they are tired, but I try to remember the adage
"not to make it a big deal, and it won't necessarily be a big deal".
USUALLY, these women go on to have perfectly normal, robust appetites
within a matter of weeks, and all is well. I also look at the "big
picture" : does she exhibit other symptoms of postpartum depression, is
there support at home (someone to pamper her a little and maybe coax her
to eat)?.( If I don't feel like eating, it's nice to have someone coax me
and pamper me.) I also suggest quick and easy foods like hard cooked
eggs, cereal, cheese, yogurt, things like that. Most of the time a poor
appetite quickly turns to a healthy appetite. If worried, I would
probably ask her if she has help at home or offer referral to postpartum
services (some of these are free for our population) or a breastfeeding
peer counselor and I might call her in a week or so and see how she's
doing. . Also, you can contact the OB provider if really worried about
her. I have the sense that a little pampering goes a long way. But a
little extra follow-up doesn't hurt, either.
Sincerely,
Elaine Mazgelis, RD, IBCLC
Cambridge-Somerville WIC
Massachusetts, USA
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