Three Things You Should Have In Your Freezer Before Baby Arrives

If you are expecting, you likely have a lot of things on your “to do” list. From making sure that you have enough diapers for when baby arrives to keeping up with all of your doctor’s appointments, there is no shortage of things that expectant mamas need to remember.

And among the many things that mamas-to-be are keeping up with, one super important one is to stock your freezer with quick and easy meals and snacks to help you eat nutritionally while on your postpartum journey.

It’s so important to continue to elevate your nutrition needs once you are no longer carrying a baby in your belly. Regardless of your baby’s feeding method, the healing that your body has to undergo after delivery requires protein, calories, and many micronutrients to help you get to where you want to be.

And to make things more challenging regarding nutrition, having the time or energy to whip up a decent and balanced meal while caring for a newborn infant is easier said than done. And that is why pre-made meals and snacks can be a lifesaver during this important time.

So, what should you have stocked up in your freezer? Nutrient-dense items that can be enjoyed with little effort is the name of the game. Bonus if you can eat that food with one hand, or it can be enjoyed while you are in a nursing session if you are breastfeeding (AKA no hot soup that may drip on your suckling baby’s head during a feeding sesh!).

As a registered dietitian, I have some favorites that I encourage pregnant mamas in the third trimester to have stocked in their freezer before they deliver. And among the many choices that are out there, here are my top three recommended items that belong in a new mom’s freezer.

Homemade nutrient-packed muffins

Pre-made frozen muffins can be defrosted in seconds, and depending on what they are made with, they can be nourishing and satisfying.

Making muffins with zucchini and carrots adds some serious antioxidants to the dish, and oats can add a boost of satiating fiber.

One of the best veggie-packed recipes out there (in my humble opinion) can be found here.

Nutrient-packed pre-made frozen meals

Frozen food has come a long way in recent years, and there are now great options that have an impressive nutritional profile, and they taste great. Win-win!

One of my favorite frozen food staples is Milton’s Craft Bakers Thin & Crispy Cauliflower Crust Pizzas. Made with real cauliflower and Certified Gluten Free, this pizza is made with high quality ingredients, and it tastes simply amazing. Pairing a serving of this pizza with a side salad makes for a quick and no-fuss meal that even the busiest new mamas (and their families or partner!) can easily enjoy. My personal favorite varieties are the four cheese and the roasted vegetable, but all of their offerings are delish!

Frozen slow cooker meals

A slow cooker (crock pot) can help get meals on the table with very little effort. But if the thought of chopping, marinating, and measuring puts you in a tailspin when you are already way too tired, a slow cooker dump meal will be your new favorite thing. When you are prepping your meals for your postpartum journey, add freezer-friendly ingredients to a freezer-safe bag, label and date the bag, and once it is sealed, freeze it until you are ready to enjoy your cozy meal.

To cook your slow cooker dump meal, pour all the contents in your freezer bag into a slow cooker, and cook until your meal is ready.

For some delicious and simple freezer-friendly slow cooker dump meals, check out this link.

Stocking Your Freezer For Your Postpartum Journey 

It can’t be emphasized enough how important eating nutrient-dense meals and snacks are during the postpartum period. But, thanks to the many changes that occur during this stage, finding time to grocery shop, prep, and cook meals can be nonexistent. Taking time to stock your freezer with healthy food before baby arrives can help you eat well without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Baking and freezing healthy muffins, prepping and freezing slow cooker dump meals, and loading up on quality frozen foods, like Milton’s Craft Bakers Thin & Crispy Cauliflower Crust Pizzas can help you meet your nutrition needs while you are caring for your new little family addition with very little fuss --- and who doesn’t want that?!

Note - this blog post was written in partnership with Milton’s Craft Bakers. As always, all opinions are my own.