When I had my daughter almost two years ago, I didn’t breastfeed—but many of my closest friends did. We were all in the thick of new parenthood at the same time, trading voice notes between diaper changes, venting about sleep deprivation, and constantly asking: what are you eating? or more often, are you eating at all?

Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, those early months (and honestly, the first year) demand a lot from your body. Between healing, adapting to a brand new identity, and being needed around the clock, it’s easy to forget that you need nourishment, too. And not just calories—real nutrients that support recovery, energy, and mental health.

This collection of recipes was inspired by that season of life and the shared experiences of new parenthood. It’s a mix of what I leaned on to feel more like myself again—and what I saw fuelilng my friends through breastfeeding journeys and sleepless nights. These meals are nutrient-dense, easy to make, and packed with ingredients that support postpartum recovery and energy, with an extra focus on nutrients like iron, calcium, healthy fats, and protein.

You don’t need to be breastfeeding to benefit from food that makes you feel strong, balanced, and cared for. Whether you're weeks postpartum or chasing a toddler, I hope these recipes give you a few delicious ways to feed your body with the same love you're giving to everyone else.

Because you deserve that, too.