What to cook for a new mom?

[Abbeys_mom]

I need a bargain vegetarian recipe for a new mom who just had a c section. I know she is nursing too. It was so long ago, I can't remember if there are foods that might aggravate her digestive system or the baby's. HELP!

I know someone signed up for veggie lasagna already. I was thinking a big pot of heirloom beans and homemade bread OR cheesy veggie enchiladas. My DH is a veggie, you would think I would have more ideas!

Please please help, my first drop off is tomorrow night. Crock pot or assemble and let them bake is probably best. Do you have a tried and true recipe?

Thanks in advance!

 

[shortbun]

I would avoid gassy veggies like broccoli, cauliflower,cabbage..until she figures out if the baby responds to them. Nothing worse than a newborn with a tummy ache. How about quiche with spinache and swiss, accompanied by a fruit bowl? Good crusty sub buns with grilled veggies(onions, red or orange peppers, squash) and cheese on them? We love black beans(heat with a little cumin) with brown rice, salsa, avacado slices and shredded cheese on top. I serve sliced bananas with it for relief from the salsa and heavy stuff.

 

[turkeymama]

I would have loved anything after having my 2. I had c-sections also so it was a while before I was up for cooking.

I would think any type of casserole would be good, maybe even soup. What about chicken tetrazzini? Can't that be cooked in a crock pot?

 

[MistressMerryweather]

I was always thrilled to pieces over soup. I would avoid dairy. How about a hearty lentil soup with a nice salad or bread? Roast chickens are always really nice and super quick, add rice and veggies.

 

[Suz D]

I make a delicious crock pot taco soup. I check the labels of the brands of canned goods to make sure they are vegetarian when I'm making it for veggie friends.

1 can pinto beans in chili gravy (I use mild)
1 can condensed tomato soup plus one can of water
1 can corn (with the juice)
1 can black beans (I use 2-rinsed and drained)
1 can petite diced tomatoes (with the juice)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet of hidden valley ranch dry dressing

Put it in the crockpot mid morning on low. We serve it with cornbread, salad, and add sour cream, tortilla strips (the crispy kind) and shredded cheese to the soup. Delish and so super easy!

 

[MistressMerryweather]

Here's a quick and budget friendly recipe. It's really simple and yummy.

Quick Tri Bean Soup
Serves 6

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion -- chopped
2 cloves garlic -- pressed
1 can white beans -- drained
1 can kidney beans -- drained
1 can black beans -- drained
1 can vegetable broth (use an extra can if you like it thinner)
1 teaspoon basil
1 can diced tomatoes

6 tablespoons Romano cheese

In a saucepan, over medium high heat, cook the onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.

Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well. Salt and pepper to taste and heat till nice and hot.

Top each bowlful with a tablespoon of Romano cheese and serve.

 

[pezheadmeg]

Totally 2nd the quiche idea if she's not full blown vegan. You have enough different options when it comes to veggie fillings. Plus it doesn't have to be heated for that long.

I'm also a huge fan of anything with portabello mushrooms. I have issues with most beans so they and soy beans are what I depended on the few years I did the octo-lacto thing.

 

[akcire]

As long as she is not vegan, I would make arrangements for you to get the bill for or buy a gift card for a pizza at a local place that delivers.

Nothing better than having meals sorted out. For one of my husband's co-workers, who was having her 4th; we did a food gift card baby shower. We figured by number 4 she had all the baby stuff she needed, we also did not want to make 25 casseroles. Instead we figured out all the places near her house that had either delivery or call ahead take away. Then we each picked a place and bought a gift card. It was great because it was something everyone could afford-limited budgets picked places where a $10 gift card could buy a meal, and the more affluent picked the steak places, etc.

At first I think the mom thought it was a really odd gift, but when she came back from maternity leave she could not stop talking about it; and it has since been repeated at the office. Basically it allowed her to have 30 days worth of dinners sorted out, between ordering and leftovers. It was especially helpful since she had the 3 other kids at home.

One of the women in the office who is particularly friendly with this woman also arranged to have a cleaning service come twice following the birth.

 

[mariacj]

About the Taco soup: Careful with the ranch.... I bought the ingredients for a vegan friend ( I know not the same ), but she said no thank you to the ranch packet (Nicely).

I would run things by her and make sure... or if she has a partner or a mom that has helped her cook/lived with her before.


BTW So sweet for you to help!

You could always do soups. Kind of cold right now in Seattle and would love some myself. Veggie broths are yummy! Oh and they freeze nice in individual size portions if you use glad containers.

 

[Ennazus8810]

As a mom to 2 very little ones (one a C Section), I LOVE the gift card idea. That way there isn't even the mess in the kitchen from heating up anything

 

[stczt]

Years ago I had knee surgery and some of my dear friends took turns bringing food over, The thing that meant the most was they didn't just bring dinner they brought breakfast and lunch also. Simple jug of juice, danishes and fruit. Veggie hot dogs, pizza easy stuff and with kids dessert. It was such a surprise and nice not to worry about all 3 meals so now I always take all three meals when I take someone food

 

[ccgirl]

What about a nice big salad? Does she eat shrimp? You could put some of that on the side so she can put it on her salad.

With my DD, she ate so frequently that I very rarely could have a hot meal so things that could be eaten cold were great!

Fruit salad was another great recommendation, can be used for any meal.

Stuffed shells (can use ricotta cheese).

Baked ziti.

The gift certificate idea to a local place that delivers is wonderful as well.

It is hard because what has the effect on one person may be different on another. I couldn't have pasta sauce or anything spicy.

Good luck and so very nice of you!

 

[katesorad]

This is by far one of my favorite soups, and I am a vegetarian. I use vegetable broth instead of water, and it's fabulous! Bring over a fresh baguette along with it and it will be a big hit! Also, you can freeze soup. It's a perfect idea.

Another thing you ca do is make a basic marinara sauce and bring over a few different types of pasta (you can easy make the sauce for under $7 or $8, and boxes of pasta are often on special for $1). This will come in handy if she's feeling restless and wants to try to do something herself.. it's not physically straining to throw some pasta in a pot, so she can feel good about doing that.. or have her spouse do it for her

Also, if you have a Trader Joe's near you, they have some AMAZING vegetarian meatballs. You can pre-cook those in the gravy and bring sandwich rolls and cheese over. They're quick and easy to assemble.. and delicious!

Protein is hard to get as a vegetarian, so if you're comfortable with cooking tofu, she'd probably adore something like this

 

[princessnoelly]

Lentil soup!
There are lots of good ones....from memory this am I threw it in the crock pot.

2 cups lentils- washed and picked
8 cups water or broth if you want (I used veggie broth)
1/2 t salt
1 onion
a few carrots chopped
a few ribs of celery chopped
1/2 t pepper
1 t Thyme
Garlic

You can toss in ham if you want. We just have ours like this and it's so YUMMY! Plus, it's a great freeze and use later food.

Btw, you're a super great friend to do such a thoughtful thing! Offer to hold the baby so she can take a shower too.

 

[Graciesmom77]

I am having my 4th c section in 3 weeks and I know I would love snacks or easy meal things like muffins, things for quick sandwiches, quiche, and things like that. Sometimes you hurt so much after the c section grabbing a muffin and some juice is heavenly!

BTW, I think this is so sweet of you. I have never had this done for me and it would be a lifesaver after a c section. Whatever you do will be very much appreciated I'm sure!

 

[Abbeys_mom]

Thanks for all the great ideas! I love the gift card one.

DH made dinner tonight for them and us, just split it in to two pots and we delivered it. I got to hold a five day old baby - OMG, I forgot what that was like! She was so sweet and just nuzzled in my arms for a snooze while we visited. Ahhh...

I LOVE the breakfast idea - I am totally doing that on Monday on my way to work. There is a fantastic bagel place in between our houses. I never would have thought of that one. Juice, fruit, and a couple of fresh bagels and cream cheese - yum!

Those recipes look great. We are delivering again next week - I think it will be that crock pot taco soup. Thanks again!