During the postpartum period, women are adjusting to a new role, especially if breastfeeding. They are tired and may not have support from their families or friends. In addition, they are adjusting to a new postpartum body and typically have decreased appetites. It is important to be aware of these issues and provide support in the assessment process and as interventions are developed. Help the client to develop realistic goals that she feels she can achieve. Recommendations may incorporate the following:

• Small, frequent meals
• Meals that are easy to prepare
• Use of a multivitamin
• A discussion about weight – how does she feel about her postpartum body? If weight loss is a concern, talk about safe weight loss and support (e.g., WIC, parent support groups)
• Sleeping/resting

Some plans that address common issues for women in the postpartum period are reviewed in this section:

weight goals
iron deficiency
general diet quality
vegetarian food patterns
restrictive food patterns