Why Ancestral Foods Support Postpartum Healing

After talking to countless moms and birth workers and nutrition practitioners the story is the same, food is medicine, especially postpartum!  New and not-so-new moms are running on empty. They're told to “eat clean” or "bounce back," but no one talks about rebuilding from the inside out. The truth is, recovery after birth requires more than rest; it requires nourishment rooted in tradition.

Here are some foundational principles we believe in at Restorative Roots.

Regenerative Meat Is More Than Just Protein

Pasture-raised, grass-finished meat is rich in more than protein. It offers:

• Heme Iron – Replenishes blood lost during birth.
  

• Zinc – Aids in tissue healing and hormone balance.
  

• B Vitamins – Support energy, mood, and nervous system repair.
  

• Creatine and Carnitine – Essential for brain function and muscle recovery.

These nutrients are bioavailable—meaning your body can absorb and use them immediately, unlike many supplements.

Liver and Heart: The Ultimate Postpartum Supplements

Organ meats, especially liver, are some of the most concentrated sources of:

• Vitamin A – Key for tissue healing and immune function.
  

• Choline – Critical for baby's brain development and mom’s mental clarity.
  

• Copper & B12 – Rebuild energy and support red blood cells.

You don’t need a lot.  A little goes a long way!

Bone Broth: Liquid Gold for Recovery

Broth from pasture-raised bones is a staple in an ancestral postpartum diet. It contains:

• Collagen & Gelatin – Repair tissues and support joints.
  

• Glycine – Calms the nervous system and promotes deep sleep.
  

• Minerals – Like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in easily absorbed forms.

It's hydrating, warming, and easy to digest—perfect for the delicate postpartum gut.

The Wisdom of Warm, Soft Foods

Traditional Chinese Medicine has guided postpartum care for centuries. After birth, the body is seen as depleted in warmth and blood, so recovery focuses on:

• Warm, slow-cooked meals (soups, stews, congees)
  

• Cooked rather than raw produce
  

• Spices like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric

Moms digest better, sleep deeper, and recover faster when they eat this way.

Choose the Right Plants

While animal foods are central, we also encourage:

• Organic, regeneratively grown produce – Rich in antioxidants and free of chemical residues.
  

• Heirloom white rice or properly prepared grains – Easy carbs that support warmth and satiety.
  

• Fermented foods – Like sauerkraut or beet kvass, to replenish gut flora post-birth.

Dr. Weston A. Price’s research showed that traditional cultures emphasized both animal and plant foods—always grown in nutrient-rich soil and prepared properly.

Bottom Line:
Postpartum healing isn’t about deprivation—it’s about restoration. Through ancestral foods, regenerative ingredients, and traditional wisdom, we can nourish mothers in the way they’ve always needed—but rarely receive.

Ready to bring ancestral nourishment to your own kitchen? Download our free Postpartum Recipe Guide,  it’s filled with the ultimate postpartum recipes for nourishment and wellness plus resources and tips! Also, join Mama’s Monday, our weekly note of recipes, reads, mom-hacks, podcasts, quotes, and more directly from Holly!