Second time mom must haves | Gallery posted by Erin Kenney, MS, RD, LDN, HCP

No pressure to “bounce back.”

No rushing healing.

No ignoring my body while taking care of everyone else.

As a dietitian (and now a mom of two), here’s what I’m actually focusing on for gut health, recovery, and feeling like myself again:

Warm, easy-to-digest meals

Not living on cold snacks and protein bars this time. Think: oatmeal, eggs, soups, stews. My digestion, hormones, and energy depend on it.

Bone broth daily

Minerals, collagen, glycine → supporting gut lining, hydration, and overall recovery. This is a non-negotiable for me.

Not under-eating

Milk supply, hormones, nervous system, healing… all take a hit when you’re not eating enough. This isn’t the season to “cut back.”

Pelvic floor FIRST

No jumping into intense workouts. No “earning my body back.”

Breathwork, connection, healing > intensity.

Supporting breastfeeding (without sacrificing myself)

Using silverettes, focusing on nourishment, and actually resting when I can instead of pushing through.

Red light therapy

For tissue healing, inflammation, and overall recovery support.

Nervous system regulation

Because digestion, hormones, and healing don’t happen when you’re in constant stress mode.

Letting go of perfection

Some days are messy. Some meals aren’t “ideal.”

Healing isn’t linear—and that’s okay.

The biggest shift?

I’m not trying to rush out of this phase.

I’m supporting my body THROUGH it.

Because how you heal postpartum doesn’t just impact 6 weeks… it impacts your hormones, gut health, and energy for years.

If you’re in this season too- slow down. Nourish more. Do less than you think you should.