Easy, delicious postpartum freezer meals? I'm 37 weeks pregnant and need some ideas to balance my life as a food lover and first time mom!

I'm a food lover and an avid cook. And I'm pregnant. I'm looking to prepare some delicious meals that freeze well for the first few weeks after our baby arrives. Would love some suggestions beyond lasagna and turkey chili!

Cecily Upton
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11 Comments

Cecily U. January 15, 2015
Wow! Thanks for all these fantastic suggestions and resources. My husband I are doing a big shopping, food prep, and freezing day this weekend. I also found some good recipes for meals you can freeze and then dump directly into the slow cooker, so that they cook for the first time when you prepare them, but don't require any day-off prep time: http://newleafwellness.biz/2013/12/09/baby-freezer-meals/
 
Kristen W. January 15, 2015
One thing to consider, along with the many excellent suggestions here, is to choose foods that not only freeze well, but can be eaten easily with one hand. When my daughter was an infant, I found meals that required both fork and knife to be prohibitively awkward while holding the baby (which you will be doing ALL the time). And congratulations in advance!
 
Brain H. January 15, 2015
I agree with Kristen W. Which is why I had a special place in my heart for breakfast cookies. There are lots of good recipes out there, but I like mine because it has fiber rich ingredients and no added sugar. Have a few in the freezer, reach for them on a hectic morning, and you are golden. I would also advise getting a ninja or magic bullet or other blender to whip up quick drinks made of frozen bananas, almond milk, fruit, etc.
http://www.jacksonholefoodie.com/home/category/breakfast%20cookies
 
jamcook January 14, 2015
Any kind of meatballs you like in any kind of sauce you like, then freeze in meal size batches. Stews and soups freeze well too. Also, friends are a great resource. When they ask what they can do, have them bring a meal. No matter how avid a cook you are, you will wonder how you can take a shower and unload your dishwasher on the same day. It's agreat adventure.. Good luck!
 
cookinginvictoria January 14, 2015
This hotline thread from two years ago also has some excellent suggestions that go beyond lasagna and chili: https://food52.com/hotline/14128-39-weeks-and-pregnant-and-looking-for-ideas-for-things-to-freeze
 
ktr January 14, 2015
I bake bean burritos and then freeze them. They are quick to reheat and taste just as good reheated as they do the first time. You can easily build up a freezer stash if you just make a double batch of a few dinners a week now and freeze the leftovers. I'd also suggest planning on using your slow cooker as well to make roasts and soups. I know after my son was born I enjoyed eating soup because it they are nourishing, warm and easy to prepare. They also help you get lots of liquids in your diet which you will need, especially if you decide to breast feed.
 
cookinginvictoria January 14, 2015
This is another column that Merrill wrote about make ahead meals. Be sure to scroll through the comments for lots of other good ideas from food52ers. https://food52.com/blog/3278-make-ahead-meals
 
Lindsay-Jean H. January 14, 2015
Jessica of How Sweet It Is shares a ton of ideas in this post: http://www.howsweeteats.com/2014/12/that-one-time-that-i-made-ten-million-freezer-meals/
 
luvcookbooks January 14, 2015
Www.sassyradish.com. She also has a post on kitchen renovation. Fun to read for the non pregnant as well.
 
luvcookbooks January 14, 2015
Check out the Sassy Radish blog. She is 38 weeks and freezing meals. Chili, I think, and bolognese sauce. Soups and stews are easy to freeze. Bread dough and pie crusts if you are a baker.
 
Veronica F. January 14, 2015
Check out this article from Merrill:
https://food52.com/blog/2836-freezing-your-way-to-more-home-cooked-meals

Lots of ideas in the comments too!
 
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