Postpartum Freezer Meals That Saved Me as a New Mom

Bringing home a newborn while caring for a toddler is no joke. This time around, I knew I had to do things differently—especially when it came to food. Last time, I hadn’t prepped a single meal before going into labor. I thought I would be back to normal right after, I had no idea what to expect. Until, I was standing in the kitchen, hungry at 2 a.m., trying to figure out what I could possibly eat while holding a crying baby. Not fun.

This time? I planned ahead and stocked our freezer with nourishing, real-food meals and snacks. And let me tell you—it made a huge difference.

If you’re pregnant and thinking about how to survive postpartum, especially with a toddler in the mix, postpartum meal prep is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Here’s exactly what I made, why it helped, and how you can create your own simple postpartum meal plan—even if you’re just prepping one or two things at a time. It doesn’t have to happen all in one day.

Why Postpartum Meal Prep Is a Lifesaver

Having a freezer stocked with food meant I didn’t have to think about what to eat, how to cook, or whether I was getting enough nutrients to support postpartum recovery and breastfeeding. It also freed up my husband to focus on our toddler instead of worrying about meals.

We also made the decision to use paper plates for a while. It may not be glamorous, but it saved time and energy. Postpartum is not the time to stress over dishes!

Meal prepping also allowed me to skip store-bought frozen meals that are often filled with ingredients I don’t recognize. I mostly used organic and clean ingredients, so I knew I was eating foods that would nourish my body and support my milk supply.

How I Meal Prepped for Postpartum

I didn’t try to prep everything in one weekend. I spread it out over the last few weeks of pregnancy, making 1–2 food items at a time and freezing them. That small step built up a freezer stash that lasted us through the early days when cooking just wasn’t an option. I felt more at ease once coming home from the hospital.

I also had support from a meal train organized by our church, which provided a few days of dinners. That buffer, combined with the freezer meals, meant I didn’t have to cook for weeks. I could focus on recovering and building up my milk supply.

What I Prepped for Postpartum

Here’s the exact list of what I prepped and stocked in the freezer for postpartum survival:

Breakfasts

Banana yogurt muffins – Great for one-handed eating during nursing sessions.
Almond poppyseed muffins – A delicious, nutrient-packed option that also kept well.
Breakfast burritos – Eggs, cheese, sausage, and potatoes all wrapped up and freezer-friendly.
Breakfast skillet bowls – Eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and cheese, portioned into reheatable containers.
Oatmeal with maple syrup, chia seeds, and walnuts – Rich in fiber and healthy fats for long-lasting energy.

Lunches and Dinners

Grilled cheese and turkey sandwiches on sourdough – I froze these and toasted them when ready to eat.
Chicken enchiladas – Hearty, easy to reheat, and full of protein.
Chicken burrito bowls – Rice, beans, seasoned chicken, corn, and salsa—nutritious and filling.
Frozen veggies – I paired these with entrees for a balanced meal.

Snacks and Sides

Lactation cookies – Tasty and designed to support breastfeeding milk supply.
Smoothie packs – Pre-portioned fruit, spinach, and protein powder—just add almond milk.
Cheese sticks – Easy grab-and-go protein.
Popcorners chips – A light, crunchy snack.
Beef jerky – Great for protein and iron.
Apples and fresh veggie sticks with dip – Easy to prep ahead and grab when hungry.

How This Meal Prep Helped My Breastfeeding Journey

I’m focusing on a breastfeeding diet to increase milk and fuel my recovery. All of these meals were chosen with nutrient-density in mind—think protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs.

Having healthy postpartum recipes ready meant I wasn’t relying on snacks with empty calories. I had real food to support my energy and hormones. And when you’re feeding a newborn every 2–3 hours, that really matters.

Eating regularly also helped me stay emotionally steady during the postpartum hormone rollercoaster. Food might not solve every issue, but it absolutely impacts your ability to recover especially when you’re sleep deprived. Eating enough calories helps to produce enough milk and fuel recovery.

Final Thoughts: Surviving Postpartum With a Toddler

Having a newborn and a toddler is wild. It’s beautiful, exhausting, and overwhelming. But postpartum support doesn’t have to come only from other people—it can come from taking the time to prep meals. You will be happy you did it!

If you’re wondering how to survive postpartum, especially with other little ones at home, this is one of the best ways. Future you will be so grateful.

I plan to continue batch cooking as I can, because life isn’t slowing down. But now, instead of stressing about meals, we get to focus on what really matters—snuggling our babies, catching sleep when we can, and adjusting to life as a family of four.

Need a jumpstart? Download my free Hospital Bag Checklist for Second-Time Moms if you want even more nurse-approved tips to feel calm, capable, and ready for newborn life.

And if you’re ready for the full roadmap?
✨ The Postpartum Playbook is your nurse-approved guide to go from chaos to calm. It’s packed with the real-life tools, checklists, boundary scripts, mini routines, and emotional prep I wish I had the first time around. Whether it’s your second baby or your fifth, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.