How to Make Bone Broth for Postpartum Healing (+ Why It Matters)

This easy postpartum bone broth recipe supports healing, hormones, and recovery. It is simple to make and is essential for the first few weeks of postpartum. Learn why broth matters after birth and start making a batch right away!

Why Bone Broth is so Beneficial for Postpartum Recovery

Broth is a powerhouse, trust me! After having a baby, your body needs minerals, gelatin, collagen, and amino acids to help repair and rebuild your body. Broth contains all of those! It is rich in collagen and gelatin, supports gut health, contains anti inflammatory properties, protein and muscle support, electrolytes, and minerals. Do you see yet how powerful broth is?! All of broth's benefits are things that a newly postpartum mom needs. And I'm not done with listing off all of the benefits just yet! Broth helps the liver detox and this is important for postpartum because after birth, the liver works hard to filter and protect you. Broth is immune boosting and also helps with any constipation issues, which is often a struggle during early postpartum.

The Tradition of Bone Broth in the Postpartum Season

Bone broth is a traditional food in many cultures during the postpartum season, due to it's ability to heal and nourish the body. Many cultures believe that during the postpartum season you should be enjoying foods that emphasizes on warmth, nourishment, and restoring balance to the body. Broth is a huge part of their healing journey. Broth brings warmth and comfort to the body and also nourishes it in many beautiful and helpful ways.

Why Homemade Broth Over Store Bought

I know some of you might ask, "Why can't I just get broth from the store?! So much easier and quicker than making my own." And to that I say, DON'T DO IT! Homemade broth will outdo store bought every single time. You get to control all the ingredients that go into your broth, which means no junky extra ingredients that don't need to be there. You can use higher quality ingredients when you make your own. Store bought often contains additives and preservatives which your body does not need right now. Flavour customization is completely up to you, which is super nice and it's also cost effective. It isn't hard to make and doesn't take up a whole lot of your time. Have I convinced you yet?

Ingredients You Need to Make Bone Broth

organic chicken carcasses or beef bones for beef broth

apple cider vinegar

salt

turmeric

vegetables, such as onions, green onions, garlic, carrots, celery, parsley, ginger, etc

filtered water

How to Make Bone Broth at Home

1. Roast (optional) If you want to skip this part, go ahead, but if you want the extra flavour, roast the bones! Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and arrange bones single layer on a roasting pan or baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes.
2. Place bones in a pot or Instant Pot.
3. Add a tsp of salt and turmeric.
4. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
5. Add any veggies you have on hand, no need to chop them up.
6. Fill pot with water until bones are covered.
7. If using the Instant Pot, press the Broth button and set to 4 hours.
8. If using regular pot, bring to a simmer on stove and keep it there for 12-24 hours.
9. Once finished, remove the bones and veggies and strain the liquid into jars.
10. Let it cool on the counter before putting it in the fridge.
11. Use within a week.

How to Use Bone Broth in the Postpartum Season

You can add it to almost anything! In my first two weeks of postpartum, I love broth in soups, stews, or curries. It's so comforting and makes me happy to eat delicious, nourishing foods in a special season as postpartum. You can also add it hot chocolate. Just add half a cup of milk, half cup of broth to a small pot and bring to a simmer. Once hot, add in a tablespoon of cocoa powder and add your sweetener - I love using maple syrup. Mix it all up and drink it hot. Another way to drink broth is to simply sip it as is! Add some extra salt and lemon and there you go! Health in a mug. When you cook rice, add broth instead of water, and same with cooking beans or lentils. The broth will enhance the flavour and the health benefits.

Tips for Making Bone Broth Part of Your Postpartum Plan

Cook a huge batch of broth at the end of your pregnancy and freeze it. Take out to defrost and use up all postpartum long. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. If you want to cook up some broth, ask a friend or mom to come by and help out. Or ask friends to drop off some of their homemade broth! People are always willing to bring things to a newly postpartum mom, so don't be afraid to ask for broth instead of another baby outfit.

You can add to this recipe and make the flavours however you like it. It is very versatile. Add different types of veggies and spices to switch things up. Just always stick with bones, salt, apple cider vinegar, and some veggies. Try different flavours and let me know what you have been loving!

What is your favourite way to drink broth? Let me know in the comment section! I'm always up for trying something new.