Ingredients

Onion, Leek, Ghee/Coconut Oil, Shiitake Mushrroms, Reishi Mushrooms, Kombu, Carrots, Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Turmeric Rppt, Cabbage, Parlsey, Lemon Zest

Shiitake Immune Boosting Broth is a vegetable broth home-cooked using a recipe from The First Forty Days by Heng Ou. I use it in all Vegan and Vegetarian dishes that call for a stock or broth to add nutrient density. In the book, it is described:

“With a newborn needing all your attention and care, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself from colds and keep your immune system strong. This meat-free broth benefits from the immune-boosting power of mushrooms - long revered in Chinese medicine as a powerful medicinal food. Rich in B vitamins and minerals, they seduce the senses with a smoky flavour. Shiitake broth can go head to head with beef broth in taste. With its satisfying savoury tang, it’s like the Potrobello burger to a carnivore’s hamburger.”

MUSHROOMS USED AND THE BENEFITS

Shiitake: They boast polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols, and lipids, some of which have immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering, and anticancer effects. High in fibre and B vitamins. Contain; protein, riboflavin, niacin, copper, Vitamin B5, Selenium, manganese, Zinc, Vitamin B6, folate, amino acids.

Cremini: Studies have shown the effect of consuming cremini mushrooms to have; anti-cancer, anti-aging, positive effects on cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory and fatigue-fighting uses. They improve gut-health due to being rich in antioxidants and being high in selenium and copper. Also they are high in potassium, being linked to benefits including healthier blood pressure, better recovery from exercise, protection against weak bones, and reduced fatigue, muscle cramps or spasms, headaches, and brain fog.

Reishi: Known by many cultures, and revered by Taoist monks, as the most spiritual of mushrooms, thought to aid spiritual enlightenment, spiritual potency, mental clarity and euphoria. The studied benefits of reishi mushrooms is in immune-boosting, anti-cancer, fatigue and depression fighting, heart health, blood sugar control and cell-damage prevention through antioxidants.

Ingredients

Chicken Carcases, Onion, Carrot, Celery, Variety fresh herbs, Peppercorns, Apple Cider Vinegar, Water

Many of the recipes I use contain home-cooked 24 hour chicken broth. I use it in any recipe containing meat that requires stock. I also use it in the vegan or vegetarian dishes where the consumer is not vegan or vegetarian to provide the added benefits of collagen and gelatin, which are both important in postpartum healing. So, when you see this in the ingredients, you know it will provide the following benefits;

Bioavailability of nutrients

The long, low and slow cooking of the broth allows for bio-availability of the ingredients nutrients (making them easy to absorb), especially from the bones (one of the only natural sources of collagen and gelatin) – extracting beneficial compounds, vitamins and minerals.

Amino Acids

19 essential and non-essential amino acids – great for digestive system and immune system support

The Nutrients

Main nutrients found in chicken broth: Magnesium, Phosphorus, Gelatin, Collagen, Glycine, Glutamine, Protein, Iron, Potassium, Calcium, Glucosamine, Chondroitin sulfate, Calcium – it's a powerhouse!!

The Benefits

Promotes sleep, wound healing, immune function, soothe the digestive system and reduces inflammation – all important in postpartum recovery!

Recommended By…

In the Baby Led Weaning book “Milk to Meals”, the authors Luka McCabe and Carley Mendes describe the benefits of chicken bone broth: “Broth is one of the most nourishing foods you can feed yourself and your child! It's easily digestible, nutrient-dense and an incredible source of minerals. It is especially valuable as it contains gelatin which enables food to be digested more easily – which is why it is perfect to add to your baby's meals (and postpartum meals!). Chicken bone broth also makes a great savoury beverage....”

In the book the first forty days, the author Heng Ou writes a page dedicated to introducing bone broths and their importance within the postpartum recovery space. She sites such benefits as; replenishing lost energy and bringing back some of your power; boosts chi and build blood; restore adrenal function to combat fatigue; floods the body with a host of minerals in ultra-absorbable form; wound recovery; its amino acids help you digest foods; hyrdating power ideal for breastfeeding; floods the body with natural electrolytes;; counterbalances the airy dryness (vata) present after giving birth.

Ingredients

Beef Bones, Onion, Ginger Root, Leeks, Carrots, Celery, Rosemary, Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic Cloves, Star Anise, Black Peppercorns

I will use this broth in any dish containing red meat. I will use it on request in any other dish requiring broth.

The bones in this broth are briefly roasted to release the flavours. Beef broth is an earthy and warming broth, jam packed with many beneficial nutrients.

Price is per 480g serve.

Ingredients: Ghee, Onion, Leeks, Carrots, Tomatoes, Potatoes, Mushrooms, Cumin, Cinnamon Sticks, Cashews, Coriander Seed, Turmeric, Ground Black pepper, Ginger, Bay Leaf, Home-Cooked Shiitake-Immune Boosting Broth if vegetarian or Bone Broth if not, Quinoa, Coconut Milk, Green Beans.

Home-Cooked using the recipe from the book the First Forty Days by Heng Ou.

Described in the book “It is so gentle on the digestion and contains nurturing and lubricating fats.” This stew is hearty, healthy and stocked full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and compounds that aid the body in its recovery from birth, especially if via caesarean section.

*Excellent for the first week following birth

Serve is per 480g serve.

Ingredients: Quinoa, Ghee, Onion, Home-Cooked Shiitake Immune Boosting Broth if vegetarian or Bone Broth if not, Coriander, Turmeric, Ground Black Pepper, Asafetida, Zucchini, Carrot, Parsnip

This meal is home-cooked using the recipe from Nourishing Newborn Mothers by Julia Jones.

Described in the book: “Originating in Peru, this soup is soothing and hearty and reheats well.” This soup is gentle on the digestion, making it a perfect meal to consume on repeat in the first 10 days after giving birth.

*Excellent for the first week following birth

Price is per 480g serve.

Ingredients: Ghee, Garlic Cloves, Ginger Root, Pumpkin, Home-Cooked Shiitake-Immune Boosting Broth if vegetarian or Bone Broth if not, Coconut Milk, Asafetida

This meal is home-cooked using the recipe from Nourishing Newborn Mothers by Julia Jones.

This is a thin soup that is a warming spin of the classic pumpkin soup.

*Excellent for the first week following birth

Price is per 480g serve.

Ingredients: Ghee, Garlic Cloves, Cumin, Zucchini, Home-Cooked Shiitake Immune Boosting Broth if vegetarian or Bone Broth if not, Coriander, Asafetida, Almond Meal, Ground Black Pepper.

This meal is home-cooked using the recipe from Nourishing Newborn Mothers by Julia Jones.

Described in the book: ”A French soup with green beans inspired this recipe, but zucchini is much kinder to Newborn Mothers’ tummies.” A thin soup optimal to consume in the first 3 weeks after giving birth.

*Excellent for the first week following birth

Price is for 2 serves of 350g each

This is the perfect first meal following birth, and can be eaten as often as desired and served all day for the first few days (and thereafter) to the newborn mother. As described, this pudding has instantly accessible energy, aids digestion and builds blood.

A wonderful gift to bring in a thermos to a newborn mother!

Ingredients: Basmati rice, unrefined sugar, ghee, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground black pepper, milk

Recipe by Julia Jones in Nourishing Newborn Mothers

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Ghee, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Turmeric, Ginger, Quinoa, Cauliflower, Home-Cooked Shiitake Immune Boosting Broth if vegetarian or Bone Broth if not, Parsley, Coconut Milk, Chickpeas

A beautiful easy to eat stew home cooked using the recipe by Leila Armour in Village For Mama

Price is per 480g serve

Colour and a variety of vegetables bless this wholesome filling dish. A beautiful healthy filling postpartum meal.

Ingredients: Ghee, Onion, Brown Rice, Shiitake Immune-Boosting Bone Broth (or bone broth on request), Butternut Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Zucchini, Parsley, Grass-Fed Butter, Beetroot, Parmesan (or nutritional yeas on request)

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Ghee, Shiitake Mushrooms, Button Mushrooms, Home-Cooked Shiitake Immune Boosting broth if vegetarian or Bone Broth if not, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Arborio Rice, Thyme, Nutmeg, Lemon, Basil, Parmesan, Nutritional Yeast

This home-cooked meal is made using the recipe from Life After Birth by Jessica Prescott and Vaughne Geary

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Eggplant, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Lentils, Mushrooms, Baby Spinach, Zucchini, Carrot, Canned Tomato, Italian Herbs, Worcestershire Sauce

This gluten and dairy free pasta sauce has plenty of veggies snuck in. The roasted eggplant lends this dish so much flavour and fibre. Enjoy!

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Ghee, RSCPA approved chicken, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ground Cumin, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Pinch Cayenne Pepper, Carrots, Celery, Crushed Tomatoes, Chickpeas, Lemon Juice.

This soup is hearty and sweet. It is warming with its heating but not spicy spices. Even my toddler loves it! The chickpeas add plant-based protein. Super-powered with 24-hour home-cooked chicken broth made with organic chicken bones, this nutrient dense soup with leave you satisfied and nourished. Like a warm hug.

This meal is home-cooked using a recipe from Louisa Clements, recommended by The Doula Training Academy.

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Chicken Thigh Cutlets, Onion, Ginger Root, Carrots, Chinese Red Dates, Goji Berries, Home-Cooked 24 Hour Chicken Broth

It is described in the book The First Forty Days: “This twist of a classic ‘first food’ for mum may sound strange. Dried fruit in chicken soup, you ask? But go with it: Chinese red dates - also known as jujubes,…plus ruby-coloured goji berries is a time tested combo used to boost circulation and enhance inner warmth. Your eyes will delight at the look of these little gems in your soup bowl. Your taste buds will love the subtle touch of sweetness against the savoury chicken. …Chinese red dates bestow amazing postpartum health benefits.

This soup is home-cooked using the recipe from The First Forty Days by Heng Ou.

Price is per 480g serve.

Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Onion, Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, Mushroom, Home-Cooked 24 Hour Chicken Broth, Tomato Paste, Garlic Cloves, Sausages, Millet, Spinach, Cumin, Paprika, Turmeric, Peppercorns.

This hearty stew is described in the book The First Forty Days: “When the belly is rumbling, a bowl of rustic folk food is in order. …A winner for a hungry mum. …It’s hearty in feel and flavour. …This stew has the greens mixed in, so everything you need is in one big bowl.”

The home-cooked stew is made using the recipe from The FIrst Forty Days by Heng Ou.

Price is per 480g serve.

Ingredients: Ghee, Leek, Garlic Cloves, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Zucchini, Fennel, 24 Hour Chicken Broth, Turmeric, Ginger, Chicken Thick Cutlets, Vermicelli Noodles, Kale, Parsley, Basil

This soup is home-cooked using the recipe from Village For Mama by Leila Armour.

This soup is my personal favourite. I eat it when I am menstruating or sick for an immune boost, or when I need a big warm hug in the form of food. It is the epitome of nourishment with it’s home-cooked 24 hour chicken broth base. Jam-packed with veggies and fresh herbs, the flavour is addictive and oh so nourishing.

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Beef Mince, Ghee, Onion, Carrot, Potatoes, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Spinach, Peas, Home-Cooked Chicken Bone Broth, Spelt Flour, Worcestershire Sauce, Tomato Paste, Dijon Mustard, Parmesan

This home-cooked meal is made using the recipe from Village for Mama by Leila Armour

About this beautiful cottage pie she writes: “There is something so comforting about wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of goodness when you are exhausted and ravenous. This cottage pie is loaded with veggies to give a super nutrient boost. The cauliflower and potato mash with the subtle flavour of mustard make for a delicious twist and the addition of parmesan cheese really tops it off - because who doesn’t love a cheesey mash!”

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Onion, Carrot, Celery, Zucchini, Pumpkin, Pearl Barley, Lamb Shanks, Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce, Bay Leaves, Garlic, Oregano, Home-Cooked Beef Bone Broth

This protein rich soup is high in essential amino acids and is a rich source of B12 and iron. Cooked low and slow to ensure the meat drips off the bone and the goodness from the marrow can be benefited from. A meal like it's from grandma.

Price is per 480g serve

INGREDIENTS:

Beef Chuck, Red Lentils, Turmeric (O), Garlic Powder, Carrots (O), Sweet Potato (O), Home-Cooked Beef Bone Broth (Beef Bones, Onion (O),Carrot (O), Celery (O), Rosemary, Thyme, Garlic (O), Bay Leaves, Peppercorns, Apple Cider Vinegar (O)), Potatoes (O), Onion (O), Coconut Oil (O), Coconut Milk (O)

(O) = ORGANIC

A tasty rich slow-cooked soup with succulent melt-in-your-mouth beef

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Lamb, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Rosemary, Carrot, Potato, Bay Leaves, Turkish Figs, Lemon, Parsley, Home-Made 24 Hour Chicken Stock, Diced Tomatoes - Canned, Cumin, Paprika, Coriander Seed, Nutmeg, Cinnamon.

This meal is home-cooked using a recipe from Nourished Postpartum by Shannon Hayes and Alana Mulhall.

Described: “Lamb provides a good source of dietary iron, which is an important nutrient during pregnancy and post-birth. We encourage women who are bleeding or have lost blood during the birthing process to focus on including iron rich foods into their diet regularly during this time.”

Ingredients: Ghee, Beef Shin, Onion, Carrot, Celery, Home-Cooked Chicken Bone Broth, Canned Tomatoes, Rosemary, Thyme, Bay Leaves, Garlic Cloves, Cinnamon Stick, Grass Fed Collagen, Rice Flour

This silky decadent meal is jam-packed with healthy fats. It is made using the recipe from Milk To Meals by Luka Mccabe and Carley Mendes

Described: This meal is comforting, nutritious and delicious for the whole family. The bone marrow adds a rich source of gelatin, collagen, zinc and iron, all vitally important for you and your baby

Price is per 480g serve.

Ingredients

Ghee, Onion, Button Mushrooms, Oxtails, Home-Cooked 24 Hour Chicken Broth, Tamari, Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Thyme.

This decadent stew uses oxtail, an expensive high-protein cut of red meat, rich in bone marrow (high in magnesium). It contains calcium and is high in collagen, antioxidants, iron and amino acids – meaning it maintains muscle health, hair/skin/nails health, all-over body nutrient delivery, connective-tissue formation and repair, cholesterol lowering LDL, immune-system enhancing and overall stamina. The silky good-fatty nature of this meals makes it naturally great for postpartum constipation too!

This home-cooked stew is made using the recipe from First Forty Days by Heng Ou.

Described in the book as “buttery and succulent. A classic of Jamaican cooking, oxtail stew should really be made with a Bob Marley soundtrack reminding you that 'Every Little Thing Gonna Be Alright'. Jamaicans serve it with lima beans and rice, but it's also delicious over clouds of mashed potato, polenta or with rice and goat's cheese.

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Oxtails, Onion, Leek, Carrot, Celery, Purple Sweet Potato, Parsley, Rosemary, Bay Leaves, Home-Cooked 24 hour Chicken Broth, Paprika, Turmeric, Diced Tomatoes - Canned.

This meal is so beautiful that it is what I made for my birth team for following the homebirth of my daughter for us all to share in.

This home-cooked meal is cooked using a recipe from Nourished Postpartum by Shannon Hayes and Alana Mulhall.

It is described in the book: “We recommend making and eating this recipe regularly the weeks following birth. Oxtails are a rich source of protein and iron. They are abundant in connective tissue and the slow cooking of this meat creates a high collagen content meal easy on the digestion.”

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Carrot, Sweet Potato, Turmeric and Other Spices (not specified to protect authors recipe), Coconut Milk, Diced Tomatoes (canned), Baby Spinach, Quinoa, Chickpeas.

Serve on its own or with roti bread (stew does not come with roti bread)

This Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegan stew is described as vegan stew high in protein and anti-inflammatory spices. It follows the postpartum principles of warming and easy to digest

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Red Lentils, Goji Berries, Medjool Dates, Cinnamon Sticks, *Home-Cooked Shiitake Immune-Boosting Broth, Pumpkin, Carrot, Baby Spinach, Coconut Milk

Serve on it’s own or with toasted buttered sourdough or naan or on rice (not included)

This dairy free and gluten free dahl is described as being specifically designed for after birth. Warmth promoting and revitalizing.

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Pumpkin, Celery, Onion, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Almond Milk, Nutmeg, Coconut Cream, Home cooked Shiitake Immune Boosting Broth if vegan or Bone Broth if not

This dairy free and gluten free vegan meal is described as a fantastic way to nourish the body post-birth. Traditionally, many cultures fed women soups, stews and broths post-birth to support warmth within the body. The carotenoids that pumpkins contains are both anti-inflammatory and immune system supportive

Price is per 480g serve

INGREDIENTS: Coconut Oil if vegan or Ghee if not, Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Leek, Potatoes, Parsnip, Turnip, Red Lentils, Cumin, Coriander, Home-Cooked Shiitake Immune Boosting Broth if vegan or Bone Broth if not, Bay Leaf, Parsley, Lemon Juice.

This home-cooked meals is described as being beautiful when your body needs a rest from over-indulgence and wants to turn towards rest and wellbeing. The red lentils provide an easy-to-digest source of protein and the root vegetables are recommended as the most important for a newborn mother to consume during the first 6 weeks within Chinese medicine and Ayuverda.

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Yellow onion, Organic Coconut Oil, Home-Cooked Shiitake Immune-Boosting Broth, Cumin, Carrots, Green Lentils, Quinoa, Kale, Tamari, Nutritional Yeast.

This thin home-cooked soup is made using the recipe from The First Forty Days by Heng Ou.

Contains nutritional yeast, known as a galactagogue (milk producing and regulating) which is also full of B vitamins. This healthy dish has a savoury flavour and is packed full of plant-based protein that is easy to digest.

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Shallot, Butternut Squash, Cumin, Curry Powder, Home-Cooked Shiitake Immune-Boosting Broth, Red Lentils. Tamari. Nutritional Yeast

This home-cooked meal is made using the recipe from The First Forty Days by Heng Ou.

Described in the book; “Orange is the colour of celebration, ritual and happiness - a shade that instantly lifts the spirit. The slightly sweet taste and grounding properties of kabocha squash are especially comforting on days when you might feel teary or blue, and a generous amount of lubricating oil helps remedy inner dryness and wind, soothing the nerves further. Combine this soup with the Oxtail Stew for a wonderfully rich and satisfying concoction.

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Leeks, Yellow Onion, Parsnips, Organic Coconut Oil, Home-Cooked Shiitake Immune-Boosting Broth, Sea Salt, Quinoa, Spinach, Chard, Tamari, Nutritional Yeast

This thin home-cooked soup is made using the recipe from The First Forty Days by Heng Ou.

Described in the book: “It’s hard for anyone to get their daily serve of fortifying greens, let alone a new mum! And since you’re avoiding cold raw salad, it may seem doubly tough to get your greens on - but there are definitely quick and warming options available. This soup helps tp address that conundrum. By simmering and liquefying lots of leaves at once, you can consume a gardenful of greens in one brightly coloured and very easily digestible bowl. Quinoa boosts the soup by adding texture, protein and a pop pf contrasting colour. Seasonal Greens Soup has an essential role in the new mum’s repertoire”.

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Sweet Potatoes, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Jalapeno Pepper, Curry Powder, Turmeric, Diced Tomatoes Canned, Coconut Milk, Chickpeas, Home-Cooked Shiitake Immune Boosting Broth if vegan or Bone Broth if not, Peanut Butter, Roasted Peanuts, Spinach

A personal favourite, this home-cooked meal is described as being celebrated in western African countries for centuries, and for good reason. Made in one pot with humble ingredients, consisting of a rich comforting broth of peanuts sweet potatoes, tomatoes and spices, our version of this beloved dish is like a warm hug.

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Coconut Oil (Ghee if not vegan), Cumin Seeds, Lemongrass, Ginger, Turmeric, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Pumpkin, Zucchini, Green Beans, Red Capsicum, Broth - Shiitake Immune Boosting Broth if vegan or Bone Broth if not, Coconut Milk, Sea Salt

This beautiful home-cooked laksa is described as being a creamy coconut soup full of nourishing vegetables and infused with the delicious flavours of ginger, kaffir lime and lemongrass

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Garlic, Onion, Ginger, Red Lentils, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Cauliflower, Pumpkin, Swede, Parsnip, Cumin, Coriander Ground, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Canned Diced Tomatoes, Chickpeas, Fresh Coriander, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon, Shiitake Immune-Boosting Broth

Absolutely packed with root and other vegetables, this thick dahl is coriander heavy and simply delicious. Serve with pappadums

My own recipe, with love

Price is per 480g serve

Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Moong Dahl, Pumpkin, Leek, Carrot, Sweet Potato, Spinach, Ginger, Garlic, Cinnamon Stick, Bay Leaves, Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander Seed, Cardamom, Fennel Seeds, Home-Cooked Broth - Shiitake Immune Boosting if vegan or Bone Broth if not, Coconut Oil if vegan or Ghee if not, Lemon

This Ayuverdic recipe is a staple for postpartum. Easy to digest, filled with warming spices, it is the perfect healing meal for early postpartum

Ingredients

Rolled Oats, Cacao Powder, Baking Powder, Salt, Maple Syrup, Tahini, Eggs, Butter, Vanilla Extract, 70% Dark Chocolate

These brownies are a delicious alternative to the common lactation cookies - the ingredients support and promote milk production.

The recipe used to bake these beautiful brownies comes from the book Village For Mama by Leila Armour

These gluten-free, iron and fiber rich, refined sugar free cookies utilize oats, flaxseeds and fenugreek for milk supply. A hearty, healthy and delicious snack for your postpartum!

Ingredients

Carrot, Coconut Sugar, Butter, Coconut Oil, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Oat Flour, Almond Flour, Fenugreek, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Baking Soda, Rolled Oats, Shredded Coconut, Flaxseeds, Raisins, Walnuts

Recipe in Eat T o Feed by Eliza Larson and Kristy Kohler

A cross between a muffin and a cookie, these oat bites are quite dense, hearty and filling. Keeping you energized with the seed blend that delivers trace minerals, omega 3's and protein.

Ingredients

Coconut Oil, Honey, Rolled Oats, Oat Flour, Brewer's Yeast, Baking Powder, Walnuts, Sunflower Seeds, Black Sesame Seeds, Flaxseeds, Hemp Seeds, Chia Seeds, Cinnamon, Coconut Sugar, Dried Blueberries, Eggs

Recipe in Eat T o Feed by Eliza Larson and Kristy Kohler