BY: REBECCA BELENKY, Postpartum Doula and founder of LOS ANGELES BIRTH
Breakfast Porridge, perfect for the postpartum time
I don’t like to overthink breakfast, but I also don’t like eating the same thing every day. This porridge has become one of my favorite things to make because it’s so easy and makes delicious leftovers. The nutty flavors come together as it sits in the refrigerator, and it reheats really well. I like making a big batch so there’s always something ready to warm up for breakfast or a quick snack between meals.
Eating Breakfast During Postpartum
I think eating during postpartum is different from eating during our normal, everyday lives. Your body is recovering from birth, you’re likely getting less sleep than you’re used to, and if you’re breastfeeding, your body is also doing the important work of making milk.
I encourage families to lean into comforting foods during this time, especially at breakfast. Instead of a cold smoothie or a piece of toast eaten between tasks, consider starting your day with something warm and nutrient-rich. It’s easy to lose sight of yourself in counting diapers or logging feedings. Babies have a way of taking all the focus in the early days. But when you’re exhausted, having someone bring you a warm bowl of breakfast can be deeply comforting and help you return to yourself and your needs. You matter too!
Eating foods that are delicious, provide the energy and nutrients your body needs, and help you feel safe and cared for can be a meaningful part of postpartum healing.
Postpartum Porridge Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup short-grain brown rice
⅓ cup sesame seeds (I like toasted)
⅓ cup hemp seeds
6 cups filtered water
1–2 teaspoons kosher salt (I like it on the savory side)
1 can full-fat coconut milk (I like Trader Joe’s brand)
Instructions
Add the brown rice, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, filtered water, and salt to the Instant Pot.
Cook on low pressure for 30 minutes.
When the cooking cycle is complete, let it rest for 10 minutes, then carefully release the pressure.
Open the lid and stir in the can of coconut milk.
Secure the lid and cook on low pressure for another 5 minutes.
Release the pressure, stir well, and serve warm.
Makes 6 servings.
The porridge will thicken as it cools, and I actually think it tastes better after a day or two in the refrigerator.
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, or freeze in individual portions.
Estimated nutrition per serving: 345 calories | 8g protein | 24g fat | 28g carbohydrates | 4g fiber
Based on 6 servings, without toppings.
A Few Ways to Serve This Porridge
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it can become something different every morning. Depending on what’s in your refrigerator, you can go sweet or savory without starting over.
Something Sweet
Goji berries, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, and a spoonful of honey
Ghee, chopped apples, raisins, and sesame seeds
Warm stewed berries or cherries with cinnamon, finished with a handful of slivered almonds
Something Savory
A soft-cooked egg, some fried kale, furikake, and hot sauce
A fried egg, diced avocado, and some chopped cilantro
Warmed leftover meat from dinner with vegetables and a little sesame oil and hot sauce to finish
Whatever combination of leftovers you have on hand that sounds good!
Easy Stewed Fruit Recipe
I love keeping a jar of stewed fruit in the refrigerator. It’s a simple way to add something special to a bowl of porridge, and it’s equally delicious with plain yogurt, granola, or chia pudding.
You can use frozen berries, cherries, or chopped apples, depending on what you have available. I like to keep switching it up with each batch.
Ingredients
1 bag frozen fruit like berries, peaches, cherries, or chopped fresh apples
3 dates, chopped
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
A dash of salt
A generous squeeze of citrus
Instructions
Combine the fruit, dates, water, cinnamon, and salt in a small saucepan.
Cover and simmer over low heat for approximately 20 minutes, until the fruit is soft.
Keep an eye on the fruit as it cooks to make sure it doesn’t burn on the bottom of the pan. Stir occasionally and add a few spoonfuls of water if needed.
Taste and add more salt if needed.
Finish with a generous squeeze of citrus to brighten the flavor.
Let cool, then store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.
Spoon over warm porridge, or use it to add a little flavor to other breakfasts and snacks throughout the week.
Estimated nutrition per serving: 95 calories | 1g protein | 0g fat | 24g carbohydrates | 3g fiber
Based on 5 servings using mixed berries and Medjool dates. No added sugar.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
One thing I love about postpartum doula work is helping families find simple ways to make everyday life easier as they adjust to a new baby.
It really is a small thing…making a big batch of porridge, or freezing a few individual portions for another day, but they can make a big difference for your future self when you’re tired and looking for a shortcut. And sometimes, having someone bring you a warm bowl of breakfast while you’re tucked into bed snuggling with your baby is about as good as it gets!
If you’re preparing for a baby and looking for postpartum doula support in Pasadena or the surrounding Los Angeles communities, I’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch. I’d love to hear about what you would like from postpartum support.
Continue Exploring Birth, Labor, and Support in Los Angeles
✨ If you’d like more practical, real-life prenatal support from Los Angeles Birth, here are additional birth and postpartum resources for Los Angeles families:
Birth Doula Support in Los Angeles
A closer look at what it means to have continuous birth doula support through pregnancy and labor.Healthy Spiced Banana Muffins
A simple, nourishing recipe that’s easy to prep ahead and perfect for postpartum recovery.Private Childbirth Education
Learn about how you can benefit from personalized, private birth classes in your home.
About Rebecca Belenky
Rebecca Belenky is a Los Angeles–based doula, childbirth educator, and lactation educator who has supported families since 2014. Through her practice, Los Angeles Birth, she offers compassionate, trauma-informed care that helps parents feel informed, grounded, and confident through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
