Forever Postpartum
A reflective series exploring the tender, transformative seasons of motherhood, nourishment, and what it means to care for ourselves and others.
This month we feature Di McHardy, mother of Oscar(4) and Maggie(3), founder of Mama’s Meals and author of the much-loved cookbook Family Cooking - a book that has become a well-used staple in both of our homes.
Through her honest approach to feeding families, Di has created a space that makes nourishment feel simpler and more achievable. Her work is grounded in embracing wholesome food without perfection, easing the mental load for parents, and finding comfort in the everyday rhythms of family life.
You’ve helped so many families make mealtimes feel less stressful and more
grounding. What are some of the meals or routines that have become anchors in your own household over the years?
It would have to be food prep and meal planning. I know.. so boring, but very on brand for me! While it looks different every week and in different seasons of our family life – these two routines truly provide us with so much stability amongst the chaos. I religiously meal plan five meals every week then try to set aside some time during the weekend to make a dinner, some kind of baking as well as something for breakfasts. Food prep is just the norm now and when I don’t make time for it… I always regret it! 30 minutes can go a long way too.
Looking back on your postpartum experiences, what made you feel cared for and
supported in those early weeks with Maggie and Oscar?
Those early weeks feel like such a blur now…but I do have such fond memories of that time, despite how challenging the fourth trimester can be! It really was the simplest gestures from my husband, family and friends that made me feel so supported and loved. A hot coffee in bed (which was inevitably spilt many times), meals dropped at the door and I can still picture the cards and flowers that adorned our dining table after Oscar was born. It was so special to see people turn up for us in a way we had never experienced before having a baby. I’ll never forget when one of my besties surprised us with an entire weeks’ worth of groceries delivered to our door! Food goes such a long way when you’re
postpartum and you always feel so connected to the people who showed up for you.
A lot of mothers carry the invisible load of constantly thinking ahead for everyone else. What helps you feel most like yourself again when life feels stretched or overwhelming?
This is something that I feel so deeply – as mothers we always feel like we need to be five
steps ahead.. and I am definitely someone who is guilty of putting a lot on my plate. Nothing quite clears my head than a walk or time in nature, even 20 minutes can do wonders. I am fortunate now that my kids are older, I can book a little escape for a night or two when I’m feeling really stretched. That always resets me, brings me back to myself and what’s important. I am also a recent convert to single tasking especially when life feels overwhelming… whether it be at work or at home. Take on one task at a time, tidy one room or cupboard. It’s amazing how much it has helped me to slow down and be more present.
What feels most important to you in this current season of motherhood?
In this current season, my health and wellbeing feels most important to me. I’ve learnt after many years that when I don’t prioritise myself properly, it’s only a matter of time until it catches up on me. Right now, it’s not about doing more – it’s about creating small rituals in the day to show up for myself. I know that when I take care of myself, I am a more centred mother, wife, friend, daughter, business-owner… the list goes on.
My non-negotiables each day now are movement and self-care in one form or another -
whether that’s through nourishing food, time with loved ones, an online Pilates class or just my very simple skincare routine at night! It has to be achievable for it to stick.
What do you hope your children will remember or carry forward from the way food
and family life are approached in your home?
This question makes me emotional just thinking about it! I hope they remember our family life as fun and full of love, and that food was something we always connected over. I hope they have memories with us in the kitchen and see it as somewhere they belonged alongside us. Music on, snacks on the bench, friends and family for dinner, crumbs everywhere… and how you don’t need elaborate meals to bring people together.
What does the idea of “forever postpartum” mean to you now, as both a mother and
someone who spends so much time caring for others through food?
To me, “forever postpartum” is the acknowledgement that you are forever changed once you become a mother and in every new season that comes with it. Motherhood reshapes you in the most profound way, that you will never quite be the same – but in the most powerful way possible. Even years later after my first postpartum experience, I am still evolving so much. Whilst they may need you less as they grow up, they still need you so much in other ways- and as their mother, you’re forever adapting. I find so much beauty in that.