Postpartum Nutrition with Helen Snook

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We sat down with Helen Snook, mum of 2 and Co-Founder of Indi Supplements to chat postpartum nutrition. The postpartum period is an exciting, yet challenging time for new mums. With the demands of a newborn, hormonal shifts and the need to recover from childbirth, it's crucial to prioritise your health and nutrition.

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  • What’s the story behind the brand? What led you to set up Indi?

Helen: “I co-founded Indi with my husband Chris in 2021. We launched within weeks of our first baby being born. 😅

“The inspiration came from our own personal experience. Like many, we were juggling busy working lives and feeling the pressure with recurrent coughs and colds, low energy, low mood and poor sleep. Despite having the best intentions, a ‘complete and nutritious diet’ eluded us and we turned to supplements for a much-needed leg-up. We were faced with an industry which, sadly, continues to be riddled with misinformation, synthetic products and dubious ingredient lists.  We knew there had to be a better way…’

  • Can you overview the range in a few sentences?

Helen: “We developed 5 supplements to support you from first thing in the morning to last thing at night. The range is easy to understand and shop (we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to!) and can be taken individually or together.

“Our powdered, whole food blends work to fill common nutrition gaps using the most powerful plants on earth, many of which you wouldn’t find on your supermarket shelf.  Importantly, we deliver these ingredients in doses that make a difference and in a form your body can process and use. 

“Our non-negotiables are taste and efficacy; Indi should be an enjoyable addition to your daily routine and you will feel its benefits every day.”

  • Which Indi supplement would you recommend for a new mum?

Helen: “As a second-time mum, I know that the demands of parenting a newborn as well as a toddler can leave you feeling exhausted.  A good plant-rich diet is so important to help fuel your body, but can feel impossible to keep up with.

“Indi Body will get your day off to a good start. It contains 15 nutritious plants delivering a hit of fibre, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. I take first thing in the morning blended into a smoothie with kefir, almond milk, banana, frozen or fresh fruit and oats. But if I have zero time, I just use an Indi shaker to mix into almond milk and drink on the go!”  

  • How important is fibre for postpartum recovery? 

Helen: “Around 95% of people are deficient in fibre so it's important for anyone but it’s especially important for new mums. It’s often overlooked in postpartum nutrition, but fibre plays a vital role in post-birth recovery since many women experience constipation due to hormonal changes, reduced physical activity and the use of pain medications. A diet rich in fibre can help alleviate this discomfort and promote healthy digestion. If you can, aim to eat 30 different plants a week.

"Body includes 5.4g of plant-based fibre (from 12 plants) to aid digestion and support a healthy gut. Fibre is not only crucial for digestive health but also for stabilising blood sugar levels, which can be particularly beneficial for new mums dealing with energy crashes or cravings.”

  • What role do hormone shifts play in postpartum nutrition?

Helen: “After childbirth, your body undergoes significant hormonal changes as it adjusts from pregnancy to postpartum. Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, which were elevated during pregnancy, start to decrease rapidly. This can lead to mood swings, fatigue and even postpartum depression in some cases. Proper nutrition is essential to help stabilise these hormone levels and support your overall wellbeing.

“Included in Body's blend of 15 superfoods that benefit digestion, mood and immunity, is Peruvian Maca. Maca can help to regulate hormones by acting as an adaptogen, which supports the body's ability to balance and stabilise hormone levels. It may influence the endocrine system, particularly the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which play key roles in hormone production. This can lead to improved symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with PMS, menopause and stress-related conditions. Additionally, Maca is thought to help enhance libido, fertility and overall energy levels by promoting a more balanced hormone profile.”

  • Brain fog is a very real issue for lots of mums. Can your supplements help? 

Helen: “Many mums (including myself!) count on Mind for a natural, jitter-free lift when running on little sleep. It’s a great low-caffeine* alternative to coffee with the benefit of nutrients that reduce brain fog and promote brain health long-term. We’ve used 10 of the world’s best brain foods including adaptogenic Lion’s Mane mushroom, antioxidant cocoa and CoQ10.

"Mind contains 16mg of caffeine per serving via slow-release guarana. The NHS recommends that pregnant women don’t exceed 200mg of caffeine per day, so this is well below the advised limit.”

  • Can supplements help with postpartum hair loss?

Helen: “Postpartum hair loss is a common concern among new mums, which typically occurs due to the dramatic drop in oestrogen levels after childbirth. While this is usually temporary, it can be distressing. We know that health and beauty are deeply connected to our gut microbiome, and since Body improves gut health using fibre, probiotics and natural vitamins and minerals including biotin, it can be used to support postpartum hair regrowth and density. Due to our hair shedding cycle, best results are seen after 3 months of use.”

  • Can Indi be taken on an empty stomach?

Helen: “One of the common concerns with supplements is whether they can cause digestive discomfort, especially when taken on an empty stomach. Since our supplements are made from powdered whole foods and plant extracts, they’re gentle on the stomach and don’t need to be taken with additional food. However, this is evidence that your body can absorb more nutrients if taken with food so even mixing with a plant milk or into a smoothie vs. taking with just water is a good idea.”

  • Can I take any of Indi’s supplements if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Helen: “We recommend consulting with your doctor before taking any supplements during pregnancy because they hold your full clinical history. All of our supplements are safe to use during pregnancy except Rest which contains Valerian Root and Ashwagandha, two ingredients which are best avoided. All Indi supplements are safe to take when breastfeeding.

“Body contains about 100mcg of folic acid per serving, so you will still need to take a folic acid supplement to reach the government’s RDA of 400-600mcg.”

  • Last but not least—have you enjoyed using Peachies with your new arrival? 

Helen: “YES!  I tried all the mainstream brands with my first daughter and settled on the best of the bunch. I was dubious as to whether a start-up could rival their years of experience and vast product development budgets, but I am SO IMPRESSED!  Not only are they more sustainable, but they fit better, they are noticeably softer, they hold more liquid (very important in the middle of the night!) and in 8 weeks we’ve had zero poop explosions… I’m converted and have converted all my mum friends too!”

Try out Indi with special 15% off code PEACHIES15
Indi products mentioned in this article include, Body and Mind. 

The Derrière Diaries

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