help me with this food dilemma (people making meals after birth)

[caedmyn]

Our church traditionally makes meals for a family with a new baby for about 10 days after the birth. Obviously this is a little problematic, not only because I don't particuarly want to eat processed foods for that long right after I have a baby, but also because DD has multiple food intolerances (dairy, wheat, eggs and food chemical sensitivities) and I do, too (rice, wheat, dairy...I can eat dairy 2-3 times a week and wheat every once in a while) and most people's meals contain wheat and/or dairy. I'm thinking that I'll probably just request that people don't make meals since it would be difficult for people to work around the food intolerances, and since my mom will be here for a while after the birth and she can cook for us. I was also thinking that maybe I could suggest that people make lunches for DH instead so they still feel like they're doing something.

Any thoughts on my ideas? Ideas that I haven't thought of?

[mellifluousmama]

What about mentioning that there are food intolerances/allergy issues and offering recepies of things you could have that they could make? So if someone really wanted to make something they could and you could actually feel you could eat it.
Just an idea.

HTH

[Puffin]

Maybe you could mention multiple food allergies and the issue of cross-contamination and just cook a bunch and stuff your freezer before the baby is born. People always want to help, so perhaps you could tell folks you really need diapers, dog-walking, sibling help, or just an hour to take a shower and eat by yourself. I would do these kind of things if people ask!

[Gale Force]

DH lunches is a great idea.

If the church has a kitchen, ask if anyone would like to join you there some evening to help you prepare some dishes. You bring the stuff.

[newcastlemama]

I opted out when it was my turn for meals at church because of my food issues too. I made broth, meatloafs, and liver pate for after (Next time I will freeze even more food))....If I could have people help in another way after the baby it would be cleaning--especially laundry and kitchen stuff.

[enchantinglysimple]

I would most deffinetly let them know about the food allergies you all have and let them know that you would rather have help in other areas....

I think people have to understand your feelings. I think I would just make a lot of things to freeze so you have things on hand.

[Rachel J.]

Our church and friends do this as well. I actually find it challenging now to figure out what to bring people because I no longer do much with wheat or dairy (I can't eat either) and most people prefer the more "identifiable" mainstream foods, like the lasagna I always made, that I can't bring myself to serve someone whose body is either sick or recovering. I think the ideas of sharing recipes for those who really want to help with food, freezer meals for your dh, or asking for help around the house are great. I loved it when my mom came and cleaned my bathrooms, the last thing I wanted to work on with a new baby, actually the last thing I ever want to work on My sister's MIL and a family friend cleaned her house from top to bottom and it made her cry, of course what doesn't make a pp woman cry?