From Emma, part of The Mama Menu team

When my son Bodhi was born, my daughter was four and had just started school. My partner — a chef — was deep in the chaos of opening a new restaurant, so wasn’t around much. And suddenly I was juggling it all: newborn feeds, school runs, packed lunches, a very fussy eater, and trying to stay upright (and sane) on very little sleep.

Nutrition has always been important to me, but in those early weeks I just didn’t have the time or capacity to cook — let alone make something different for myself and my daughter, who definitely wasn’t going to eat the same thing I was. I was spread thin, running on adrenaline, and seriously in need of nourishment.

Freya — who I’ve worked with since the very beginning of The Mama Menu — really showed up for me. She gently guided me through foods and drinks that would support my milk supply, and then took all the pressure off by having everything delivered to my doorstep.

Each week, I had beautiful, nourishing meals ready to go in the fridge — food I could just reheat quickly (often one-handed) and actually enjoy. I loved the shredded chicken, turmeric & ginger quinoa risotto the most and it felt like a luxury not having to make it myself. The stewed winter fruit crumble was such a treat and completely satisfied my sweet cravings when breastfeeding. The snacks and drinks she included were a total game changer during those long breastfeeding marathons as well. I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without them.

Having that kind of support — food that felt like care, that felt like someone thinking of me — made such a difference. It helped me show up more fully for both my children and gave me one less thing to worry about at a time when my energy was completely focused on giving, giving, giving.

It’s exactly why I love what we do at The Mama Menu — because I’ve lived it too.

— Emma x