Making Breakfast Easy with Perfect Overnight Oats
In the early days of postpartum life, your body needs steady nourishment, but finding time to prepare meals often feels impossible. Overnight oats are one of the easiest make-ahead breakfasts. This simple recipe starts with fiber-rich oats and adds chia seeds for plant-based omega-3s and digestive support. Hemp seeds boost protein, iron, and magnesium—nutrients your body needs for energy and recovery postpartum.
You can add nuts or seeds and fresh or frozen fruit, depending on your preferences. This perfect recipe provides a blank slate, and with just a few minutes of prep before bed, you'll wake up to a nourishing, ready-to-eat meal that supports healing and gives you the energy you need to start the day. Bonus - you can manage holding a newborn and eating out of a jar simultaneously! To make it even easier, keep all the ingredients in one basket and ask a friend or family member to make these for you while they visit.
Looking for the Best Baby Shower Gift?
Forget the onesies—bring a gift they’ll actually use (and eat)! I recently had a client receive a whole flat of jars pre-filled with the dried goods for overnight oats as a baby shower gift. These twelve mason jars only needed my client's milk of choice and a touch of maple syrup, and this was hands down the most useful gift I have seen prepared for a new parent. You can find a flat of 12 - 16oz mason jars at your local Fred Meyer or favorite online retailer. A simple note to the new parents to add a half cup of their favorite milk and a touch of sweetener, and you are all set. Adjust the servings in the recipe if you want to mix the dry ingredients in one large bowl and then portion out in your containers. When offering these as a gift, you will eliminate the maple syrup and vanilla and choose from the following add-ins to jazz up the recipe.
Favorite shelf-stable add-ins (adjust per food allergies or preferences):
Pumpkin seeds
Walnuts or pecans
Dried tart cherries or cranberries
Cut-up dried apricots, dates, or figs
Freeze-dried berries
Coconut flakes, unsweetened
Matcha powder (1 tsp per serving)
Cocoa powder (1 tbsp per serving)
Vanilla protein powder (use 1/2 scoop per serving)
Closing Thoughts
Supporting families with nourishing meals is one of the most thoughtful gestures made by friends and families. Whether you make these ahead or prep them while visiting, the new parents will be thankful to have one less thing to worry about as they focus on feeding and bonding with their baby.
Perfect Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled-oats (old-fashioned works best)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 tbsp. hemp seeds
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (Ceylon is my go-to)
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup grated apple (Granny Smith adds a nice tartness)
- Top with sliced apple and chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/3 cup fresh berries
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- Top with a sprinkle of granola
- 1 tbsp. cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
- 1 tbsp. nut butter
- Top with banana slices and chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in your preferred container (16 oz works best).
- Add in extras per your preferences.
- Stir well and combine.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least four hours.
- Add toppings before eating.
- Make 3 or 4 jars at once for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Pre-mixed, these can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- You can add more milk in the morning to achieve your desired consistency.
- Grab a spoon and enjoy! If you can only eat a few bites, pop the jar back in the fridge for later.
Kind reminder
The information shared on this blog is meant to offer support, encouragement, and general guidance, not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your health or your baby's well-being.
