Welcome to a More Nourished Postpartum
I am so glad you’re here.
If you are reading this, you are likely preparing for—or currently navigating—one of the most transformative seasons of your life. Whether you are in your final weeks of pregnancy or in the thick of the newborn days, my goal is simple: To make sure you are well fed so you can focus on healing and bonding.
This page is your "Home Base" for everything related to our time together in your kitchen. Below, you’ll find the logistics of how I work, how to prepare your space, and how we support your recovery with every bite.
Think of me as your "Kitchen Doula." I’m here to handle the mental load of meal planning, the physical labor of grocery shopping, and the cleanup—leaving you with a stocked fridge, clean kitchen, and a quiet house.
A Note on My Approach
As both a nutrition consultant and hospitality professional, I don't just cook for flavor; I cook for function. In the Winston-Salem area, I am honored to bring professional-grade service into your home. I work with "newborn-quiet" mindfulness, ensuring that my presence in your home is a source of peace, never a source of stress.
Quick Navigation
The Day-Of Flow – Entry, cooking, and exit logistics.
Kitchen Prep Checklist – How to prepare for a smooth cook day.
Equipment & Pantry Essentials – What I bring vs. what you provide.
Safety & Household Guidelines – Keeping babies, pets, and chefs safe.
Current Seasonal Menus– Explore this month's nourishing flavors.
Packages and Pricing - Details about exactly what options are available
The Day-Of Flow
I strive to be a "calm presence" in your home. My goal is to handle the kitchen so you can maintain your rhythm of rest and bonding. Here is exactly what to expect when I arrive for your scheduled service:
1. Arrival & Quiet Entry
I will arrive at our scheduled time (typically between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM).
Key/Code Access: Most clients prefer to provide a door code or leave a key in a secure spot so they don't have to scramble to the door.
Quiet Check-In: If you are resting or nursing, there is no need to greet me! I will send a quick "I'm here!" text and let myself in quietly.
2. In the Kitchen
I will begin by setting up my supplies and unpacking the fresh groceries I’ve hand-selected for your menu.
Duration: A typical service takes 4 to 5 hours depending on your package size.
Atmosphere: I aim to be as quiet as possible and avoid any disruptions. You may hear the occasional simmer or timer, but I am careful to keep noise to a minimum. Feel free to nap, nurse, or snuggle—the kitchen is handled.
3. Packaging & Labeling
Once the cooking is complete, I portion your meals into your designated containers (either your own or provided by me).
Labeling: Every dish is clearly labeled with the name, the date, and—most importantly—simple reheating instructions.
Fridge/Freezer: I will tuck everything into your cleared fridge shelf, organized by "Eat First" (fresh) and "Eat Later" (freezer-friendly).
4. Cleanup
My job isn't done until your kitchen is restored.
The Cleanup: I start the dishwasher, hand-wash any pots/pans I used, wipe down your counters, and shine the sink. I take any trash I produce with me (unless you prefer otherwise).
The Note: I’ll leave a "Kitchen Note" on your counter with a summary of the day's meals and any special tips for enjoying them.
5. Departure
I will lock up according to your instructions and send you a final "All set!" text. You can wake up from your nap or emerge from the nursery to a house that smells like a home-cooked meal and a kitchen that is cleaner than when I arrived.
Kitchen Prep Checklist
To ensure I can provide the most efficient service and leave your kitchen sparkling, I kindly ask for the following "prep" before I arrive:
Clear the Sink: Please ensure the sink is free of dishes so I can begin prep immediately.
Clear the Counters: I'll need a clear workspace (ideally near the stove) to set up my professional prep station.
Fridge Space: Please clear one full shelf for your new meals.
Container Ready: If we are using your glass containers, please have them clean and sitting on the counter.
Pet & Baby Safety: I love your furry friends and your little ones! However, for safety during active cooking, I ask that the kitchen floor remain a "clear zone."
Equipment and Pantry Essentials
To ensure your meals are prepared to professional standards, I arrive with my own tools. This allows me to work efficiently in any kitchen layout without relying on your personal tools.
What I Bring
You don’t need to worry about sharpening your knives or finding a zester. I bring:
Professional Knives: My own set of knives, no need to worry about providing any.
Specialty Small-ware: Microplanes, high-speed blenders (if needed), digital scales, and thermometers.
The "Flavor Kit": I carry a small kit of high-quality "finishing" essentials—Maldon sea salt, organic peppercorns, and premium olive oil—to ensure every dish is seasoned perfectly.
Clean Linens: I bring my own clean kitchen towels and aprons.
What Your Kitchen Should Provide
To maximize my time in your home, I ask that the following items are in working order and accessible:
Primary Appliances: A working stovetop (Gas, Electric, or Induction) and a functioning oven.
Large Cookware: Access to your largest stockpot (8qt+ is ideal) and a standard baking sheet or roasting pan.
The Basics: Access to your kitchen sink with hot water and a clear trash/recycling bin.
Storage Containers: Two sets of high-quality storage containers (unless we have arranged for me to provide them).
The "Pantry Staples"
To keep your grocery costs transparent, I will typically use your "basics" if you have them on hand. If your pantry is currently empty, please let me know, and I will add these to my shopping list for our first session:
Cooking Oils: Avocado oil, coconut oil, or butter.
Basic Spices: Kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.
Grains/Legumes: If we are prepping bulk rice, quinoa, or lentils.
Safety
Postpartum homes are busy, beautiful places! To keep everyone safe—especially while I’m handling sharp knives, hot pans, and boiling liquids—I have a few "House Rules":
The Kitchen "Safe Zone": For safety reasons, I ask that the kitchen floor remain a clear zone while I am cooking. This means keeping curious toddlers and pets in another room during the active cooking hours.
Utilities Check: If you know of any "quirks" with your appliances (e.g., the back left burner runs very hot or the sink sprayer is finicky), please leave a small note or let me know during our check-in!
A Quiet Environment: I am more than happy to work while you rest or nurse. You do not need to feel the need to "host" or chat with me. I am here to be a quiet, helpful extension of your village.
Sample Menu (May 2026)
This is a sample of my spring menu. Your specific menu will be curated based on the freshest local ingredients available during your service week.
Menu Details
Option 1: The "Nesting" Freezer Stash
Perfect for: The 3rd Trimester (34–38 weeks)
Get ahead of the "newborn haze" by filling your freezer with nutrient-dense, easy to reheat meals.
How the menu works:
Once we confirm your cook date with a deposit, I send you a short dietary questionnaire to confirm your likes, dislikes, and any allergies or intolerances.
You’ll review my menu of freezer-friendly meals and select the top 6 items your family would love most. Whether you want to load up entirely on comforting, healing soups, or prefer a mix of grab-and-go breakfasts and hearty dinners, the choice is entirely yours. I will prepare, package, and label each selection in multi-serving portions so your freezer is stocked and everything has clear instructions.
Option 2: The "Fourth Trimester" Weekly Service
Perfect for: Immediate Postpartum and Recovery
How the menu works:
Once we confirm your cook date with a deposit, we have a consultation about your family’s likes, dislikes, and preferences so that I have an idea of your ideal menus.
Before your cook date, I email you a seasonal menu suggestion for the upcoming week. It will feature 3 breakfast options, 3 lunch options, and 3 dinner options curated just for you (along with information on current add on options)
You simply reply with your picks: "Give me options A & C for breakfast, B & C for lunch, and A & B for dinner." All you have to do is make your choices and approve the final menu or request quick swaps.
Ready to take "What's for dinner?" off your plate?
To ensure the highest level of care, I only take a limited number of clients per month in the Winston-Salem area. Let's make sure we’re a perfect fit for your recovery journey.
Step 1: Book a 15-minute phone consultation. We’ll discuss your due date, dietary preferences, and which package best suits your family.
Step 2: Secure your dates with a service deposit.
Step 3: Rest easy knowing your "village" just got a lot stronger.
About Me!
Hello!My name is Michaela Bell and I am a mama, Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Personal Chef, specializing in pregnancy and postpartum nutrition.
I believe with my whole heart that mothers deserve more care and support and that food is a wonderful way to provide just that.
Years before beginning Michaela Bell Maternal Wellness, I attended school at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY (class of 2018), and spent time in restaurants around New York City.
After my son was born, my interest in food and nutrition only grew, especially when it came to pregnancy and postpartum. I attended the Oh Baby School of Nutrition to become a Certified Nutrition Consultant for pregnancy and postpartum nutrition.
I also hold a ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification.