Women who undergo C-section surgery experience physical, emotional, and mental stress. Delivering by C-section is invasive, and mothers need a good amount of time to recover from it. An essential part of this recovery is the diet the mother takes. While most people focus on the diet while a woman is pregnant, diet after the delivery is often neglected.
With this article, we hope to inform mothers and their families about the diet during and diet after C-section recovery. The aim is to propel the healing process and encourage recovery. Let’s get started.
Diet immediately after C-section
Immediately after the surgery, the mother is kept on ice chips and a liquid diet. Once the intestinal functioning comes to normal, the diet is shifted to semi-solids. To avoid bloating and unwanted gas, solid food is reintroduced slowly. Incorporating proteins, iron, and fibers into the diet is essential at this stage.
Dehydration, prenatal vitamins, and pain medications contribute to constipation, which is common after delivery. Consuming fibers from whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts, ease out constipation. New mothers should also eat a sufficient amount of warm water or soup.
Protein contributes to maintaining the muscle and promoting the growth of new tissues. Mothers can choose lean proteins to get adequate nutrition without worrying about additional fats. Greek yogurt, tofu, white meat poultry and eggs, beans, and lentils are various lean protein sources for diet after c-section.
Iron supplements are provided to pregnant women through their pregnancy journey and after it. Women lose a significant amount of blood during delivery. Taking iron-rich food like green leafy vegetables, beans, and legumes, helps produce hemoglobin and reduce the chances of iron deficiency anemia.
Foods to Indulge in
A diet plan for C-section recovery needs to contain all necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates. Home-cooked meals made with fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts, are ideal. Diet plans are specific to each mother and made keeping their nutritional requirements in mind.
One can contact DayToDay Health to connect with a dietician for a Diet chart after C-section recovery.
Vitamin-rich food help in repairing damaged tissues by promoting the production of collagen. They also contain high levels of antioxidants. Fenugreek leaves, spinach, carrots, broccoli, avocado, oranges, strawberries, watermelon, papaya are good vitamin sources. They also help with improving immunity.
Proteins, Minerals, and Calcium are required to promote cell building and to strengthen the bones. Good sources of calcium include green vegetables, milk, and dairy products, soya drinks, and fortified flour. Fruits like kiwi, grapes, banana, blueberries, cherries, mango, peach, pear have high mineral content.
Iron-rich food helps regain the blood lost during delivery. Diet after C-section should contain spinach, quinoa, chicken, ham, turkey, dried apricots, sesame and pumpkin seeds, peanuts, roasted almonds, and sunflower seeds.
Easily digestible food like yogurt, paneer, soups, broths helps in great snacking options. Clubbing them with fiber-rich foods like ragi, oats, green grams, and pulses ensures hassle-free bowel movements and keeps constipation, indigestion, gas, and bloating at bay.
Dairy food is a must for breastfeeding mothers. Skimmed milk, cheese, and low-fat curd are rich in calcium, vitamins, and proteins. Women who are lactose intolerant can choose from almond or soy milk to fulfill their nutritional needs.
Galactagogue food items like garlic, fennel seeds, sesame seeds, green leafy vegetables, tulsi, help in maintaining or increasing the production and flow of breast milk, and should be added to the mother’s diet generously.
Water and fluids like coconut milk, smoothies, buttermilk, herbal teas, soups, calcium-fortified drinks, and fruit juices can help ease bowel movements. These options are not substitutes for water. Mothers should consume at least 3 liters of water daily.
Bonus: Indian spices like Hing, Jeera, and Ajwain can be added to the mother’s diet to improve health. Jeera helps with digestion and improves the production of breast milk. Hing and ajwain help ease out flatulence.
Food items to Avoid
After a C-section, physical activities are restricted for a significant period. Food items that can cause fatigue, lethargy, and slow recovery should be avoided. The diet chart after C-section recovery should also eliminate anything that takes a longer time to digest.
Items like carbonated drinks, citrus juices, coffee, tea, and spicy food should be avoided as they increase bloating and gas. Fermented and fried food can cause heartburn and indigestion. Since mothers are breastfeeding, such foods can affect the milk and cause growth problems in the newborn.
Food made with dals like chana, urad, gram flour, rajma, besan can be stopped for the first two months as they cause gastrointestinal issues. Similarly, vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, onions can be eliminated for the first 40 days after delivery.
Fish and shellfish have high mercury content and are harmful to the baby. Mothers should avoid cold cuts, raw meat, and uncooked vegetables. Alcohol is an absolute no at this stage as it can interfere with breastfeeding and cause developmental anomalies in the baby.
Sodium content in food should be monitored before and after delivery. Items like frozen and canned food, additives like baking powder and soda, sauces like soy, barbeque, teriyaki, Chinese food, salted fish, and processed meat contain high sodium and should be consumed in limited proportions.
Final words
New mothers should take it slow and ease into their normal diets. Consuming multiple meals with smaller portion sizes and chewing properly can help with digestion. Support of the family and friends also makes a big difference in the mother’s smooth recovery.
Experience comprehensive pre-and-post delivery care for expecting mothers with the Motherhood-DayToDay Health Care Programs. http://bit.ly/39YfFLw
— Update: 25-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article What to Eat after a Cesarean Section (C-Section) Delivery from the website www.happyfamilyorganics.com for the keyword foods to eat after c section.
Read time: 4 minutes
What Should You Know About Your Diet After A Cesarean (C-section) Delivery?
- Why optimal nutrition post-surgery matters
- Essential nutrients to help the healing process
- Easing C-section related discomforts through diet
Optimal nutrition and diet after cesarean delivery is important for your recovery.1 As with any major abdominal surgery, your body will need time to properly heal. Choosing foods that have the essential nutrients needed for recovery can help boost the healing process and help keep your energy levels up.2
In the initial hours following your surgery, your diet may only consist of ice chips or liquids.3 Once you pass gas, a sign that your intestines are functioning well, your diet will likely progress to solid foods and eventually a normal diet.3 At this point, it’s important to re-introduce foods slowly to avoid diet related discomforts such as painful bloating or gas.
Good nutrition and a healthy diet after cesarean delivery are key during your recovery.4 Read on for tips that can help you be on your way to feeling better and healing well.
Foods and nutrients to eat after your c-section:
Fiber
Constipation is a common postpartum discomfort. Your recent abdominal surgery from the cesarean section, pain medications, and prenatal vitamins can all contribute to this issue.5 Aiming for at least 25 grams of fiber daily can help keep you regular.6
Sources of fiber include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, beans, and other legumes.
Protein
Protein is essential to the healing process and helps promote the growth of new tissue.7,8 It also aids in maintaining and repairing muscle post-surgery. Choosing lean proteins with meals and snacks will help you meet your protein needs, while also helping balance your plate.
Source of protein include fish, poultry, beef, eggs, dairy, beans, legumes, tofu, nuts, and seeds.
Fluid
Consuming enough fluid helps to prevent dehydration and constipation.9 Your body will have an even higher demand for fluid if you are breastfeeding.10 Aim to drink to thirst, and maybe a little bit more. 11
Choose water most often.12 Add a splash of citrus, herbs, or sliced cucumber for flavor that can help you come back for more!
Iron
Iron is important after a C-section, especially if you suffered from major blood loss.13, 25 Choosing iron-rich foods can help produce hemoglobin and reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia.14 Getting enough iron may also help combat fatigue.15
Pairing plant-based iron-rich foods with a vitamin C source allows for better absorption of the iron.26, 14
Foods rich in iron include red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and iron fortified grains such as cereals, breads, and pastas.
Read more Baby Announcement Wording and Etiquette for New Parents
For more information: What should I Know about Iron Deficiency Anemia during Pregnancy?
Vitamins A and C, and Minerals magnesium, copper, and zinc
All of these nutrients play a role in wound healing and may be helpful to get enough of while you are recovering from your cesarean section.16, 27
Vitamin A-rich foods include: Sweet potato, carrots, spinach, cow’s milk, cantaloupe, red peppers, and salmon.17
Vitamin C-rich foods include: Citrus fruit such as oranges and grapefruit, green pepper, kiwifruit, broccoli, tomatoes, and cantaloupe.18
Magnesium-rich foods include: Legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, dairy, and green leafy vegetables.19
Copper-rich foods include: Shellfish, nuts, seeds, wheat bran cereals, mushrooms, avocado, chickpeas.20
Zinc-rich foods include: Red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, nuts, dairy, and whole grains.21
If you have questions, reach out to our team of registered dietitian nutritionists and lactation consultants for free! They’re here to help on our free to live chat from Monday through Friday, from 8am–6pm (ET). Chat now!
Top nutrition tips for after a c-section
Eat throughout the day
Having several smaller meals throughout the day rather than a few larger meals may help put less of a strain on your digestive system and cause less discomfort.
Eat slowly
As difficult as this may be with a newborn, eating slowly can prevent excessive, uncomfortable gas and bloating after your cesarean section.22
Choose nutrient dense foods
Foods that are nutrient dense and will help you meet your daily needs include: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat dairy products, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and beans. Having a well-balanced diet rich in these foods will help get vitamin C, A, and minerals magnesium, copper, and zinc to help with wound healing and recovery.
Limit refined and processed foods
When you are caring for a newborn, it’s easy to put your needs aside and reach convenience foods. But often refined and processed foods are higher in salt, sugar, and fats. When these take the place of balanced meals with whole foods, it may lead to feeling more tired, having a longer recovery, and may even be harmful to our health in the long run.23, 24
Choosing whole, fresh foods will help give your body the nutrients needed for recovery while also helping to keep your energy levels stable.
Let’s Chat!
We know parenting often means sleepless nights, stressful days, and countless questions and confusion, and we want to support you in your feeding journey and beyond. Our Happy Baby Experts are a team of lactation consultants and registered dietitian nutritionists certified in infant and maternal nutrition – and they’re all moms, too, which means they’ve been there and seen that. They’re here to help on our free, live chat platform Monday through Friday, from 8am–6pm (ET). Chat Now!
For more on this topic, check out the following articles
Practical Tips For Staying Hydrated
How To Minimize Processed Foods In Your Diet
Why does Vitamin C Matter for Babies, Tots and Mama
6 Tips to Help Manage Prenatal and Postpartum Constipation
— Update: 26-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Diet After C-section Delivery – Foods to Eat and Avoid from the website parenting.firstcry.com for the keyword foods to eat after c section.
A lot of C-section or caesarean deliveries happen as a result of a complication or unforeseen circumstances. The process of delivery by C-section can be difficult and painful as it can exhaust the mother both mentally and physically. In order to recover from the surgery, the mother will need ample rest and a controlled diet. The mother needs to be closely monitored during the first few weeks after the C section, and she should be assisted to recover mentally and physically from the stress of of the delivery.
Video: Diet After a C-Section (Foods to Eat and Avoid)
Also Read: Indian Foods to Eat After Delivery
Why Is Nutrition After Delivery Important?
The diet of the mother after delivery becomes very important not only because it aids in her speedy recovery, but also because she needs to breastfeed the newborn baby. Breast milk is the only source of nutrition for the baby during the first few months, so it is important to ensure that the mother gets a healthy diet. Good nutrition along with ample rest will also speed up the healing of the abdominal wall and the uterus which are slit during the C-section. Proper nutrition will also help the mother shed the weight gained during pregnancy.
Diet to Follow Immediately After Caesarean Section
In addition to providing good nutrition to the baby and assisting in healing the mother’s body, a good diet is also important for proper digestion and easy bowel movements that don’t strain the abdomen. The diet to be followed immediately after caesarean delivery should be rich in critical nutrients such as proteins, minerals, calcium, fibre, and iron.
Constipation is one of the major problems women face after delivery. The reasons for these are many, such as the high levels of iron in prenatal supplements, drugs used during surgery, dehydration, and weak pelvic muscles post-delivery. However, another reason why new moms suffer from constipation is psychological – the fear that their stitches might get affected or that they might hurt.
To make sure that constipation isn’t because of physiological changes post-delivery, here’s what you can do –
- Drink warm liquids.
- Eat fibre-rich foods (explained in detail below)
- Avoid caffeine.
Also Read: Diet for Healthy Weight Loss After Delivery
Best Diet After C-section
Drawing a diet plan with what to eat after caesarean delivery and what to avoid should be planned carefully. The diet should be a mix of foods which will supply essential nutrients in sufficient quantities to the mother. Listed below are items which should be included in a mother’s diet after a C-section for a speedy recovery:
1. Protein, Minerals and Calcium-rich Food
Proteins help in the growth of new tissue cells which quicken the healing process. Foods rich in protein facilitate the repair of tissues and maintain muscle power post surgery. Calcium, on the other hand, strengthens bones and teeth, relaxes the muscles, aids blood coagulation and prevents osteoporosis. During breastfeeding, 250 to 350 mg of calcium is transferred to the new-born baby.
- Low-fat dairy products such as skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurt, cheese, beans and dried peas are excellent reservoirs of proteins and vitamins.
- Pulses are rich in protein content.
- Sesame seeds are rich in iron, copper, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium.
2. Whole Grain Foods
Whole grain foods such as pasta, brown bread and brown rice should form a part of your diet as they are rich in carbohydrates that help maintain energy levels and breast milk production. Enriched whole grain products have iron, fibre and folic acid which are essential in the early stages of development of the baby. Mothers experiencing sleepless nights and irritation in the morning should start their day with a whole grain cereal breakfast.
3. Vitamin-rich Foods
Vitamins are rich in antioxidants and help in repairing tissues. Vitamins assist production of collagen in the body which helps in building new scar tissues, ligaments and skin.
- Vegetables like broccoli, spinach and fenugreek leaves are good sources of vitamins A and C, dietary calcium and iron.
- Vegetables and fruits like oranges, papayas, watermelons, strawberries, grapefruits and sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps in combating infections and strengthening immunity.
4. Fibre-rich Foods
Constipation can delay the healing process by putting pressure on wounds and incisions, and fibre is a necessary nutrient that averts constipation by ensuring hassle-free bowel movements.
- Raw fruits and vegetables add roughage to the diet and give relief from constipation.
- Oats and ragi are high in fibre content and are also rich sources of carbohydrates, calcium, proteins and iron.
- Lentils, green grams and pulses can also be included in the diet for their protein and fibre content.
5. Easy-to-digest Foods
The body accumulates gas after giving birth. New mothers should be careful not to eat food items that cause gas and constipation. During the period after the C-section, you should avoid consumption of junk food and carbonated drinks and consume food items such as soup, cottage cheese, broth, yoghurt and other items which are easily digested by the body.
6. Iron-rich Foods
Iron maintains the haemoglobin levels in the body and helps regain blood lost during the delivery process. Iron also aids in the functioning of the immune system. Food items such as egg yolk, red meat, oysters, beef liver and dry fruits are rich sources of iron. The recommended iron intake for women beyond 19 years is 9 mg per day. Excessive iron consumption can result in constipation and should be avoided.
7. Fluids
Drinking lots of fluids helps keep dehydration and constipation at bay. Good fluid intake helps smoothen bowel movements and aids in post-surgery recovery. Liquids such as coconut water, low-fat milk, non-citrus juices, herbal teas, buttermilk and soup are good sources of essential nutrients. You should also consume 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.
Liquids such as calcium-fortified drinks, low-fat yoghurt and milk improve your breast milk supply, which is an essential component of the baby’s daily diet. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and energy drinks should be avoided as they can enter the breast milk and affect your baby’s sleep.
8. Dairy Products
Low-fat dairy products such as skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurt and cheese provide a good dose of protein, calcium and vitamins B and D. These minerals are essential for nursing mothers, and at least 500ml of dairy products should be consumed daily.
9. Vegetables and Fruits
While all fruits and vegetables are beneficial for new mothers, green veggies are especially good as they are loaded with vitamins, iron and calcium. Besides beans, spinach and broccoli, it is a good idea to include lotus stems and fenugreek in a meal plan. Mushrooms and carrots are good sources of protein for vegetarians. Breastfeeding mothers can benefit from the antioxidant properties of blueberries and the goodness of vitamin C-rich citrus fruits.
Read more Diet After C-Section Delivery: Essential Nutrients To Take And Foods To Avoid
10. Other Foods
Aside from the foods listed above, including spices and condiments that are integral to Indian cooking will help a new mother cope with the physical demands childbirth puts on her. Cumin, fenugreek, turmeric, ginger and garlic, and carom seeds (ajwain) are some spices that have medicinal properties. While some like ajwain are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, others like turmeric help reduce inflammation.
Indian Foods After Caesarean Delivery – Spices for Recovery
Indian foods are rich in nutrients such as proteins, calcium, iron and vitamins, and a good diet plan consisting of Indian foods can fulfil the nutritional requirement of the recovering mother. Food items commonly used in India such as fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, ridge gourd, spinach, masoor dal, oats and daliya help increase milk production in the mother.
Indian spices, when added to the mother’s diet, help in speedy recovery after a c-section delivery.
- Hing/Asafoetida: Addition of hing to the diet post-pregnancy will help in better digestion and ease out the gas/flatulence problem which every mother faces post-delivery.
- Jeera: Jeera aids digestion and also helps in the production of milk.
- Ajwain/Carom seeds: Consumption of ajwain also helps in digestion and is tender towards the digestive system. Aromatic oils from ajwain are released in the breast milk which help in regulating baby’s motions and digestion.
Which Foods to Avoid After Caesarean Delivery?
Post C-section, your usual activities are restricted as you are advised to rest. Since you will not be able to do much of any physical activity, it is important to control what you eat and avoid consuming anything that will take a long time to digest and increase fatigue. Also, in order to heal from the stress of delivery, the body needs nutritious and light food that supplements it with necessary minerals and helps avoid any adverse impact. Just like the list of recommended foods, there are food items that should be avoided after delivery.
- Avoid spicy food as it can cause gastric trouble and the baby might also get the flavour in the milk.
- Carbonated drinks and citrus juices should not be consumed as they can cause gas.
- Consumption of caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea should be restricted as caffeine can cause problems in the baby’s growth.
- Alcohol should be avoided as it can interfere with the mother’s ability to breastfeed, and impair baby’s growth and development.
- Stay away from foods that produce gas. Food items such as urad dal, chole, chawali, rajma, chana, besan, pickles, green peas, dry peas and vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, bhindi, broccoli and onions should be avoided for at least 40 days from the day of delivery.
- Cold and uncooked food should be excluded from the menu.
- Fermented, fried and fast food should be avoided completely.
- Avoid ghee and rice for the first 3-4 days after a C- section.
Important Tips to Get the Best Out of Your Post Caesarean Delivery Diet
Following are some basic tips to be kept in mind in regards to your diet to get the best out of what you eat:
- Instead of consuming three heavy meals during the day, spread out your meal throughout the day and try to have five to six small meals.
- Maintain a gap of two hours between meals. In case you feel hungry, snack on some fruits or nuts in the interim.
- Have a relaxed meal. Take time to properly chew the food before swallowing instead of gulping it down at once. Ask your family members to look after your baby in the meantime so that you can have a peaceful meal.
- Sleep whenever possible. A good sleep might be difficult with a newborn baby around, but make sure to catch a nap frequently as sleep will help your body repair and heal better and faster.
- Avoid food that is not cooked at home. Consume only home-cooked food and include a lot of fresh ingredients in your meal.
The time after a C-section delivery can be difficult and challenging. It is important to keep a control on the diet in order to speed up recovery. A good, nutritious diet can help you recuperate from surgery and keep you and your baby healthy.
Also Read:
Fruits to Eat and Avoid during Breastfeeding
No Breast Milk After Delivery
Indian Diet After Miscarriage
— Update: 07-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Diet After C-Section Delivery: Essential Nutrients To Take And Foods To Avoid from the website www.momjunction.com for the keyword foods to eat after c section.
C-section is one of the most common surgical procedures; however, it is a major procedure and warrants special care (1). Hence, paying attention to your diet after cesarean delivery is pertinent to hasten recovery and support optimum milk production.
You should consult a certified dietician or nutritionist to plan a well-balanced diet containing various foods from the different food groups.
Read on as we give you insight into the essential nutrients you should include in your diet after a c-section delivery and some foods you should avoid eating. Also, we give you some tips to follow to maintain a healthy diet after delivery.
Why Is Nutrition Essential Post Delivery?
Whether it is a normal delivery or a C-section, optimum nutrition speeds up the recovery and improves your energy levels.
According to the Dietary Guidelines published by the US Department of Agriculture and endorsed by the American Dietetic Association, new mothers, who are breastfeeding, might require an additional daily intake of 450-500K calories. They also need additional amounts of vitamins and minerals (2).
A higher intake is recommended for women who are breastfeeding more than one baby or are underweight or who regularly indulge in physical activity. This is important to meet the nutritional needs of the mother and the growing baby.
Essential Nutrients To Have After Cesarean Delivery
A balanced diet supplies you with all the macro and micro nutrients that are required for you and your growing baby. Here are some of the nutrients that you need on your road to recovery after delivery – both normal and C-section (3).
1. Proteins
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Proteins aid in the growth of new cell tissues and help in the healing process. Protein-rich foods facilitate tissue repair and maintain muscle strength after the surgery. You can eat fish, eggs, chicken, dairy foods, meat, peas, dried beans, and nuts. These foods provide high-quality protein, which would also be the source of essential amino acids that are crucial for you and your baby (4).
While the recommended amount of daily protein intake for an average woman is around 0.8 g/kg body weight, an additional 19g is recommended for lactating women (5) (6).
2. Calcium
Calcium aids in the relaxation of muscles, strengthens bones and teeth, and helps in blood coagulation. The deficiency of calcium impacts bone-density and could also lead to the development of osteoporosisiXA condition that causes the weakening of bones due to decreased bone mass and mineral density. . Therefore, it is important to include good sources of calcium in your diet (7).
Some of the good sources of calcium are milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu, kale, and spinach. The recommended daily intake of calcium for lactating women of ages 14 to 18 is 1,300mg, and for those older than 19 years is 1,000mg per day.
During breastfeeding, 250 to 350mg of calcium is transferred to the newborn (8).
Note: Vitamin-D is important to enhance the bioavailability of calcium. Therefore, it is wise to ensure that you include vitamin-D enriched foods in your diet, along with calcium-rich foods. You could also try sunbathing, which is another effective way to enhance vitamin-D levels.
3. Iron
Image: Shutterstock
Iron is essential to maintain hemoglobin levels in the mother. Whereas for infants, it is required to support proper neurological development (9). However, its demand during lactation is less when compared to pregnancy (7). To meet the needs, you could include iron-rich foods, such as egg yolk, red meat, oysters, figs, beef liver, dried beans, and dry fruits.
While you plan to add iron-rich sources of food in your diet, practice caution, as an excess of iron can cause constipation. This could be an added concern in the early weeks after the surgery.
The recommended dietary allowance for iron is 10mg per day for women of ages 14 to 18 years, and 9mg per day for those older than 19 years (10).
4. Vitamins C
The recommended daily allowance is 115mg for lactating women of 14 to 18 years, and 120mg for those above 19 years (11).
Vitamin C helps strengthen your and your baby’s immune system. Optimum levels of vitamin-C are important for a mother post delivery, as it could support prompt healing by boosting collagen production. Whereas for babies, it is a key milk antioxidant that could help fight infections (11).
Breast-fed infants are well protected against vitamin-C deficiency (12). Thus, it is important that a mother’s diet includes vitamin-C rich fruits and veggies, such as oranges, melons, papayas, strawberries, grapefruits, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and broccoli.
Note: Vitamin-C is important to enhance the bioavailability of iron. Thus, it is wise to include vitamin C-rich foods along with iron-rich foods in your diet. For example, you can have spinach sandwiches with lemon water or eat an orange after a meal with kale and other iron-rich foods.
5. Multivitamins and multiminerals
Recovering after a cesarean section is very important and warrants proper nutritional care of the mother to ensure effective care of the baby. Therefore, it is wise to consume a well-balanced diet, rightly planned with the help of a nutritionist. Also, you should follow the course of multivitamins and multiminerals as prescribed by your doctor.
6. Fiber
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Fiber mitigates constipation, which, otherwise, causes undue pressure on the incisions formed after c-section. Thus, a diet rich in fiber is crucial. You could include plenty of whole grains, raw fruits and veggies, as they add roughageiXThe dietary fiber in plant-based foods which cannot be digested fully and thus aid in smooth excretion. to your diet (13).
Read more What to Eat after a Cesarean Section (C-Section) Delivery
However, as you increase fiber in your diet, remember to maintain optimum water intake, as too much fiber could counteract, especially with less intake of water.
7. Others
- Drink water and fresh juices and soups to avoid dehydration and constipation. Fluids help in smooth bowel movement and recovery from the surgery. In addition to water, you may have low-fat milk, non-citrus juices (unsweetened), herbal teas, coconut water, and buttermilk.
- You may cook and consume fish, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, and eggs that provide zinc. It could also act as a good source of vitamin-E for your breastfeeding baby.
- Milk is not only an excellent source of calcium but also promotes the production of breastmilk. Cottage cheese, broth, and yogurt are good sources of calcium too. Yogurt supplies your body with calcium and zinc. In case you are lactose intolerant or a vegan, you can try other sources of calcium such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, sesame seeds, etc. (14).
- You can also consult your nutritionist and try to include some spices and condiments that have known medicinal properties to support healing after cesarean delivery. For example, fenugreek, milk thistle, coriander seeds, fennel, Shatavari, etc. could be helpful post delivery (15). These are not only known for their galactagogueiXFoods and herbs that increase and improve the supply of breast milk. properties but are also believed to heal the mother’s body after delivery.
- You can include clarified butter or ghee in your diet if you wish to. Generally, ghee is purported to develop heat and thus delay healing of the incision post c-section. However, there are no known studies to support this belief. Therefore, it would be wise to consult your nutritionist and consume ghee, which is a good source of conjugated linolenic acid, omega-3, omega-6, vitamin-A, D, and K. All these are essential nutrients for the mother as well as the breastfeeding baby (16).
Even as you take care to include healthy foods in your diet, you need to eliminate or avoid certain unhealthy foods.
Foods To Avoid After C-Section
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You should avoid highly processed, refined, high-fat foods, especially because your physical activity is low after C-section. They may just add to your weight. Avoid spicy foods as they can lead to gastric problems. Maintain variety in your diet and consume everything in moderation.
Here are a few more foods that are best avoided:
- Carbonated drinks, which may cause gas and flatulence.
- Citrus juices should be taken with caution. You may take them in small amounts and then increase to moderate quantities.
- Caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea have diuretic properties. Therefore, have them moderately.
- Continue to stay away from alcohol as it can impair your ability to produce milk.
- If you have bloating and gas, then you may stop eating gas-forming foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, lady’s finger and onions, for a few days. You may also eat white lentils, red kidney beans, chickpeas, black-eyed beans, and green peas in small quantities and one variety at a time.
- Avoid spicy foods, especially the ones not prepared at home.
- Avoid cold foods and drinks. They may make you catch a cold.
Things To Remember
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Follow these basic tips to ensure you get the best out of what you eat:
- Have small meals throughout the day instead of consuming three heavy meals.
- Avoid gulping down your food. Instead, take some time to chew it slowly. It may be difficult for you to have a relaxing meal while having a newborn around, but you can ask your family members to look after your baby for some time.
- With a newborn, you may not get enough sleep. So, try to rest whenever possible. Sleep will help your body repair and heal better.
- Try to eat home-cooked meals as you can include lots of fresh ingredients.
References:
— Update: 12-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Best Foods For Mothers After Cesarean Section from the website pemconfinement.com for the keyword foods to eat after c section.
Delivery through a cesarean section requires major surgery, and just as it is with any other major surgery, your body will need extra care for you to heal completely. But if you’re worried about getting a cesarean section, don’t be because you’re not alone; cesarean sections now account for up to four out of every ten new births on the island.
The only thing to expect is a longer hospital stay – up to three or four days after your delivery (it may be longer if there are complications), and up to six weeks to fully heal.
So, why is it crucial for you to take note of what to eat after c section? During this time, adequate rest and a healthy diet are vital to a mother’s recovery and her baby’s wellbeing. Your confinement food menu, therefore, should consist of foods that are rich in nutrients that can promote good health and bowel movements. You should also be aware of the types of food to avoid after c-section.
Here’s a look at some of the best eating practices and foods for a mother after a cesarean section.
Ensure that You Drink Plenty of Fluids
Adequate fluid intake has no direct impact on wound healing, but it has numerous health benefits for a new mother, such as preventing constipation and reducing excess pressure on the abdomen.
That is why new mothers who have undergone a cesarean section are encouraged to make fluids an integral part of their confinement meals. This is reflected in the majority of Chinese confinement food in Singapore. Chinese confinement meals are often accompanied by a warm, nourishing drink that serves the same purpose as water, such as ginger tea, red dates tea, or a confinement tonic made up of regular chicken soup and ginseng chicken soup. So, try incorporating any of these or other fluids into your diet, but be sure to keep an eye out for added sugars.
Include Foods High in Protein and Vitamins
Protein-rich foods are unquestionably the best food after cesarean delivery as they aid in the growth of new body tissues. However, the advantages of protein-rich foods do not stop there. An increased protein intake is also important to support your breastfeeding needs.
Vitamins like A and C, as well as minerals such as iron and zinc, on the other hand, contain vital antioxidants that can help speed up the repair process and promote the production of collagen – a compound needed when scar tissues form.
Here are some protein- and vitamin-rich foods that are widely regarded as some of the best food for cesarean delivery:
Avoid Certain Foods
New mothers are often at a higher risk of prolonged wound healing after giving birth. So you have to watch your diet and be extra careful.
Foods to avoid after c section include meals with ingredients that may cause inflammation and affect the body’s healing process. Foods with added sugars and fried foods are also two of the most common food to avoid after cesarean delivery.
So, what type of food to eat after c section, you ask? Well, try eating anti-inflammatory foods such as fibre-rich foods, colourful vegetables, herbs, and nutritious warm soups, which can help improve digestion, heal wounds quickly, and may even potentially increase breast milk production. A good soup to include in your confinement diet is the “Green Papaya Herbal Fish Soup,” which is made with green papaya, fish, snakehead (sheng yu), ginger, and garlic.
Another great food to have is green pepper. Green peppers are a popular ingredient in Malay confinement meals as they are said to be naturally high in anti-bacterial compounds, which not only help to cleanse one’s digestive tract but are also excellent antioxidants that promote regular and natural bowel movements.
You May Also Read This: The Perfect Diet for a Mother During Confinement
Takeaway
We know that planning your food after cesarean delivery can be stressful, but it isn’t all that difficult. In fact, there are plenty of foods that can aid in your recovery after a c section delivery, as well as benefit your and your baby’s health.
Of course, it is important to learn not only what foods to eat after cesarean delivery but also what foods to avoid afterward, as both are equally important. But you don’t have to worry about it being different just because you had a c section as the foods to avoid after delivery are generally the same for all women regardless of delivery method.
Interested to learn more about some of the best nutrients to have after C-section? Watch this video now!
FAQ
1. How should you eat after a cesarean delivery?
An exemplary and healthy diet after c section includes good eating practices such as drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods that are anti-inflammatory, high in protein, and high in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as iron and zinc.
2. What should you avoid eating after a cesarean delivery?
Mothers who have had a cesarean delivery should limit their intake of deep-fried foods and foods with added sugars. It is also a good idea to avoid gassy foods like cabbage, cauliflower, and asparagus, as well as drinks like carbonated beverages and citrus juices if they cause extreme discomfort.
3. Can I eat rice after a cesarean delivery?
According to experts, it is safe to include rice and whole grains such as whole-grain bread, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, and oatmeal in one’s c section diet after pregnancy. Whole grains are rich in fibre and antioxidants that will help to regulate insulin levels and bowel movements, as well as promote good gut health.
4. When can I start eating solid foods again after a c section?
If your gynaecologist gives you the all-clear and there are no complications, you can make solid foods a part of your diet for c section delivery one or two days after your procedure.
