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What To Eat After C-Section Delivery For Better Recovery
Published: 01/07/24
Updated: 02/07/24
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Reviewed by expert panel
A caesarean section or a c-section, which is now one of the most common methods of childbirth around the world, can easily be considered as a major abdominal surgery since an incision in the mother’s abdomen is required to deliver the newborn. In some countries, a c-section is the commonly opted for method of childbirth while in others, surgery is preferred only when complications arise. Irrespective of why a c-section had to take place, it can be difficult to recover from – both mentally and physically. Figuring out what to eat after c-section is crucial in determining how you recover from the surgery.
The surgery has a long recovery period, as you need to heal from the physical wound of the delivery and also tackle your new role as a mom. In fact, the recovery time is estimated to be longer for a c-section delivery than a vaginal delivery. This is mostly because any kind of surgery is taxing for the human body. The only way to ensure that you recover fast and are able to return to your routine life is through proper nutrition and giving your body the rest it deserves. In this article, we will be exploring the role of a proper, nutritious diet in recovery after a c-section and foods you should consume or avoid during this phase.
What Should You Expect After a C-Section?
It can take your body weeks or even months to heal after c-section. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind as you recover from a c-section:
1. You need to take it slow and easy. Your body has just been through major surgery and on top of that, you now have a baby to take care of that. You need to give your body the time it requires to heal properly in order to embrace motherhood fully.
2. You may notice a change in your appetite after delivery. Due to hormonal changes and side effects of medication you have taken after the c-section, you may notice a loss of appetite. In some cases, however, you may also notice that you’re feeling hungrier than you usually do. While it is okay to indulge and wonder what to eat after caesarean section, it is important to maintain a balanced diet.
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3. You will also need to consume plenty of fluids as your body will be losing water after the surgery and during breastfeeding too. You need to make up for it by supplying your body with adequate fluids.
4. You can also expect some problems with your digestive system after the surgery, especially because of the medication you may have been put on or anaesthesia. Constipation is commonly reported in women who have undergone a c-section. In most cases, this can be resolved with the help of a balanced, nutritious diet.
Importance of a Healthy Diet After a C-Section
The most important factor which determines how fast you are back on your feet after a c-section is understanding what your body needs – and that is a healthy diet. Similar to when you were pregnant, it is important to maintain a balanced diet that is sustainable in the long term.
In the first few days after your delivery, it is recommended that you maintain a light diet. Having rich or spicy food, even if you are craving it, might disturb your digestive system and your bowel movements. This is all the more important if you are nursing. Ideally, you are free to consume what you like, as long as it is loaded with the right nutrients. During your surgery and in the recovery period, you will be losing a lot of nutrients and minerals from the body. It is crucial that you gain all that back through a proper diet.
Typically, it is advisable to have smaller meals but at frequent intervals. This makes it easier for your body to digest and if you are breastfeeding, you can align it to your baby’s feeding time. That way, you will be transferring the nutrients to your baby too; after all, the baby eats what you eat.
Your food needs to be rich in fibre and should be easy to digest. This doesn’t add undue pressure on your body’s digestive system, which takes a while to get back to normal after abdominal surgery.
Foods to Include in Your Diet After a C-Section
Planning what to eat after c-section delivery is challenging, especially if you are a first-time mom. You want to be cautious about what you put in your body, especially if you are lactating. Nutritionists and dieticians around the world swear by the below “superfoods” which will not only rejuvenate you but also help you recover faster after a c-section. These are:
1. Leafy green vegetables
Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, gourds, methi and others are great sources of iron, calcium and vitamins. Plus, they are really easy to digest. These could be included in your diet in the form of salads, vegetable curries or even as sides to your main dish.
2. Proteins
Irrespective of whether you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, you need to ensure you include an adequate quantity of proteins in your diet. These could be in the form of eggs, chicken or meat and even fish. These will help you recover your strength and prevent you from feeling weak after the delivery.
3. Milk and milk products
This is particularly important if you are breastfeeding. You need to add foods like milk, cheese, paneer or cottage cheese in your diet. These are great sources of calcium, vitamin D and iron. These also give you energy. In case you are lactose intolerant and wondering what to eat after c-section for fast recovery, then you could try soy milk or lactose-free milk and curd. Curd would not disturb your stomach, but would also add probiotics.
4. Bone broth
Bone broth is a kind of savoury, liquid-like substance, almost like a soup. It is usually prepared by boiling meat, fish and/or vegetables in water for a fixed period of time. If your body isn’t ready for heavy meals yet, this would be perfect as this is light on the stomach and at the same time, rich in proteins, collagen and minerals and vitamins. Moreover, collagen in bone broth can help wounds heal quicker.
5. Citrus
Consume plenty of fresh fruits as you recover from c-section, specifically citrus fruits like lemons, various kinds of berries and oranges as they are a rich source of Vitamin C. This makes your body stronger and heal faster.
6. Avocado
Avocado is rich in Vitamin K, which helps your blood clot faster. This is important in the days following your surgery. You could have avocado in any form you like, like guacamole or avocado toast. You can add eggs to the mix if you wish.
7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a rich source of fibre. It is normal to experience constipation in the days or weeks following your surgery. Instead of going for medication right away, you could add oatmeal to your postpartum diet. Daily consumption could help regularise your bowel movements.
8. Lentils and pulses
Lentils and pulses are rich in proteins and iron, and these are a must in your postpartum diet, especially if you are not consuming any kind of animal protein.
9. Coconut water
Natural coconut water is a good source of electrolytes. Having gone through surgery and now motherhood can be draining for your body. The process could deplete your body’s natural electrolytes and you may be wondering, “what can I eat after c-section?”. Adding a glass of coconut water to your diet daily could help you stay hydrated as well.
10. Ginger
Ginger is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and also works as an antioxidant which can help boost your overall health. You could add it to juice, tea or some warm water in the morning.
11. Nuts
Nuts, especially almonds, contain omega-3 acids, carbohydrates and vitamins and essential minerals which could boost your health. You can start consuming a handful of almonds daily before your breakfast.
12. Water and other fluids
The importance of water in the recovery process cannot be stressed enough. Post your surgery, and while you are breastfeeding, it is normal to feel dehydrated and drained. You must consume 3-4 litres of water daily. To break the monotony, you could consume fluids like freshly made juices, green tea and other liquids which do not contain caffeine.
What Should You Avoid Eating After a C-Section?
If you’re planning what to eat after caesarean section, it is equally important to maintain a list of food items you should avoid in your postpartum diet. Some of them are:
- It is better to avoid food rich in caffeine like aerated beverages or coffee.
- Alcohol is a big no-no. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you need to avoid drinking for as long as you are lactating. If not, it is recommended that you steer clear of alcoholic drinks for at least six weeks after delivery.
- Avoid food items and vegetables which could lead to bloating or gas formation. These include cauliflower, cabbage or some forms of lentils. Bloating or gas could hurt your incision area causing pain.
- Avoid oily or fried foods or foods that are spicy. These could cause heartburn and even affect your baby if you are lactating.
Recovering from any kind of surgery is tough; on top of that, you have recently embraced motherhood and even though your body needs to heal properly, there is barely any time to slow down. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, tired and drained after a c-section. This is where a good, healthy diet comes in. Proper nutrition and tasty yet healthy food can give you the energy you need to make a fast recovery and get through the first few weeks of motherhood.
Planning what to eat after c-section for fast recovery can be challenging, especially if you are feeding your newborn. The mantra is simple - you just need to add food which gives you wholesome nutrition and is light on your stomach and easy to digest. This includes fresh fruits and veggies, proteins, lentils and grains, calcium and vitamins and minerals. That could help you make a faster recovery after your surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should you take supplements after a c-section?
You may add supplements to your diet after a c-section, but only if your doctor advises you to. You may be deficient in certain essential nutrients; dietary supplements could be helpful in that case.
2. Can you have bread after a c-section?
Yes, you can have bread. You can start with soft, freshly made white bread in the initial days after the surgery as that is lighter on the stomach.
3. Can you eat spicy food after a c-section?
It is better to avoid rich and spicy foods after a c-section. However, you can include it in moderation based on your tolerance level.
4. How to deal with weight gain after a c-section?
It is normal to gain some weight after a surgery, especially since your mobility is affected. As you recover, you should include some light exercise like walking or yoga to deal with weight gain after childbirth.
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