The birth of a baby leads to changing a woman’s life entirely. She certainly goes through a lot of emotional changes and physical changes after a c-section is done at a Gynecology hospital. The mother, therefore needs a good diet and ample amount of rest to recover soon. The right nutritious diet of the mother after delivery becomes very essential not only because it aids in her speedy recovery, but also because she needs to breastfeed the newborn baby. This is essential because; 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. Further, a good diet is also important for proper digestion and easy bowel movements that don’t strain the abdomen.
Which Diet is Best After C Section?
Preparing a diet plan composed of what to eat after caesarean delivery and what to avoid needs to be done carefully. It is crucial to note that the diet should be a mix of foods which will supply essential nutrients in sufficient quantities to the mother.
Here Mentioned are Some of the Food Items Which Should be Included in a Mother’s Diet Plan After C-Section for a Speedy Recovery:-
Protein, Minerals and Calcium-rich Food:
You need to understand that apart from adjusting with the right sleeping positions in pregnancy, it is also important to follow a good diet post delivery particularly after a c-section. Intake of proteins help in the growth of new tissue cells which quicken the healing process. Foods that are rich in protein facilitate the repair of tissues and maintain muscle power post surgery. Calcium strengthens bones and teeth and relaxes the muscles. It also aids blood coagulation and prevents osteoporosis.
Consumption of low-fat dairy products such as skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurt, cheese, and beans will be quite beneficial for mothers as these are excellent reservoirs of proteins and vitamins. Also, pulses that are rich in protein content are good and sesame seeds rich in iron, copper, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium has its own benefits.
Whole Grain Foods:
Whole grain foods, for example, brown bread and brown rice should essentially be a part of your diet as they are rich in carbohydrates. It will help to maintain energy levels and breast milk production. The whole grain products have iron, fibre and folic acid which are necessary in the early stages of development of the baby. Mothers who may experience sleepless nights in the morning must start their day with a whole grain cereal breakfast. If you are suffering from Gestational diabetes during pregnancy you can take whole grain foods in moderation.
Vitamin-Rich Foods:
Vitamins are known to be rich in antioxidants and help in repairing tissues. It plays a crucial role in the production of collagen in the body which certainly assists in forming new scar tissues, ligaments and skin. Some of the vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and fenugreek leaves are good sources of vitamins. Fruits like oranges, watermelons, strawberries, grapefruits and sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin C. All these fruits help in fighting infections and strengthening immunity.
Fibre-Rich Foods:
Constipation can be responsible for delaying the healing process. Since, it can put pressure on wounds and incisions. Fibre is a necessary nutrient that averts constipation by ensuring proper bowel movements. Consumption of raw fruits and vegetables add roughage to the diet giving relief from constipation. Oats and ragi are also high in fibre content. Additionally, they are also rich sources of carbohydrates, calcium, proteins and iron.
Easily Digestible Foods:
It is quite obvious that the body accumulates gas after giving birth. So, new mothers should be careful to avoid food items that cause gastric problems. For example, junk food and carbonated drinks and instead consume food items such as soup, cottage cheese, yogurt and other items which are easily digested by the body.
Some of the Foods to Avoid After C-Section
- Since the activity level is low after delivery, so it is better to avoid all fatty foods as these will only add on to the weight.
- Caffeinated drinks should be taken in moderation only since these are diuretics and can cause problems in your baby’s growth.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol as it can impair the mother’s ability to breastfeed and can cause developmental problems in the baby.
- Avoid fried food as they are very difficult to digest in the first 40 days. Also, it can lead to gas, stomach ache and burns.
Summing Up:-
Hopefully, the list of food items mentioned above in the article related to diet after C section will help you recover well after your delivery. Do note that during the first few days after c-section delivery, a very light diet should be taken. However, after some time, you would need to resume the regular diet with lots of nutritious foods to replenish the nutrients lost during pregnancy.
To know more, you must consult your dietician or nutrition expert.
