The period after cesarean section is a painful time because it is exhausting both mentally and physically. Most of a person needs rest after any surgery! However, after a cesarean, as a new mother, you will also need to take care of your little one. Therefore, during this period, you should choose a diet that will help you recover faster and provide optimal nutrition when you start breastfeeding your baby.
1. Take Plenty Of Water And Fluid
Water does not have a direct impact on wound healing, but it greatly stimulates the production of breast milk and, more importantly, has many health benefits for the mother, such as preventing constipation and excessive pressure on the abdomen. New mothers who have had a Caesarean section are encouraged to make water an integral part of their delivery meals. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential to ease bowel movements, escape dehydration, and produce a sufficient quantity of milk for the little one. Therefore, include tender coconut water, non-citrus fruit juices, herbal tea, plain water, low-fat milk, buttermilk, soups, etc. in your diet after cesarean delivery. Fenugreek tea is perfect for lactating mothers.
2. Dairy Products
A breastfeeding mother should increase her intake of dairy products to ensure that she and her baby are getting adequate amounts of calcium. As the baby grows inside the womb, it takes all the calcium it needs from the mother’s body. If the new mother’s calcium intake is not supported by her diet after the cesarean delivery, she may later have problems with bone density. In addition, milk is liquid and much more filling than water or other juices. A new mother will not have much time to sit down and eat well-balanced meals or snacks throughout the day. Milk can be a quick fix for getting everything she and the baby need.
3. Fiber Rich Foods
The body needs foods rich in fiber to fight constipation and ensure a hassle-free bowel movement. Constipation can delay the healing process by putting pressure on sores and incisions. Consuming raw fruits and vegetables can help add the roughage needed to facilitate bowel movements. You can also go for oats and ragi as they are also high in fiber for breakfast. Oats and ragi are high in fibre content and are also rich sources of carbohydrates, calcium, proteins and iron.
4. 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.
5. Eat foods that are easy to digest
New mothers are often at a higher risk of building up excess gas after childbirth. So, you have to be very careful and watch your diet. Foods to avoid after a cesarean include meals that contain ingredients that are difficult to digest or can cause excess gas and constipation. Some examples of foods to avoid after a cesarean include carbonated drinks and fried foods that produce gas. Meanwhile, foods high in fiber and nutritious, easy-to-digest hot soups are the type of foods to eat after cesarean section. Including foods such as papaya fish soup made from green papaya, fish, ginger, garlic and red dates in your containment meal will improve digestion, heal quickly sores and will stimulate the production of breast milk.
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.
