C-sections are no joke – and definitely not the “quick and easy” way to have a baby.

Although society may want you to believe that life has returned to normal after a C-section, we are here to tell you that’s not the case. It is important to treat a C-section as a serious physical trauma.

When can you eat after a C-section is, therefore, a major concern. What can I eat, how much of it, and what kind of food? You can find the solution in this article.

Related: Upper Stomach Pain After C-section: What Should You Do? – Tips for Health Care

When Can You Eat After C-Section?

Many people wonder how to eat after a cesarean section so that their bodies can heal quickly. Following a cesarean section, the pressure in the abdomen suddenly drops, resulting in weaker abdominal muscles, slower bowel movements, and a higher risk of constipation. Therefore, after the surgery, the mother should not eat anything for the first 6 hours after surgery, when the intestines have gradually recovered, they should eat and drink.

After a C-section, about 1-2 days, the digestive capacity is still weak, so eat easily digestible foods, do not eat greasy foods. You shouldn’t eat a lot of soups for 3–4 days following a cesarean section. Mothers can resume their normal eating and drinking habits after one week. When you have a better appetite, you can add eggs, and poultry.

After giving birth, the mother eats more in the last months of pregnancy to make milk for lactation. All food groups—meat, fish, eggs, milk, and particularly sea fish like salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and fatty fish—as well as seaweed are necessary for mothers to consume… rich in DHA is abundant in breast milk, which is good for the baby’s nervous system and eyes because the mother consumes the aforementioned foods. Dark green, red, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, papaya, and mango oranges, are rich in provitamin A compounds that are good for young children’s eyes… Eat more than 20 different foods each day, switch up your meals every day, and pick healthy foods. Limit the amount of coffee, sodas with carbonation, and alcohol and cigarettes you consume.

What Can You Eat After C-Section?

Early Recovery from C-section

As we previously mentioned, the first few weeks of your C-Section recovery are the most difficult, so it’s critical that you understand what to eat following a C-Section. It’s also important to know what not to eat.

Warm liquids are also referred to as warming foods. Foods like bone broth, stews, and soup will be simple to consume and will feel soothing and comforting as you recover. For even more comfort, you can include proteins like beef and chicken.

Vitamin-rich foods. Antioxidants, which aid in the regrowth of muscle and tissue in your body, are abundant in foods like blueberries, fruit, vegetables, and cacao. These are great things to eat after a C-Section, because. . . guess who’s trying to rebuild torn tissues and muscles! You are 🙂

Fiber-rich foods. Basically everything mentioned above: the blueberries, fruits, veggies, as well as oatmeal (also a nice, soft, comforting food!) are rich in fiber which will help combat constipation. The first postpartum poop has been reported, right? When you have a Cesarean wound, it can be painful and a little bit scarier. Blending all of these things together into a smoothie would be a great way to enjoy a delicious, nutrient-dense meal. Not to mention, smoothies require far fewer clean-up tasks! When deciding what to eat after a C-Section, that’s always a plus.

Iron-rich foods. You lose double the amount of blood after a c-section than vaginal birth. Therefore, it makes sense to stock up on iron. Hemoglobin, a component of hemoglobin and iron, transports oxygen throughout your body and is essential for healing. Think foods like; beef, cow’s liver, oysters, dark chocolate – yes chocolate, lentils, and white beans. Beans can result in gas and constipation, which are two of the most common problems after cesarean delivery. Therefore, start off slowly with these or postpone them until your scar has healed more.

Late Recovery from C-section

It’s crucial to know what to eat after a C-Section even after the initial healing period of a few weeks has passed. While you may not feel pain, your body is still working to recover from two major events: the pregnancy itself, and the Cesarean surgery. Your body is under a lot of strain as a result of both incidents, and you have actual wounds to recover from. While our bodies are amazing and beautiful and have the capability of healing on their own, it’s imperative that we give them the right tools to do so.

It is important to always practice good nutrition, which includes all of the essential components of health. Knowing what to eat after a C-Section is important, though, perhaps even more so. Giving your body healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins will hasten your healing process and leave you feeling fantastic rather than just better.

You’re just getting started as a new mother. You successfully made it through pregnancy, and through a Cesarean delivery. Now, you have at least a year ahead of taking care of a brand-new life form. The rewarding but taxing tasks of feeding your infant, getting up in the middle of the night, etc. Feed yourself well! Because you absolutely, positively, deserve it.

What You Cannot Eat After C-Section?

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, and besan can be stopped for the first two months as they cause gastrointestinal issues. Similarly, vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, and onions can be eliminated for the first 40 days after delivery.

Due to their high mercury content, fish and shellfish are dangerous for unborn children. Cold cuts, uncooked vegetables, and raw meat should be avoided by mothers. Alcohol is not allowed at this time because it can disrupt breastfeeding and lead to developmental anomalies in the infant.

Sodium content in food should be monitored before and after delivery. Foods high in sodium, such as those found in frozen and canned goods, additives like baking soda and powder, and sauces like soy, barbecue, teriyaki, Chinese food, salted fish, and processed meat, should only be consumed in moderation.

Final Thoughts

Take your time and gradually return to your regular diet after a cesarean section, new mothers. Digestive aids include small, frequent meals and good chewing habits. The support of family and friends also makes a big difference in a mother’s smooth recovery.

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