What are the Best Foods for Postpartum Recovery after a Cesarean Section?
As more and more women choose cesarean section, it is crucial for them to pay attention to their diet during the postpartum recovery period. Especially during the initial stages after the surgery, when gastrointestinal motility is not yet normalized, it is essential to avoid random eating. Instead, women can consume liquid foods such as rice soup. Once bowel movements resume, they can gradually introduce more solid foods like fish soup. After approximately a week of recovery, they can revert to a normal diet, incorporating more nourishing foods such as catfish soup.
Let's delve deeper into the dietary recommendations for cesarean section postpartum recovery. Firstly, the diet following cesarean section requires special attention. Immediately after the surgery, when gastrointestinal motility is still recovering, it is advisable to consume liquid foods first, such as rice soup and carrot soup, which can help promote the restoration of bowel movements. Gradually, as bowel movements normalize, semi-solid foods can be introduced. However, due to the incomplete recovery of gastrointestinal function, it is important to avoid overly greasy foods and stick to lighter options like fish and kidney soups.
After a week, women can incorporate more substantial foods into their diet, such as catfish soup and pig's trotter soup, which are known to promote lactation. It is also crucial to avoid eating hard foods during the postpartum recovery period as they can be difficult to digest. If breastfeeding is desired, it is recommended to consume plenty of soups, such as peanut and pig's trotter soup, crucian carp soup, and pigeon soup, to ensure adequate milk supply. It is essential to maintain a balanced diet, favoring light and easily digestible foods, while avoiding excessive salt intake.
Additionally, it is particularly important to avoid pickled foods. On the other hand, milk, lean meat, fish, and shrimp are excellent sources of high-quality protein and should be consumed regularly. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and minerals, especially calcium-rich foods, and regular sun exposure is also beneficial. It is advisable to avoid overly greasy foods and consume vegetables and fruits that have been heated to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. Additionally, foods that strengthen the spleen and stomach, such as lotus seeds, gorgon fruit, and millet, can be included in the diet.
When it comes to fruits after cesarean section, it is generally advisable to avoid acidic fruits. If bowel movements have resumed after six days, a small amount of fruit can be consumed without specific restrictions. However, it is essential not to overeat, especially for women with gestational diabetes, as high-sugar fruits should be avoided. Some suitable fruits include apples, oranges, bananas, and durian. It is important to avoid cold or chilled fruits and to consume all foods in moderation.
During the initial postpartum period, women can consume fruits such as apples, snow pears, grapes, bananas, and cherries. Most vegetables are also suitable, except for Chinese chives, which can suppress lactation. Overall, a balanced and easily digestible diet, rich in nutrients and vitamins, is crucial for a speedy and healthy recovery after cesarean section.
