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You may have attended every informative session there is to know about how to take care of your baby after they come into this world. But have you ever thought about yourself? Mothers who’ve had a c-section delivery need more rest than those who’ve had a normal delivery (1). But there’s more to recovery than just rest. New moms have to take care of their nutritional needs by eating the right food, getting their bodies moving, and staying hydrated.
You might have heard a lot about what to eat and what to avoid and are probably confused about the correct information. We are here to help you by breaking it down into a simple list. Here are seven foods that are good for you after labor — normal or c-section:
1. Chicken Soup
We’ve all heard that chicken soup is good for the soul. If you’ve ever had a steaming hot bowl of chicken soup, you’ll probably agree that all your troubles seem so far away. Apart from being a bowl of comfort and love, chicken soup is also tasty and good for health. It’s packed with protein and hugs your insides like a warm blanket.
2. Dates
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Going out on a romantic date might not be the best idea for you just yet, because you need the rest, but that doesn’t mean you must refrain from all dates (Excuse the silly pun). Dates are great for when you crave something sweet. Instead of indulging in processed sugary foods, dates are the perfect healthy alternative.
3. Oatmeal With Fruit
Who doesn’t like a nutritious and healthy brekkie? Oatmeal is rich in antioxidants and makes for a delicious breakfast. You can cut your favorite fresh fruits and mix them up with oatmeal to make a filling meal. Nuts, milk, seeds, and raisins are also good additions to your oatmeal bowl. If you don’t like to eat oatmeal in its original form, you could also make delicious oatmeal batter for dosa (YUM!).
4. Eggs
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Another great addition to your breakfast, lunch, or dinner, eggs are a great source of protein. They also have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good fats. Add a little pepper and salt to your eggs and enjoy this eggcellent snack.
5. Apples
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It’s no surprise that apples are great for you. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is something we’ve all heard, and for a good reason. The high fiber content of apples is good for your gut health. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, which promote good nutrition and health.
6. Beef
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For you beer lovers, here’s some excellent news! Beef is a great source of iron and can help you replenish your iron levels. Most women bleed for days or even weeks after childbirth, resulting in iron deficiency and anemia (2). It’s normal to lose a lot of blood after delivery, but low iron levels can take a toll on your breast milk supply, and having some beef may regulate those levels (3). Beef is also high in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals. So, beef up, buttercup!
7. Legumes
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All you veg lovers out there who don’t want to eat beef, you don’t have to be left out from the mix! Dark-colored beans like black beans and kidney beans are rich in iron. They are the perfect source of high-quality, non-animal-based protein. So what have you been waiting for? Fill your bowl with beans and replenish your iron levels.
Giving birth is no easy feat. But with the proper care, rest, diet, and sleep, you’ll go back to being your healthy self in no time. Plus, you get to eat some delicious food which might help you recover faster. Did you follow a specific diet after your delivery? Comment below and let us know!
