A Healthy Diet Plan After a C-Section Delivery

Pregnancy is a beautiful period for every mother. Some deliver normally, while others through C-section. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that in 2016, C-section deliveries were 17.2%, which has increased to 21.5% in India. This rate is higher than the WHO’s recommended guideline rate of 10-15%, which shows the rise in C-section delivery in India. 

The most important reason is that it takes 10-15 minutes with minor pain. A C-section is a surgical procedure in which doctors make incisions in the abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby. Your doctor keeps you under observation to monitor the incision site. 

Did you know? 

A C-section delivery causes more pain after delivery in comparison to vaginal birth. So, you must wonder what to eat after a C-section for fast recovery. A nutrient-rich diet can help limit this pain and provide an effective recovery after the C-section.

In this blog, we will discuss foods that you should eat and avoid after a C-section delivery. 

Essential Nutrients After C-Section Delivery

The after-C-section delivery causes major challenges to the mother. A nutrient-rich diet can provide relief. Also, it provides psychological and emotional well-being, which is most important for a mother after a C-section delivery. 

1. Protein 
2. Fiber 
3. Vitamin C 
4. Vitamin A 
5. Vitamin E 
6. Iron 
7. Copper 
8. Zinc
9. Magnesium 

Protein 

Eggs, milk, paneer, chicken, fish, beans, peas, and nuts contain protein, which provides energy to sustain the day, repair muscle tearing, and heal wounds. 

Fiber 

Fruits, raw vegetables, legumes, lentils, and whole grains help prevent irregular bowel movements like constipation, bloating, and gas. 

Vitamin 

Oranges, papayas, grapes, broccoli, and tomatoes provide your body with vitamins C and A, which help in collagen production. 

Iron 

Lean meats, spinach, beans, and lentils are good sources of iron, which helps maintain hemoglobin levels and prevent blood loss. 

Calcium 

Calcium is important for strengthening bones and muscles and aids in blood clotting. Add milk, cheese, paneer, ragi, Bengal gram, and soybeans, as they are a substantial source of calcium. 

Fatty Acids 

Fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, and algae oils contain essential fatty acids important for brain development. Consult your gynecologist on the required dose of essential fatty acids. 

Breakdown of Nutrient Necessity After C-Section Delivery 

These are some essential nutrients that provide energy and emotional well-being for a fast recovery after a C-section. Here is a breakdown of their importance, sources, and recommended dosage. 

Nutrient	Sources	Recommended Dose	Importance
Fluids	Water  Clear soups Herbal teas	Drink at least 4 liters of water to maintain hydration level.	Prevent dehydration and irregular bowel movements like constipation and diarrhea.
Fibre	Raw vegetables  Fruits  Whole grains  Legumes	Eat fruits and salads to fulfill the fiber content.	Preventive digestive issues.
Fatty acids	Flaxseeds Walnuts  Algae oils  Fatty fish	Have as per DHA.	Help in brain development.
Iron	Lentils  Spinach  Lean meats	Add sufficient iron-rich foods to your diet.	Maintain hemoglobin levels and help with blood loss.
Calcium	Milk  Yogurt  Ragi  Soybeans	Add calcium-rich foods to your diet.	It helps to strengthen bone and muscle health, which prevents blood clotting.
Proteins	Eggs  Chicken  Fish  Meats  Milk  Cheese  Beans  Peas  Nuts	Consult your gynecologist about protein-dietary needs.	Necessary for healing wounds and repairing muscles.
Energy	Nuts  Milk  Pulses  Eggs  Fish	Have nutrient-rich foods.	Increase calorie needs for breastfeeding.
Vitamin	Papayas  Oranges  Grapes  Tomatoes  Broccoli	Consult your gynecologist about vitamin-dietary needs.	Support collagen production and repair tissue.

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/womens-health/10-important-nutrients-you-cannot-skip-during-pregnancy/ 

Indian Diet Chart After C-Section Delivery 

This is the only Indian diet chart after C-section delivery for a pregnant woman. This diet plan contains all the essential nutrients for everyone’s needs. 

Day	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Monday	Upma or Vegetable Omelette + fruit salad	1 roti + dal + mixed vegetable sabzi	1 bowl boiled rice + roasted paneer
Tuesday	Poha with peanuts + sprouts chaat	Rice + lentils + spinach curry	1 roti + dal + grilled fish
Wednesday	Idli with sambar and chutney	1 chapati + chicken curry	Vegetable pulao with raita
Thursday	Palak paratha + curd + fruit smoothie	Rajma with rice	1 roti + egg curry/ paneer curry
Friday	Roasted chickpeas + vegetable dalia	1 bowl of boiled rice + chicken curry + curd	Grilled chicken with salad
Saturday	1 moong dal cheela + coconut water	Vegetable pulao + low-fat curd	1 roti + sauteed vegetables
Sunday	1 besan ka cheela + fresh fruit salad	Masoor dal + 1 bowl of boiled rice	1 roti + paneer bhurji

5 Tips For Fast Recovery After a C-Section Delivery

A nutrition-rich diet helps in better recovery after a C-section delivery. However, proper rest and physical activity can help in fast recovery. 

• Take Proper Rest 

A cesarean section or C-section delivery causes more pain than normal delivery. It’s a surgical procedure that needs rest to prevent complications. Doctors keep you in the hospital for 3-4 days, while your body takes 6 to 8 weeks to recover fully. The C-section delivery makes it hard to move, so it is better to rest properly before getting into action. 

• Pamper Your Body 

Healing takes time, and so does your body’s healing. Avoid lifting weights, going up and down stairs frequently, and exercising aggressively. If you experience mood swings, depression, sadness, and anxiety, talk to a doctor, friend, family member, or therapist and treat your body like a baby. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/pregnancy/pineapple-in-pregnancy-benefits-risks-and-safe-consumption/ 

• Ask Your Doctor for Pain Relief Medicines 

Consult your doctor about pain-relieving medications, primarily during breastfeeding or chest feeding. You can also use a heating pad to provide pain relief in the surgical area. Your doctor might recommend medicines like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and others. 

• Get Good Nutrition 

Nutrition is important for a better lifestyle and pain relief. Add protein, vitamins, minerals, and fluids to your diet. It provides essential nutrients that also help during breastfeeding. 

• Manage Postpartum Changes 

C-section delivery can make you experience symptoms like vaginal dryness, hair loss, night sweats, headaches, acne, breast engorgement, and afterpains. Practice topical treatment for healing these symptoms. 

The Final Thought 

A nutrient-rich diet can help in relieving pain after a C-section delivery. The process involves taking more protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, zinc, copper, and other nutrients. Kiwi and pineapple are the fruits one must eat after a C-section delivery. However, you should avoid spicy, oily, and processed foods after the delivery. This nutrient-rich diet includes all the essential nutrients that you should add to your daily diet. These not only help in relieving pain but also help build calories for the baby.