5 Effective First Meal Right After Delivery

Labour can be quite exhausting and physically demanding. It burns almost 100 calories per hour! But that does not mean you can start binge eating right after. The main aim of a nutritious post pregnancy diet is to keep you energetic, prevent weight gain and help you breastfeed well.

As a new mother, you will require 1,800 to 2,200 calories every day, according to an article on WebMD. So, here’s what to eat right after a painless normal delivery and before you switch to full course meals.

1. Eggs

Around 71 grams of extra protein is required for new mothers, according to a recent study. Labour requires non-stop muscle contractions, till the baby is pushed out. Although it might have been a painless delivery, the muscles do get sore and swollen. Hard boiled eggs are rich sources of protein and can help ease the pain right after delivery. You can also go for DHA fortified eggs that will increase the fatty acid in your breast milk.

2. Soups

A painless labour is still quite a rigorous task and you are likely to sweat profusely. In the process, you lose quite a big amount of fluids from the body. Additionally, lactating women require an extra litre of liquid to prevent dehydration. Instead of just water, try soups. They will help you replenish the nutrients and keep your mouth from tasting bland. Chicken, sweet corn or clear soup is recommended.

3. Moringa Leaves

One of the most vital post-partum nutrition is Moringa leaves, which can be consumed right after delivery. They help reduce mood disorders and keep you from high levels of oxidative stress. It has also been scientifically proven to increase the supply of breast milk. They contain galactagogue, which helps to boost the flow of the milk. You can consume by mixing the leaf powder or paste into coconut water or smoothies.

4. Crackers

Crackers are light snacks, which will keep nausea at bay, without making you feel heavy. Flax ones are particularly dense in nutrients and can prove beneficial after an overwhelming delivery. In fact, crackers can help provide carbs and electrolytes, which can help you get back the lost energy. Go for salted crackers so that they aren’t too bland.

5. Oatmeal

Oats are undoubtedly the best snack to gorge on right after delivering a baby. They are rich in carbohydrates, iron, fibre and protein. Oatmeal can prevent constipation, which is a common problem after delivery. Oats can also help improve the flow of milk in the breasts. The best way to consume it would be to cook with milk or water. You can also add chopped nuts and fruits for a delicious taste and added nutrition.

Painless delivery, coupled with the right diet, can help the new mother recover quickly. Make sure you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to avoid any infections.