Are you ready for your C-Section, Mama? In addition to your preparations before giving birth, it’s also important to prepare for what you need after a C-Section. Today, let’s talk about what kind of food should be eaten after your C-Section to help you with recovery.
ARE THERE FOOD THAT SHOULDN’T BE EATEN AFTER YOUR C-SECTION?
You may have heard old wives’ tales that certain food may cause the wound to heal slowly and become scarred. This is not actually true! There’s no medical research that indicates eating certain food will delay the C-Section healing time.
Though, there are some food and drink that CS moms should avoid or take caution when consuming. These include:
Alcohol1,2,3 because it is not beneficial to the body and can slow down recovery. It is also not suitable for breastfeeding moms.
- Allergenic food: Avoid food that can trigger your allergies. Common allergenic food includes seafood, nuts, milk, and fruits.
- Supplements or medicines:2 Consult with your doctor before taking any medicine as these may cause side effects on the body.
- Spicy food2,3 may not be suitable for mothers after a c-section. Try to avoid food that is too spicy or salty and focus instead on food with neutral flavors.
- Food containing caffeine3,4,5: After your c-section, you should avoid anything containing caffeine like tea, coffee, and soft drinks. If you cannot live without it, you should limit yourself to no more than 2-3 cups per day. You can also try switching to decaf!
- Raw or undercooked food4 like sushi, raw meat, raw seafood or even undercooked eggs may induce indigestion and other digestive troubles which may delay the healing of c-section scars.
WHAT FOOD CAN YOU EAT AFTER A C-SECTION?
After your c-section, you should only eat liquid or soft food for the first few days. Then you can adjust back to your normal diet. Make sure to include all 5 food groups in your diet to help with your body’s recovery and boost breast milk.
Post c-section care does not only include treatment or care of the incision wound but also includes food. Aside from food that is nutritionally beneficial and complete, CS moms should also eat food that is easy on the digestive system to avoid constipation, while avoiding food that is high in sugar or fat. Here is a list of recommended food for post c-section care:
Vegetables and fruits1,4,5
Vegetables and fruits are food that are full of various vitamins, fiber, & minerals which will help strengthen the body of the CS Mom. It is also said that when a mom eats a variety of fruits and veggies, it can help their child enjoy the taste of breast milk and may also help them develop a liking to the fruits and veggies as they grow up6
These can also help increase breast milk. Some fruits and veggies that can help increase breast milk include dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, moringa (malunggay), morning glory (kangkong), red sweet peppers, ginger, pumpkin, bananas, mangoes, and cantaloupes.2,7,8
Eggs and meat1,4,5
Eggs and meat are a good source of protein for CS Moms. It helps repair worn out parts of the body and help with recovery after c-section. The meat you eat should be fresh, clean, and cooked. Avoid eating processed meat because this is high in sodium and may not contain complete nutrients.
Water1,2,5
Water is important for everyone. After your c-section, drinking enough water, around 8-10 glasses/day is important for the body. It can also help to increase the mother's milk and also prevents constipation in CS Moms.
Milk2,5
Milk is rich in good fat, protein, and calcium, that can help build blood cells and bones of your body after a c-section. You can drink any kind of milk, even fortified milk for moms which can contain other nutrients that are important to the mom’s body, such as DHA, choline, folate, iodine, vitamin B12, vitamin D, etc.
Rice, flour, grains4,5
Carbohydrate-rich food are food that help provide energy to the body. CS moms should eat carbohydrates in an amount that is appropriate for their body's needs, which is around 2,000 calories per day.
RECOMMENDED MEALS FOR POST C-SECTION CARE9,10
For moms who just had a c-section and don't know what to eat, choose meals that are warm, nutrient-dense, easy on the digestion, and easy to prepare to help in your recovery. Here are some food ideas we can recommend that contain nutrients your body needs after a c-section and help increase breast milk:
- Overnight Oats – an easy breakfast that is rich in fiber and protein that’s easy to prepare. You can simply mix oats, milk or yogurt, plus toppings you prefer like fruits, nuts, or seeds
- Egg muffins or mini frittatas – can be made easily and stored in bulk for an easy meal. Make sure to add veggies for extra vitamins and minerals to add to the protein from the eggs
- Lentil and Vegetable Soup – a hearty soup packed with fiber and protein
- Chicken Noodle Soup – packed with protein and full of vitamins and minerals to help speed up recovery and keep you nourished
- Beef and Vegetable Stew – an easy, comforting, protein and iron rich meal that’s full of vitamins and minerals to help you recover
- Ginger & Bone Broth Congee – easy to digest and nutrient-dense meal that can help you recover
- Mushroom and Lentil Soup – a warm meal that’s high in protein and fiber
- Baked salmon with quinoa and asparagus – a nourishing and satisfying dinner that’s packed protein and nutrients that you need for recovery
FRUITS AFTER A C-SECTION: WHICH ONES SHOULD BE EATEN AND WHICH SHOULD BE AVOIDED?
Some fruits recommended for CS moms include cantaloupe, melon, bananas, grapes, apples, guava, and ripe papaya.1 However, some fruits should be avoided because they can cause gas in the stomach and may also cause the baby who is breastfed to have stomach discomfort, like, jackfruit. 4,5 You should also limit consuming fruits with high fructose content like apples, mangoes, pears, and watermelon. 4,5 However, it is still best to consult a doctor in choosing which fruits to eat after having a c-section.
Now that we’ve learned the diet we need for C-Section recovery, we also need to care for the development of our CS-born kids
HOW CAN WE ENHANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF C-SECTION KIDS?
Having a C-Section means that your child may miss out on the beneficial bacteria that is present in the birth canal. Missing out on this may lead to the CS-born kid having a less diverse gut microbiome that causes weakened immunity and gut health .
Good thing, there is now milk that is specially designed for CS-born kids aged 3+! Introducing NEW Enfagrow A+ CS-Biome 3+: Specially formulated with the C-Biome blend with MFGM and highest levels of DHA (among staged milks), an exclusive immune blend with 2x Higher 2’-FL HMO (VS Enfagrow A+ Nurapro 3+), and prebiotics to help give them stronger protection and optimal brain, immunity, and gut development for their A+ Future, with proper nutrition and stimulation. 
References:
1. Health Pages. Nutrition and Diet After Cesarean Birth. available at https://www.healthpages.org/health-az/nutrition-diet-after-cesarean-bir… accessed on 25 November 2024
2. Medical News Today. Foods to eat and avoid while breastfeeding. available at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322844 accessed on 25 November 2024
3. WebMD. Can I Eat That? I'm Breastfeeding. available at https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/ss/slideshow-breastfeeding-foods accessed on 25 November 2024
4. CARE Hospitals. Diet After Cesarean Section: Foods to Eat and Avoid. Available at https://www.carehospitals.com/blog-detail/food-to-eat-and-avoid-after-c… , accessed on 07 March 2025
5. Verywell Health. What to Eat After Surgery and What to Avoid. available at https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-eat-during-your-recovery-after-s… . accessed on 25 November 2024
6. Healthline. 6 Tips for a Fast C-Section Recovery. available at https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-tips-for-fast-rec… . accessed on 25 November 2024
7. Ngo, Kathy Kenny Ylaya. Malunggay Recipe Ideas Are a Must-Try to Boost Your Milk Supply. Available at https://hellodoctor.com.ph/parenting/baby/breastfeeding/malunggay-recip…, accessed on 07 March 2025
8. UPMC Health Beat. Foods to Promote Breastmilk Production. Available at https://share.upmc.com/2022/09/foods-to-promote-breastmilk, accessed on 07 March 2025
9. Swaney, Skye. 25 Nourishing and Delicious Postpartum Meals. Available at https://www.readysetgrownutrition.com/blog/postpartum-meals, accessed on 15 April 2025
10. Mendwell. Your guide to postpartum meals with 50+ recipes. Available at https://www.mendwellmothers.com/journal/your-guide-to-postpartum-meals, accessed on 15 April 2025
