Cesarean section is a type of operation in which the layers of the abdomen are separated and the baby is reached by this means and the birth takes place. Since it is an invasive procedure and entering the abdominal cavity, which is normally closed to the outside world, there are some points to be considered before and after the operation. Nutrition, which is one of these points, is important for the health of both the mother and the baby. In prenatal nutrition, an appropriate diet program is followed, taking into account the developmental process of the baby. Nutrition after cesarean section is critical especially in terms of preventing complications that may arise from the operation.
How Many Hours After Cesarean Can You Eat Food?
Ileus, which is defined as the formation of functional obstruction as a result of impaired bowel movements, can also be seen after many surgical interventions. is a complication. As a result of the interventions to the intestinal structures and the anesthetic drugs used during the surgery, intestinal functions may become irregular. It is generally recommended to follow special diet programs in the process after operations with such a risk. Patients who do not eat anything for a while begin to consume liquid foods over time. Then gradually switch to solid foods. Cesarean section, on the other hand, has a procedure that differs from intra-abdominal operations at many points. There are different opinions about nutrition after cesarean section. However, according to scientific studies, there are some benefits of consuming food in the early period after cesarean section. Therefore, feeding can be started after necessary controls are made after cesarean delivery.
Food consumption can be started early to contribute to maternal psychology and wound healing. In addition, healthy breast milk formation can be supported to help the baby's normal development. In addition, there are clinical studies showing that the intestinal functions of the mother are normalized in a shorter time thanks to early feeding. Studies have shown that if food consumption is started early, discharge is faster. As a result of all these reasons, it is recommended that healthy mothers should be fed before it is too late. The answer to the question of when to eat after cesarean section varies between individuals. Scientific researchers state that bowel movements occur approximately 4-8 hours after the cesarean section. Some studies show that cesarean section does not affect the electrical activity in the digestive organs, so the effect on organs such as stomach and intestines is not high. Mothers, who are evaluated for the risks of bleeding and similar complications, may start consuming juicy and soft foods after a period prescribed by the physician. Although it constitutes a low rate, the initiation of feeding may be delayed due to the safety of the mother in people who may need additional interventions due to complications that may develop. Factors that can affect when one can eat after birth are as follows:
- Chronic diseases: In individuals with certain medical problems that increase the risk of complications that may develop after the operation, the examinations and observation period required to ensure that the mother is healthy may be longer. During this process, it may be desirable not to consume any food.
- Caesarean section process: Although it covers a low group, the pre-feeding period can be slightly extended as a result of the physician's follow-up throughout the procedure. Factors such as how long the operation lasts, the structural health and integrity of the intestine and uterus, and the dose of anesthetic drug may determine the duration.
What to Eat After Cesarean Section?
Proper nutrition has an effect that accelerates recovery after delivery. The answer to the question of what to eat after cesarean section is that a gradual program should be followed. Experts state an opinion that it should be started with juicy and soft foods against the question of what should a cesarean delivery mother eat. In this way, the digestive system can be helped to return to its normal functions without forcing it to overwork. For this Foods that are balanced in terms of basic nutrients should be preferred. The points that are recommended to be considered about what should be eaten by those who have cesarean section are as follows:
- Vitamins: Vitamin C is a substance that has an effect on every stage of wound healing. For this reason, it is recommended that mothers who have had a cesarean section take adequate amounts of vitamin C. Another benefit of consuming enough vitamins for the mother is on the health of the baby. During the first 6 years, it is recommended that babies be fed exclusively with breast milk. The need for vitamins during this period of development of the baby is met from the content of breast milk. Breast milk contains vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. But if the mother is deficient in one of these vitamins, the baby's nutrition is affected accordingly. Therefore, it is important to take enough vitamins for both maternal and child health.
- Minerals: According to studies, iron, zinc and copper minerals have effective properties in wound healing. By taking these minerals in sufficient amounts, you can contribute to your recovery process after cesarean section. Your mineral consumption is also important for the healthy development of your baby. Breast milk, which contains minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc and copper, meets the nutritional needs of the baby. For this reason, you should add foods containing the appropriate amount of minerals to your diet after cesarean section.
- Consume foods with plenty of fiber: One of the answers to the question of what a woman who has had a cesarean section should eat is foods with fiber. Dietary fibers are types of carbohydrates found in plant structures that cannot be digested by humans. These fibers are divided into two groups as water soluble and insoluble ones. Water-soluble fibers help balance cholesterol and sugar levels in the blood. Vegetables such as peas and beans and fruits such as apples and carrots contain water-soluble fibers. Water-insoluble fibers, on the other hand, reduce the accumulation of residual material in the intestine. In addition, they have a protective effect against problems such as constipation. These water-insoluble fibers are present in many vegetables such as wheat and potatoes. By consuming fibrous foods, you can prevent problems such as constipation and bloating that may occur after cesarean section. You can protect your gut health by adding these foods to your nutrition plan.
- Fruit and vegetable consumption:&nbs p; Another answer to the question of what to eat after cesarean section is fruit and vegetable-based meals. Studies have shown that different flavors occur in breast milk as a result of fruit and vegetable consumption. In this way, you can increase your baby's interest in breast milk. In addition, you can contribute to your intestinal functions by consuming these foods rich in fiber.
- Adequate calories: During the post-cesarean section period, you need to provide the energy your body needs for recovery. For this reason, it is important to consume calories in accordance with your basal metabolic rate. In addition, extra energy is required during breastfeeding. Experts recommend that nursing mothers eat an extra 450-500 kilocalories in addition to their normal caloric needs. In this way, you can support both your own health and the health of your baby.
- Excessive fatty foods: Fat is a basic nutrient digested in the intestines of the body. Many enzymes are involved in the digestion of fat. In the absorption of fat molecules that are divided into small pieces, there are some special mechanisms that take place in the intestine. For this reason, excessive fatty foods can cause the digestive system to overwork. Fats that cannot be absorbed in sufficient amounts enter the intestinal cavity. As long as it stays in the stomach, it can cause diarrhea by over-stimulating the bowel movements.
- Excess protein: Protein digestion is a procedure that starts in the stomach and ends in the intestine. As a result of consuming more than normal protein, various digestive problems may be encountered. It also has adverse effects on heart, kidney and liver health. For this reason, experts recommend that 10-35% of the daily nutrition be met from proteins. Breastfeeding mothers can consume up to 3.5 grams of protein per kilogram per day. However, there are studies showing that foods high in protein and low in carbohydrates disrupt the intestinal flora. Therefore, protein should be consumed in a sufficient and balanced way by including other nutrients. Legumes, grains, vegetables and mushrooms can be easily consumed as quality, healthy and low-fat protein sources when consumed adequately and in a variety. have foods. In addition, due to the general waste problems in the seas, there are chemicals that have a hormone-like effect in our body and plastic residues, which we call microplastics, in seafood. Lead and Mercury can cause neurological damage by affecting the nervous system in infants. For this reason, it should be recommended that mothers during breastfeeding and later all women and children avoid seafood due to all these risks. Although seafood is known as rich sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, oilseeds (flaxseed, chia, quinoa, hemp seeds) etc.), vegetables (soybean, purslane, Brussels sprouts, spinach, cauliflower), fruits (avocado, walnuts) are foods that contain plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids and do not contain the toxins mentioned above.
- Processed foods: Some processed foods with an unbalanced carbohydrate content can be fermented by bacteria in the gut. As a result, intestinal problems such as bloating may occur. In the period after the cesarean section, such foods should be avoided and attention should be paid to healthy and balanced food consumption. In addition, processed foods almost always contain excess fat, salt, and chemicals.
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