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Postpartum Diet - Foods & Beverages to Avoid Post Pregnancy

In the months after childbirth, most new moms need between 1,800 and 2,200 calories each day. Eating healthy food is vital but the same time knowing what to eat and what not to eat is equally important. Early months are intense for new mothers and it can be very stressful if they are unaware and have eaten something harmful.

Here is a food guide that you must avoid to eat post pregnancy

1. Alcohol

You should avoid all kinds of alcohol after you have a child. This is because not only will it severely impact the way your body heals itself after nine months of nurturing another human being, but also because the alcohol that you consume can directly pass to your baby through your breast milk, and will most certainly stunt their growth and cause a range of other physical issues.

2. Caffeine

Caffeine in moderation is just fine. However, if you’ve celebrated your ability to consume caffeine again by making quad-mochas a daily habit, you may want to half-caf that order. Caffeine gets into breastmilk, and since their bodies aren’t equipped to process caffeine efficiently can act as a stimulant for a baby that can cause irritability and sleep issues.

3. Garlic

The smell and taste of garlic may get transferred to breast milk. Some babies don’t like how garlic smells and tastes and so, may refuse to feed.

4. Fish

Some fish – esp. King mackerel, marlin, shark, swordfish, tilefish, tuna, and bigeye tuna can be high in mercury. When a breastfeeding woman eats these fish, some of the methylmercury passes into her breastmilk and can cause harm to the baby’s developing nervous system.If you love fish and avoiding it would be hard for you, choose low-mercury fish, such as salmon, pollock, catfish, shrimp and canned light tuna. These are safer for new moms.

5. Gassy food

Acidic foods like citrus fruit and tomatoes, spicy or strong-flavored foods, and “gassy foods” (like broccoli and cauliflower) are often associated with baby gassiness and fussiness. Apart from this, the spice content in the food may affect the quality and structure of your breast milk and directly affect your baby’s digestive system as well, leading to a number of stomach related issues.

6. Chocolate

Unfortunately, chocolate can also act as a laxative for a baby. Pay attention to baby’s diaper results after you’ve enjoyed a chocolate feast. If it’s runnier than normal, or the baby seems a little agitated, you might have to cut back or eliminate it altogether until you are no longer breastfeeding your baby.

7. Dairy Products

While this is much debated and contested, it is a good idea to set a limit on the amount of dairy products that you consume in a day because it affects the breast milk, and can tend to develop lactose intolerance in your baby as their digestive systems are not yet completely developed to digest milk. Instead, stick to yoghurt, since it contains good probiotics and low calorie containing dairy products.

While you avoid these foods post pregnancy you must remember the following as well

• Always remember to drink at least eight glasses of water during a single day because mothers tend to get more dehydrated after they have had their babies since their bodies also have to work hard to produce milk for the baby.

• Weight loss, especially after having a baby is a slow process. Therefore, have patience with your body and do not push it too hard.

• Combining the right diet with very light exercising helps you get better results. However, always consult your doctor before exercising or else you may end up injuring yourself.

• Try to add more leafy and green vegetables as well as colourful fruits into your diet, but stay away from ones like cauliflower as they tend to cause gas formation. Also remember to add more pulses and legumes to prevent constipation and to increase your protein intake.

• Keep healthy snacks on hand. If you have fresh veggies and fruit washed and ready to go in the fridge, you’ll likely reach for them rather than chips or cookies.

• Ask friends to cook for you. When loved ones ask how they can help, suggest they bring you a healthy dish. In these first weeks after you give birth, you may be too tired to cook.

Conclusion

Food plays a very crucial role post giving birth to a child. Knowing the food you must avoid can be very helpful as you can be careful. Baby’s health is dependent upon the mother’s eating habits hence, eating healthy and exercising can improve the child’s wellbeing. Don’t crash diet or over exercise in order to get back into shape.

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Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on November 26, 2021

Diet and exercise during pregnancy play a crucial role in maternal and child well-being. Having health insurance ensures coverage for the mother and baby during and after childbirth.