Becoming a mother is one of the most joyful experiences in a woman’s life. It is not only a time when she brings a new life into the world, but also a period of new beginnings for herself. After delivery, women need to pay special attention to their health as they are responsible for breastfeeding and caring for their newborn. This makes it crucial for new mothers to focus on their diet. During and after delivery, a significant amount of blood is lost, leading to physical weakness. If a mother neglects her health, it can adversely affect her baby’s well-being.
It is essential for new mothers to look after their health so they can adequately care for their newborn. A nutritious diet keeps mothers healthy and ensures that breast milk provides the baby with the necessary nutrients. Breast milk is the complete diet for a newborn. So, let’s explore what a woman’s diet should look like post-delivery with insights from Ayurvedic experts.
The Importance of a Happy Mother
According to Dr. Kiran Gupta, an expert in Ayurveda and Naturopathy, one of the first things women should focus on is their happiness. Enjoying the initial phase with their child is equally important. Additionally, they must ensure they stay hydrated by drinking clean, boiled water. New mothers should avoid the mistake of not drinking enough water and opt for easily digestible foods.
Incorporate Herbs into Your Diet
Dr. Gupta emphasizes that while breastfeeding, mothers shouldn’t just concentrate on consuming more bread. Instead, they should include traditional herbs in their diet, such as carom seeds (ajwain), cumin (jeera), fennel (saunf), licorice (mulethi), and shatavari. These herbs help detoxify the ovaries and uterus, provide strength, and support the entire digestive system. In simple terms, these herbs help rejuvenate a mother’s life.
Nutritious Foods for Mother and Baby
Dr. Gupta further explains that a mother provides nutrition to her baby for nine months, and the blood loss during and after delivery requires her to regain her strength. Therefore, consuming nourishing foods is critical. For instance, oatmeal can be a healthy meal option, and if digestion permits, mothers should aim to drink milk two to three times a day—without adding sugar. Instead of sugar, adding saffron, turmeric, or black pepper makes the milk even more beneficial.
Benefits of Dry Fruits
Experts recommend that new mothers consume dry fruits like soaked almonds and raisins daily. A mother should focus on her diet closely for at least six weeks post-delivery, as a newborn’s digestive system is still developing. The better the mother eats, the more beneficial it is for the baby’s health.
The Connection Between Mother and Baby’s Health
Ayurvedic experts point out that foods like chickpeas, urad dal, and kidney beans can cause gas and indigestion, as a mother’s digestive system is still fragile after delivery. Consuming such foods may lead to issues like bloating, nausea, or diarrhea, which can also affect the breastfeeding baby. Hence, it’s advisable to include herbs like fennel, cumin, and carom seeds, as cumin also provides calcium. Additionally, shatavari helps in increasing milk production.
Include Plenty of Green Vegetables
New mothers should be encouraged to eat a bowl of green leafy vegetables, carrots, coriander, and other leafy greens every morning and evening. They should also incorporate ghee into their diet with these herbs. Some women worry that consuming ghee might lead to weight gain post-pregnancy, but this is a misconception. Using pure cow ghee with herbs is beneficial, while using oils may be detrimental. It’s important to note that in the past, nuts and fox nuts were often fried in ghee; however, this practice should be avoided post-delivery as it can lead to increased fat in the liver and uterus, resulting in potential weight gain and health issues.
Sample Diet Plan for New Mothers
| Meal | Foods to Include |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Oatmeal with saffron or turmeric, warm milk |
| Mid-Morning Snack | Soaked almonds and raisins |
| Lunch | Whole grains with a variety of boiled vegetables |
| Evening Snack | Herbal tea with a piece of dark chocolate |
| Dinner | Vegetable soup with whole-grain bread |
In conclusion, a balanced diet consisting of herbs, vegetables, and fruits is vital for a new mother’s post-delivery journey. This not only aids in her recovery but also ensures that she can provide the best nutrition for her baby through breastfeeding. Each food choice can significantly impact both the mother’s and the child’s health, allowing them to thrive together in these early stages of life.
