After a successful Caesarean section (c-section) and the baby has been safely delivered, the next important thing is for the woman to heal. Because a c-section is a form of surgery, proper care has to be taken for the woman to make a full recovery.
Once the c-section is over, the doctor would recommend a few things for the woman to do during the healing process. One of the changes she would have to make is regarding her diet. There are some foods that women have to avoid and some that they have to eat more of to allow them heal properly.
In today’s post, we would be focusing on some Nigerian foods women can eat after a c-section. Here are the Nigerian foods to eat after a c-section.
1. Iron-rich Foods
A c-section involves surgery, which means blood would be lost. To get your blood levels up again, you have to eat foods that are rich in iron. Iron plays a role in the production of haemoglobin, which is what red blood cells are made of. By eating iron-rich foods, you can increase the heamoglobin count in your body, which would boost blood production. Iron also plays a role in strengthening the immune system. Examples of iron-rich foods in Nigeria include banana, unripe plantain, vegetable soup (Ugu), bitter leaf soup, fish, red meat, sardines, cashew nuts, eggs, and more.
2. Whole Grains
You need a lot of nutrients after a c-section, and one way you can get that is by eating whole grains. Whole grains are grains with all parts intact, and they contain more nutrients than regular grains. The regular grains we eat lose some of their nutrients when they are being processed. But with whole grains, you can enjoy all the nutrients you want. Some examples of whole grain foods in Nigeria include brown rice, acha (fonio), oats, whole wheat, and more.
3. Vitamin-rich Foods
You also need to eat foods that are rich in vitamins, and where else can you get that from besides vegetables? Vegetables, including dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, and root crops like carrots, are rich in a range of vitamins, including antioxidants.
Fruits are also another good source of vitamins, and you can enjoy them anyhow you like. Vitamins also help with the repair and healing of damaged tissues.
4. Fibre-rich Foods
Experiencing constipation or other gastrointestinal issues is not always pleasant, especially when healing after a c-section. You can prevent that by eating foods that are rich in fibre. Fibre makes it easy for food to digest by promoting easy passage of the food and adding bulk to stool, making it easy to pass out. Fibre also lowers cholesterol levels in the blood and also controls blood sugar levels.
Examples of fibre-rich foods in Nigeria include potatoes, corn, rice, carrots, oats, beans, and more.
5. Fluids
You have to stay hydrated after a c-section as this would quench not only your thirst but also ease bowel movement. You should drink lots of water. You can also take low-fat milk, low-fat yoghurt, and coconut water, because of the essential nutrients they contain. Some healthy drinks in Nigeria are fura da nono, kunnu, tiger nut milk, kefir, and zobo.
NOTE:
To come up with the right diet for you, you can consult with a nutritionist to work out a meal plan, based on what your body needs.
YOU SHOULD ALSO READ:
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- 8 Nigerian Foods That Are Rich In Folic Acid
- 12 Nigerian Foods That Boost Breast milk Production
- 8 Healthy Nigerian Foods for Babies
Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
