What to Expect After a Caesarean.
Drinking and eating after a caesarean.
It is wise to start with fluids and clear foods, and
possibly even solid foods, quite soon after your surgery. Your midwife/doctor
will advise you about any restrictions in your individual case,
and the reasons for them. Each doctor, or hospital, will have guidelines
related to this, so you need to check if it's okay before eating
or drinking anything.
Generally, if you had an epidural/spinal, then your
fluid intake will not be restricted. You may drink any fluids, such
as water, juice and cordial, etc, and eat such clear foods as soups
and jellies, etc. But you mustn't start eating solid foods until
you have passed wind - this is a sign that your intestines (which
will have been 'relaxed' during your surgery) are beginning to function
normally again. At this stage in your recovery a light diet is best,
until your intestines become better able to handle your food intake.
Once you have passed a motion, then you can eat whatever
you like. Though remember, especially if you are breastfeeding,
that certain foods encourage wind (i.e., especially anything you
are allergic to) and they may upset your tummy, or your little one's.
It's really important to keep up your fluid intake.
Especially so if you are breastfeeding - in which case always have
a glass of water close at hand while feeding your baby.
It's recommended that you try really hard to drink
at least 8 glasses of water a day. This will stop you becoming dehydrated,
will help replace any blood loss you experienced; it will also keep
your bladder functioning well and help prevent constipation.
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