Guidelines for choosing foods after childbirth so that the body is energized

The childbirth process consumes a lot of energy, it's no wonder that afterward the mother needs high nutritious food intake to replace the burnt calories. Not to mention, life as a mother in the first months after birth forces you to stay energized throughout the day. For that, you need to know some important tips in choosing foods after giving birth.

Don't let the mother's energy run out, here's how to choose food after giving birth

It is better not to eat food carelessly after giving birth. In fact, you need the right food so that your energy returns after the birth process. No need to be confused, this is the right way to choose postpartum food.

1. Choose a type of complex carbohydrates

Deborah Goldman, M.D, an obgyn at the Rhode Island Mother & Child Hospital, said that the more complex carbohydrates a food contains, the better the food is to be consumed. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest than simple carbohydrates and keep blood sugar levels consistent.

This will provide the mother with longer lasting energy, which will help keep her full longer. In addition, complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread and cereals also contain more vitamins and minerals than simple carbohydrates such as white bread and foods containing sugar.

2. High protein consumption

High protein sources should be the diet after giving birth. Protein is needed to replace tissue that may be damaged after childbirth. In addition, these nutrients are also abundant in breast milk and are used to support the baby's growth. Protein-rich foods provide the mother with additional energy which is expended little by little and will last for 3 to 5 hours.

Foods with high-quality protein include milk, eggs, yogurt, lean meats, dry peas, and nuts. Combining these two nutrients at breakfast is a great option to start a day full of energy.

3. Reduce consumption of sugar and caffeine

Are you a true caffeine enthusiast? If so, it seems that you have to endure this desire. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea can indeed stimulate your spirits and make you feel energized again. However, caffeine can make babies irritable and agitated. It's good to avoid consumption after giving birth. However, if you still want to consume it, consume a maximum of two cups of caffeinated drinks a day.

In addition, reduce the consumption of foods and drinks that contain sugar because they can make your blood sugar levels spike. This can cause you to be very energized at one time, then experience a drastic decrease in energy from before. It is important to keep your body energized after giving birth. Try to consult with nutritionists and obstetricians about diet and nutrition that are right for the body according to current conditions.

4. Choose foods with small portions but often

If you are accustomed to eating large amounts of three meals a day, it is a good idea to change this pattern. Quoted from the Baby Center, James Sears, a pediatrician in America stated that the diet after giving birth should change to be less but more frequent.

In short, you divide the portion of the meal that was three times a day into five times a day with smaller portions. This pattern will keep your body getting energy from food, so you don't feel hungry in the middle of the day due to long pauses in eating.

5. Drink lots of fluids

You need to keep your body hydrated by consuming enough water after giving birth. The reason is, dehydration will make the mother feel tired and sleepy throughout the day. Drinking lots of fluids is the easiest way you can do to maintain energy and freshness of the mother.

Therefore, always keep water near you. So if at any time you are thirsty, you just have to take it without any reason to be lazy to take a drink because it is far away. Especially if you are breastfeeding, you will need more fluids. Drink approximately 13 glasses of water every day.