Can I drink cold water after a cesarean section? What kind of drink is suitable for a mother who has had a cesarean section?

A cesarean section is a medical procedure that allows mothers to safely give birth. However, after a cesarean section, mothers still need to take special care of themselves to recover and regain strength. One frequently asked question is, ” Can I drink cold water after a cesarean section? ” Today, we’re helping mothers preparing for a cesarean section find the answer. 

Why should you not drink cold water after giving birth?

After giving birth, many mothers may be advised by adults or doctors to avoid drinking cold water. This belief has both cultural and medical reasons, as follows:

• Folk beliefs: In many cultures, especially in Asia, it is believed that after childbirth, a woman’s body becomes weak and fragile. Drinking cold water can cause discomfort such as stomach pain or chills, which can negatively impact recovery. 
• Body Balance: Some cultures believe in the principle of body balance. Drinking cold water can cause an imbalance in the body, which can slow recovery and lead to long-term health problems.
• Digestion: Drinking cold water can make your digestive system work harder. This is because cold water can cause the muscles in your digestive system to contract, slowing down the digestion process. This can lead to bloating or stomach pain. 
• Circulatory System: Cold water can cause temporary constriction of blood vessels, which slows blood circulation and may affect the body’s ability to recover. 
• Risk of infection: After giving birth, a woman’s immune system is weakened. Drinking cold water can cause the body to use more energy to stay warm, which can slow recovery and increase the risk of infection.

Can I drink cold water after a cesarean section?

There is currently no sufficient scientific evidence to confirm that drinking cold water will have any negative effects on the mother’s body after a cesarean section or affect breast milk in any way. Therefore, mothers who have had a cesarean section can drink cold water as usual. However, drinking cold water may affect some mothers’ feelings as follows:

• Feeling sick to your stomach: Some people may feel bloated, gassy, or burp after drinking cold water.
• Feeling cold: Your body temperature may not be stable after a C-section. Drinking cold water may cause you to feel cold.
• Affects blood circulation: There is a misconception that drinking cold water causes uterine contractions, which is not true. However, drinking cold water may temporarily affect blood circulation.

Therefore, mothers should observe their body after drinking cold water. If they feel unwell, they should switch to warm water instead. However, drinking enough water is important for postpartum mothers. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, or more, depending on the body’s needs. In addition to plain water, mothers can also drink broth, fruit juice, milk, or herbal tea to add nutrients and hydration to the body.

Reasons why postpartum mothers feel cold

Once childbirth is complete, her body undergoes several adjustments, including hormonal, circulatory, and significant heat loss that can lead to the feeling of cold. These adjustments are detailed below.

• Hormonal changes

During pregnancy and childbirth , a mother’s hormone system works hard to support the pregnancy and the baby’s growth. As birth progresses, these hormones begin to decline, including hormones that help regulate body heat, such as those involved in regulating body temperature. This decline can cause a mother to feel cold, especially in the days after birth.

• heat loss

Giving birth can cause a mother to lose heat through amniotic fluid and sweat more, which can make her feel cold. Caring for a nursing baby can also increase energy expenditure, which is part of the reason why she feels cold after giving birth.

• Circulatory system changes

During birth, the mother’s circulatory system works harder to deliver energy and nutrients to the baby. After birth, this circulatory system returns to normal function, which can cause the body to feel cold.

• Environment

Cold weather or an uncomfortable environment can make a mother feel colder, especially during winter or in windy conditions.

Warm and cold water for mothers undergoing cesarean section

A drink menu suitable for those who have had a cesarean section

Choosing the right beverage for a cesarean section is important, as the body needs protein and nutrients to recover after surgery. It’s also important for mental well-being. Choosing a cooling beverage can help reduce inflammation and help you feel more refreshed.

• fresh fruit juice

Fresh fruit juices are a great drink for those who have had a cesarean section. They contain vitamin C , which helps boost the immune system, and fiber, which aids in digestion. Plus, the added freshness and flavor make them a great choice for times when your body needs a boost of energy.

• almond milk

Almond milk is a high-protein beverage that contains important nutrients, making it ideal for women who have had a cesarean section. Protein helps repair damaged tissue and aids in the body’s recovery process after surgery. It also contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

• Coconut water

Coconut water is a naturally sweet and mildly flavored beverage loaded with natural sugars. It also contains nutrients and fiber that aid in digestion and provide your body with more energy.

• Jasmine

Jasmine tea is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and provides a powerful boost of energy. Its mild, sweet flavor and easy drinking make it a great choice for helping your body feel cleansed and ready to rejuvenate.

• Warm honey

Warm honey has properties that help stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. It also has the benefit of nourishing the body with nutrients that help in the process of tissue regeneration and repair.

• Orange juice

Orange juice is a drink that is high in vitamin C, which helps in wound healing and helps in the body’s healing process quickly. It also contains antioxidants that help keep the body healthy.

• Chrysanthemum tea

Chrysanthemum tea contains the herb Chrysanthemum, which is rich in antioxidants and has the ability to nourish a weakened body. Its mildly sweet taste and easy drinking make it a good choice for boosting energy and nourishing the body after a C-section.

Choosing the right beverages after a C-section not only ensures your body receives essential nutrients and energy, but also provides a vital boost to your feelings of well-being, a crucial part of your postpartum recovery.

Republished with permission from theAsianParent Thailand