Post partum is a period after birthing, most crucial within the first 6 months of childbirth. On tackling this, there’s need to understand the physiological needs, lost nutrients to be revived and extra nutrients required to produce milk and aid recovery
It’s also important to understand effects of childbirth on the mother and also adverse effects of pregnancy.
a) Understanding Effects of pregnancy.
Baby needs are always prioritised . This means under inadequate diets, the woman’s body is broken down to provide the needs of the developing baby. Areas affected include bones, fat stores and muscle mass. Restorative diet is therefore needed to replace depleted reserves.
b) Understanding Effects of childbirth.
Childbirth is a trauma on it’s own. The body is tested beyond its limit.
There’s no other pain that surpasses the degree of pain during childbirth. Often results in psychosis in some women, serious scarring, loss of blood and even depression.
c) Understanding Baby Needs.
For the first 6 months, a woman’s body is demanded to produce tons of litres of milk which exclusively nourish the child to its health and growth.
Therefore in simple terms, the diet should:-
i) Provide ENERGY required for rebuilding , sustenance and milk production.
ii) Provide PROTEINS to repair tissues, and replace lost ones during pregnancy.
iii) Sufficient VITAMIN A for immunity for the duo.
iv)Sufficient IRON to replenish lost blood.
v)Sufficient CALCIUM to replenish weakened skeletal structure especially bones.
vi) Sufficient COLLAGEN to rebuild soft tissues.
vii)Sufficient FLUIDS for milk formation and rehydration of the healing body system.
viii) Sufficient FATS to support nutrient absorption and also brain support which in turn help with mental health
In Conclusion
Cultures have various reservations of feeding a new mom. A nutritionist comes in to work with the existing culture but also and most importantly modifies the diet depending on the individual needs of the mom,putting existing and previous health conditions in mind.
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