It is not advisable to abuse high-grade tonic supplements before a cesarean section, such as Korean ginseng, American ginseng, and foods like squid. Ginseng has a cardiac-stimulating and excitatory effect. Squid is rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an organic acid substance that inhibits platelet aggregation, which is detrimental to postoperative hemostasis and wound healing.
Food is prohibited for 6 hours after a cesarean section. Due to the stimulation of the intestines during surgery, intestinal function is affected, peristalsis slows down, and gas accumulates in the intestinal cavity, which can easily cause postoperative bloating. After 6 hours, it is advisable to consume some gas-expelling foods (such as radish soup) to enhance intestinal motility, promote gas expulsion, reduce bloating, and ensure smooth urination and bowel movements.
Foods that are easily fermented and produce a lot of gas, such as sugars, soybeans, soy milk, and starches, should also be consumed sparingly or avoided by the mother to prevent bloating. After the mother passes gas, her diet can be changed from liquid to semi-liquid foods that are nutritious and easy to digest, such as egg soup, congee, and noodles. Then, depending on the mother's constitution, her diet can gradually return to normal.
Mothers shortly after surgery should avoid consuming greasy meat soups and galactagogues (lactation-promoting foods) such as chicken soup and crucian carp soup too early. These can be consumed again 7 to 10 days after the surgery.