Postpartum Recovery: Gynecologist Answers 12 Common Questions on Diet, Milk Supply, Cracked Nipples & PPD

Dr. Sandip Gupta

A Baby Health Podcast episode with senior gynecologist Dr. Shefali Gadhesh (20 years' experience, based in Bikaner, runs Shri Krishna Maternity Hospital), answering common postpartum questions covering both C-section and normal delivery mothers. Topics covered in this episode: Breastfeeding timing & bonding Skin-to-skin contact is initiated immediately after both normal and C-section delivery. Normal delivery mothers can start breastfeeding almost right away. C-section mothers, due to acute pain as spinal anaesthesia wears off and some disorientation, are usually put to breast within 2–3 hours, though it can take 5–6 hours if pain or shivering hasn't settled; if the mother is healthy, it can be as early as 1–2 hours. Diet after normal delivery vs C-section No major scientific need for diet restrictions after C-section. Family members often mistakenly offer only tea and biscuits — instead, calorie-rich food (milk, dalia, ghee) should start immediately after normal delivery. For C-section: light foods (roti, biscuits, juice) can start 7–8 hours after surgery; milk quantity is kept lower for the first 2–3 days (to avoid gas from lying down) and increased from day 3 (1–2 glasses/day); thin dalia, khichdi, oats are allowed after 8 hours; chapati, dal, light green vegetables from day 1–2; all spices (salt, haldi, hing, jeera) should be included to prevent gastritis/acidity and support gut motility — except red chilli, which should be avoided for 10–15 days (causes burning) and gradually reintroduced; black pepper is fine. Hydration for breastfeeding mothers The common family myth that drinking water causes the belly to swell is false — belly fat comes from calories/ghee, not water. Adequate hydration (at least 10–12 glasses/day) flushes toxins and supports breast milk. The doctor's hospital practice: keeping a 1.5-litre water bottle with each patient and having staff monitor that it's finished, since relatives sometimes restrict water intake, risking dehydration and UTI. Warm, room-temperature or cold water — whatever the mother prefers — is fine. Fruits after delivery Can absolutely be eaten — papaya, banana, chikoo, grapes allowed from day 3. Iron-rich fruits like apple and pomegranate can cause acidity/gastritis if eaten on an empty stomach, so have them about 1–1.5 hours after breakfast, ideally as a mixed fruit bowl. Vitamin C and B-complex in fruits actually help heal stitches — the fear that fruits cause wound infection, itching, or discharge is a myth; fruits provide antioxidants that speed healing. Non-veg after delivery Fine to eat from day 2–3 after both C-section and normal delivery. Boiled or soup-form non-veg is healthy and nutritious — use minimal oil/ghee and avoid heavy spices/red chilli. Egg is also fine from day 2–3, for necessary protein. Mobility and exercise post-delivery Early mobility is crucial to prevent blood clot/DVT risk from prolonged bed rest. After C-section: hand and leg movements, leg folding can start 7–8 hours after surgery; the mother can turn on her side herself (without relatives forcefully turning her) from around 12–13 hours, using a pillow for support; standing/walking, often by day 2–3 with nursing staff help, once the catheter is removed; walking to the washroom naturally starts physiotherapy for stiff muscles. Early muscle activity releases "happy hormones" and supports bonding. Low milk supply Reassurance: every mother can produce milk — adequate supply typically starts by 72 hours; stress/anxiety reduces prolactin, so relaxing matters. Tips: frequent latching, skin-to-skin/kangaroo mother care, ensuring the baby takes the full areola (not just the nipple) for effective sucking, and a comfortable, well-supported feeding position (back rest, pillow on lap, baby's mouth level with the nipple). Diet: variety with dalia, oats, khichdi, ragi (calcium-rich) porridge, adequate protein, plenty of water, 2 glasses of milk daily. If still low, shatavari capsules/powder (a natural galactagogue) can help, along with dry fruits, gond, and coconut. Breast pain Can be from mastalgia (muscle pain from feeding, including shoulder/upper back muscles if the baby feeds too vigorously — feed before the baby gets very hungry to reduce forceful feeding), engorgement/lumps from milk buildup (relieved with warm compress, gentle massage toward the nipple, and expressing with a breast pump), or cracked nipples — caused by over-cleaning the breast (removing natural sebum/oils, risking fungal infection), poor latching (only nipple, not full areola), or pulling the baby off forcefully instead of releasing suction gently with a finger. A good lubricant cream or applying breast milk itself to the cracks helps healing; a nipple shield can be used temporarily if cracks are severe. Birth spacing Effective contraception is essential after 3 months for breastfeeding mothers even without periods returning, since about 50% of unplanned pregnancies happen this way. Ideal spacing between children: at least 3–4 years, so the first child becomes independent (old enough for playschool, without insecurity) and the mother's body (calcium, iron stores) has time to replenish for the next pregnancy. VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) Possible if the previous C-section was about 4 years ago, the baby is cephalic (head-down), placenta is upper segment, fluid and hemoglobin are normal, and natural labour progresses well — the mother can be given a trial for vaginal delivery. If at any point there's scar tenderness, a large/stuck baby, or danger to mother/baby, an emergency C-section is done. Certain conditions (breech position, low-lying placenta, low fluid) mean an elective repeat C-section is planned instead. Belly/scar changes after delivery Physical appearance changes after pregnancy are normal — the doctor encourages self-acceptance and patience. With good post-delivery nutrition, gradual exercise (starting light, building to vigorous by 4–5 months), good sleep, low stress and breastfeeding, most of the body gradually returns to its original shape by around 6 months. Postpartum depression / postpartum blues Very real and common — a combination of physical exhaustion, hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, loss of social life, career break, and often unhelpful "warnings" from elders that discourage new mothers rather than support them. Family and husband support during this 1.5–2 month postpartum period is crucial — dismissing a mother's emotional struggles as "tantrums" or "mood swings" worsens frustration and risks deeper depression, which can take months to recover from and affects the whole family. Real support and love during this period lays the foundation for a healthy, capable mother long-term. Questions this video answers: When can breastfeeding start after a C-section vs normal delivery? Does a C-section mother need diet restrictions after delivery? When can I eat roti, dal, dalia, khichdi after a C-section? Should I avoid salt, spices, or red chilli after delivery? How much water should a breastfeeding mother drink? Does water cause bloating? Can I eat fruits after a C-section? When and how should I eat apple or pomegranate? Do fruits cause stitches to fester or itch? When can I eat non-veg or eggs after delivery? How soon after delivery/C-section can I walk, turn on my side, or start moving? How is DVT risk prevented after delivery? Why is my breast milk supply low, and how can I increase it? What foods or supplements help increase breast milk — is shatavari safe? Why does my breast hurt while breastfeeding? What causes engorgement or lumps? What causes cracked nipples and how do I heal them? Can I apply breast milk to cracked nipples? What is the ideal age gap between two children? Do I need contraception while breastfeeding even without periods? Is a normal delivery possible after a previous C-section? What is VBAC? Will my belly go back to normal after delivery? How long does it take? What is postpartum depression / postpartum blues, and how common is it? How can family support a new mother emotionally after delivery? Relevant for: mothers who have recently delivered (both normal and cesarean), and their family members supporting postpartum recovery, breastfeeding and emotional wellbeing. Disclaimer: All information and suggestions given in this video are general health information. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please take your doctor's advice or consent before using any suggestion given here.