There are a lot of do’s and don’ts when it comes to pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. Some of it is myths, without much scientific proof, yet passed on from generation to generation. Some of these talks are factual with sufficient scientific explanation. One of the dont’s related to delivery is never drinking cold water after delivery. Is it merely a myth?
One of the first instructions that your mom or grandmom gives after your delivery is to drink only warm water and warm beverages. What if you deliver a baby during hot summers? It is quite natural for you to desire cold water or refrigerated juices, cold milk, cold buttermilk, etc. But can you drink cold water after delivery? There have been mixed reactions regarding this question. And this article can help you get some enlightenment regarding this issue.
In This Article
- Why is Drinking Cold Water After Delivery Not Good?
- Can I Drink it After Normal Delivery?
- Will Drinking Cold Water Affect My Baby?
- When can I Start to Drink Cold Water After C- Section Delivery?
- Guide to Drinking Cold Water after C-section
- Does Drinking Cold Water After Giving Birth Slows Recovery?
- Cautionary Tips for it
- FAQs
Why is Drinking Cold Water After Delivery Not Good?
Not much research has been done on this. So there is no substantial evidence to prove that cold water after delivery is not good. But you may have been told to drink only warm water after delivery for the following reasons:
- The main reason for advocating against having cold water after delivery is the belief that warm water and warm beverages promote speedy recovery. The reason being heat is always being linked to the healing process.
- Another reason for encouraging warm drinking water is that heat aids in shrinking of the womb to its original size. The cold water is believed to delay this process.
- Also, drinking cold water after delivery is believed to cause infections like cold and cough. To some extent, this can be true for some people who are sensitive to anything cold and cold conditions. But in many countries, women have been drinking cold water after their delivery without any harmful effects.
- Coldwater, along with food, can affect proper digestion and can result in gas formation. It is quite painful to develop gas, especially after a C-section.
Can I Drink it After Normal Delivery?
Water plays an important role during the postpartum period, too, just like it did during pregnancy. It is important to consume around 12 glasses of water while you are breastfeeding your baby. Water is important to keep the nursing mother hydrated. It plays a significant role in the production of breast milk and to prevent constipation in breastfeeding mothers—constipation after vaginal birth, which needed an episiotomy can be tremendously painful.
If you don’t like drinking hot water, it will eventually reduce your water intake. This can adversely affect the health of the growing baby. As they will not get adequate breast milk, which is necessary for his growth and development.
However, in spite of all the arguments against drinking cold beverages and water after delivery, there is no evidence that the temperature of the water is important in the healing process after delivery. Therefore, if you have delivered your baby in the scorching hot summers and you yearn for cold water to refresh yourself in the heat, go ahead and indulge. Don’t feel guilty about consuming cold water after delivery as long as it is not too chilled, especially if you are using an air conditioner.
Will Drinking Cold Water Affect My Baby?
Never. Drinking cold water won’t affect your baby. Your breast milk will still be warm, and the antibodies you pass on to your baby through your milk will protect her from catching any infection.
When Can I Start to Drink Cold Water After C- Section Delivery?
The standard methodology after a C-section is not to give the mother something to drink until the doctor can perceive how well the patient acclimates to the post-operation medications. Once the doctor gives a green signal to drink water, you can start drinking plain water (cold or warm as you wish) and also beverages that are not aerated.
Water is essential for the healing process to post a C-section. It helps to improve milk production during breastfeeding, prevents constipation, and may even be helpful for those trying to lose the baby weight. Water can help suppress one’s appetite, and having two glasses of water prior to your meals can assist you with your weight loss regime.
Guide to Drinking Cold Water after C-section
Here are simple steps to be followed for drinking cold water after C-section:
1. Always Stay Hydrated
As already discussed above, water plays a key role in avoiding constipation, increasing breastmilk production and also aids in healing of the wound. So, always remember to stay hydrated.
2. Determine the Amount of Cold Water
Now that you are breastfeeding, it becomes important to determine how much cold water you consume on a daily basis. Keeping a check on the color of the urine will help you determine if you are consuming adequate water. Pale yellow urine suggests adequate water ,whereas dark means you need to increase water intake.
3. Keep it Ready
Set aside a separate bottle for yourself,so that your everyday intake of cold water can be tracked.
4. Add Cold Water to Your Balanced and Healthy Diet
Along with the healthy diet and exercise you follow, remember to include plenty of water in your diet. If you find cold water more refreshing, you can include the same in your diet. Always have a word with your doctor about the exercises you can follow after the c- section.
Does Drinking Cold Water After Giving Birth Slows Recovery?
Despite so much speculation against drinking cold water after having a baby, there is no scientific evidence that supports this theory. The only thing to watch out for is making sure that you sip pure drinking water, which is not too chilled, especially if the weather outside is cold. If you used to have health issues whenever you drank cold beverages, it is better to avoid it at least during the recovery period after delivery.
Clearly, the belief that drinking cold water after delivery is unsafe is not true. It is just another old wives’ tale. Water irrespective of its temperature is essential for breastfeeding moms as your body needs lots of fluids for proper production of breast milk. Having adequate breast milk is essential for the proper growth and development of your baby. So go ahead, keep yourself hydrated! If you are still concerned about taking cold water, it’s best to consult your doctor and understand what the right choice is for you.
Cautionary Tips for it
If you have low immunity levels, and easily develop a throat infection or catch a cold,it is advised to avoid cold water after delivery. If you still have speculations about the same, it is best to consult your doctor.
FAQs
1. What can I Drink After Giving Birth?
Drink mostly water, milk, and fruit juices. Keep yourself hydrated.
2. Can be Drinking Cold Water After Giving Birth Reduce Breast Milk?
Drinking cold water after delivery will not reduce breast milk. Your breast milk will still be warm, and the antibodies you pass on to your baby through your milk will protect it from catching any infection.
3. Does Drinking Cold Water After Giving Birth Slows Recovery?
Drinking adequate water is the key to keep your body free from constipation, but the temperature of the water consumed doesn’t make a difference.
4. Can Drinking Cold Water After Delivery Hamper my Recovery?
Though there is no concrete proof for this, people do believe it does. New mothers are advised to drink warm water instead. Warm water is believed to aid the healing process.
5. Can Drinking Cold Water Just Before a Feeding Session Affect my Milk Temperature?
No, it cannot. The breast milk temperature can never be impacted by the temperature of foods or drinks you consume. Breast milk will match the body’s temperature only.
6. I Like Drinking Only Cold Water. What do I do After Delivery?
If you are not a fan of warm water, it is ok. You can opt to drink flavored water. You can also drink naturally chilled water by storing it in an earthen pot instead of the refrigerator but please be cautious.
4. If Drinking Cold Water After Delivery is not Recommended, Why do They Give You Ice Chips Just Before Delivery?
When you are having contractions, it is not easy to swallow. Doctors also need your digestive system and bladder to be empty when you deliver. So, when your throat feels parched before delivery, they give you ice chips to satiate the thirst.
