Doctor: Is it okay to eat sushi right after giving birth?

Eating sushi or cold foods immediately after giving birth poses several risks and is not recommended, especially in the early postpartum period and while breastfeeding.

Recently, a video of a new mother enjoying a plate of sushi went viral on social media. The video garnered over 35 million views and tens of thousands of comments within just a few days of being posted. Most comments expressed surprise at this postpartum meal and argued that women should avoid eating raw food after giving birth as it is detrimental to their health.

However, a few opinions defended her, suggesting that the mother must have been given permission to eat by her doctor. Others suspected that the young mother intentionally staged the video to create controversy and attract attention.

Dr. Chau Thi Anh, Head of the Nutrition Department at Xuyen A General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, said that after childbirth, a woman's body undergoes many changes due to sudden hormonal shifts and the recovery process from pregnancy and delivery. The postpartum period is a challenging but also sacred journey for women. The mother's body and mind will undergo significant changes to adapt to her new role, and her energy needs will increase to restore her health and provide breast milk for her child.

"Nutrition plays an extremely important role for postpartum women, not only helping mothers recover quickly but also ensuring an abundant and high-quality milk supply for their babies. However, eating sushi and other raw or cold foods immediately after giving birth poses many risks and is not recommended, especially in the early postpartum period and while breastfeeding," said Dr. Chau Thi Anh.

Raw and cold foods can be harder to digest, causing bloating and discomfort for postpartum women.

PHOTO: LE CAM

Risk of bacterial and parasitic infections from raw sushi.

Weakened immune system : After childbirth, a woman's body is in the recovery phase and her immune system is weaker than usual. This increases the likelihood of infection from bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may be present in raw food.

Bacteria and parasites in raw fish : Raw fish can contain pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, or parasites such as Anisakis.

Listeria : Particularly dangerous for postpartum women and newborns. Listeria infection can cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, nausea, and in severe cases can lead to meningitis or sepsis, seriously affecting the health of both mother and baby (if transmitted through breast milk).

Anisakis : This parasite can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and in some cases requires surgery to remove it.

Transmission through breast milk : Although uncommon, some types of bacteria or toxins can be transmitted through breast milk and affect a baby's immature digestive system, causing diarrhea and vomiting.

Mercury risk

"Some types of fish used in sushi (such as bigeye tuna, king mackerel, shark, and swordfish) have high levels of mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal that can accumulate in the body and be passed through breast milk to the baby, affecting the child's brain and nervous system development. Although the amount of mercury transferred into breast milk is usually small, newborns are very sensitive to this toxin," Dr. Anh shared.

Affects the digestive system.

After childbirth, a mother's digestive system is still quite sensitive. Raw or cold foods can be more difficult to digest, causing bloating, discomfort, or even digestive disorders. According to traditional Chinese medicine, cold foods (such as cold sushi) are considered "cold" in nature and are not good for postpartum women who need to keep their bodies warm to recover.

Food safety and hygiene issues

The freshness and preparation process of sushi are key factors in ensuring safety. If the restaurant is not reputable or the ingredients are not stored properly, the risk of bacterial contamination will be very high.

Dietary recommendations for postpartum women

Below are the dietary recommendations from Dr. Chau Thi Anh for postpartum women:

Completely avoid raw foods: It's best to completely abstain from raw foods (sushi, sashimi, raw fish dishes, raw blood dishes, etc.) for at least the first 2-3 months after giving birth, or even longer if you are still exclusively breastfeeding.

Prioritize cooked food: Choose dishes that are thoroughly cooked and served hot to ensure food safety and hygiene.

Choose safe fish options when eating sushi (after a period of abstinence): If you really crave it and have completed a strict abstinence period, choose sushi made from cooked fish (e.g., shrimp sushi, grilled eel, egg rolls, grilled salmon) or fish with low mercury content and prepared hygienically (farmed salmon, tilapia, cod).

Limit cold foods: Avoid eating excessively cold foods to prevent negative effects on your digestive system.

"Always consult your doctor or a nutritionist about your postpartum diet, especially if you have any concerns," shared Dr. Chau Thi Anh.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-co-nen-an-sushi-ngay-sau-khi-sinh-185250609224648955.htm