If You’re Booked in For a C-Section, Pack Some Gum

When I had my first c-section 7 years ago, I was only given a liquid diet until I could pass wind. Thankfully the post-birth endorphins had kicked in and food was the last thing on my mind. I was more concerned about feeling my legs again, post-surgery.

But if I chewed gum immediately after giving birth, my recovery time may have been quicker, and I could have avoided drinking my broth for dinner.

New research has found chewing gum immediately after a caesarean helps a mother recover quicker than those who don’t.

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine published a study that analysed 17 international studies. The research found chewing gum after a caesarean led to faster gastrointestinal function.

Over 3014 women were examined, and those that chewed gum straight after their C-section, and then three times a day for 30 minutes each time had a much quicker and more comfortable recovery.

The women who chewed gum recovered the quickest with the following results:

1. They passed their first post-birth wind (flatus) more quickly than those who didn’t chew gum.

2. They experienced their first bowel movements faster than women who did not.

3. They also spent less time in hospital and had fewer incidences of nausea and vomiting.

Why wasn’t this study done sooner?!

Queensland obstetrician Dr Gino Pecoraro, told the Courier Mail, “the prescription of two Juicy Fruit every six hours” could be a cost-efficient measure to introduce to hospitals.

“The savings to the health system of a shortened stay in hospital while waiting for bowels to work could be quite significant.

“These savings could open up funding for other areas ­currently not adequately funded, like post-natal mental health services.”

The new research could apply the same approach to patients who have abdominal surgeries like hysterectomy, appendectomy and gall bladder removal.

The results from the studies are welcome news for mums who require a c-section to deliver.

It seems Juicy Fruit might need to be added to the hospital bag checklist!