Postpartum Cravings and Festivals: Finding Balance
It becomes really difficult for women to control postpartum cravings
Many people say that the time after giving birth is one of the most beautiful yet hardest phases in a woman’s life. It brings sleepless nights, new responsibilities, and a rollercoaster of emotions—but it also brings joy as you begin to know and bond with your baby.
During this time, many new moms experience strong cravings. Sometimes it’s sweets, other times it’s savory snacks, and often it’s comfort foods that help with healing and energy.
Now, imagine this phase overlapping with the festival season, when the air is full of the aromas of laddoos, gujiyas, samosas, biryanis, and countless other treats. On one side, your body craves nourishment and comfort. On the other, traditions, gatherings, and festive food culture surround you. This overlap creates a unique challenge: how do you enjoy the season of plenty while still caring for your health and recovery?
In this blog, we’ll explore why postpartum cravings happen, how festivals influence them, and simple ways to enjoy celebrations without missing out on health or happiness.
Why Do Women Experience Cravings After Childbirth?
After delivery, a woman’s hormones, body, and emotions undergo huge shifts. Cravings often arise because of:
-Hormonal changes – After birth, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, while oxytocin and prolactin rise to support breastfeeding. These changes affect appetite, mood, and food preferences, leading many mothers to reach for comforting foods.
-Nutritional needs – Postpartum recovery and breastfeeding increase the body’s demand for iron, calcium, protein, and glucose. A sudden craving for sweets may simply be your body asking for quick energy.
-Emotional comfort – Food is deeply tied to memory, mood, and stress relief. A sleep-deprived, anxious mother may turn to familiar flavors for emotional comfort.
-Increased calorie burn – Breastfeeding burns around 400–500 calories a day, which naturally increases appetite.
When cravings overlap with festival foods, things get more complicated—because food becomes about both nourishment and celebration.
The Festival Factor
In India, food is at the heart of every festival. Each celebration has its own signature dishes—sweets for Diwali, biryanis for Eid, cakes for Christmas, and gujiyas for Holi. For new mothers, this abundance can be both delightful and overwhelming.
-Family traditions – Relatives often encourage new moms to eat more, especially ghee-laden sweets believed to support recovery.
-Emotional pull – Holiday foods are tied to childhood memories and cultural identity, making them hard to resist.
-Social pressure – Refusing food at gatherings can seem rude, and many moms feel compelled to accept.
-Overload of options – With endless festive treats around, moderation can feel nearly impossible.
Can You Really Crave Healthier Foods?
The goal is not to avoid holiday treats altogether but to find balance between cravings and care. Here’s how:
1. Redefine indulgence
Indulgence doesn’t have to mean excess. It can mean savoring a small serving, eating mindfully, and choosing what truly satisfies you. For instance, enjoy one gulab jamun with a handful of nuts instead of three at once.
2. Lean on traditional healing foods
Many Indian postpartum recipes—like gondh laddoos, dry fruit panjiri, or jaggery-based sweets—are nutrient-dense and aid recovery. Choosing these over overly sugary or deep-fried options allows you to celebrate while still nourishing your body.
3. Balance your plate
At festive meals, add protein (paneer, dal, or eggs), fiber (salads, vegetables), and healthy carbs (millets, rice) alongside a small treat. This steadies blood sugar and prevents overeating.
Post pregnancy one must have a balanced diet
4. Stay hydrated
Breastfeeding moms often confuse thirst with hunger. Keeping a water bottle nearby helps reduce unnecessary cravings and keeps energy levels steady.
5. Set boundaries with kindness
It’s okay to say no politely when offered more food. Explaining that you’re recovering while still celebrating often helps family members understand.
Handling Common Cravings During Festivals
Here are some common postpartum cravings and ways to navigate them:
-Sweets – If you crave laddoos or halwa, go for jaggery-based versions, dry fruit laddoos, or homemade kheer with less sugar. Dates stuffed with nuts are another wholesome option.
-Savory snacks – Cravings for pakoras, samosas, or festive breads are common. Instead of denying yourself, balance them with protein-rich curries or lentils to stabilize energy.
-Rice and bread – Pooris, biryanis, and festive breads are hard to resist. Pair them with vegetables or dals for a more filling, balanced meal.
-Caffeine – Lack of sleep can increase the desire for coffee or tea. One or two cups are fine, but limit caffeine since it can pass into breast milk. Herbal teas like chamomile or fennel are calming alternatives.
The Emotional Layer: Food, Festivals, and Motherhood
For new mothers, festivals are not just about food—they’re about identity and belonging. Eating traditional dishes helps reconnect with the “old self” while embracing a new role as a parent.
Cravings also carry emotional meaning. For example, longing for kheer may not just be about sugar but about revisiting childhood memories of family celebrations. Recognizing cravings as signals of deeper needs—comfort, connection, care—helps mothers view them with compassion rather than guilt.
How Families Can Support
Postpartum recovery is smoother when families offer support during festivals. Here’s how loved ones can help:
-Prepare healthier versions of favorite festive treats.
-Ease the mother’s workload so she isn’t overwhelmed by festival preparations.
-Encourage moderation without judgment—neither pushing her to eat more nor criticizing her for indulgence.
-Share responsibilities so she can truly enjoy the celebration.
Imae Description: Giving in to cravings will be the most brutal mistake you make post pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
Postpartum cravings are natural, and during festivals, they can feel even stronger. But with mindful choices, small adjustments, and the support of loved ones, new mothers can enjoy the festive season without guilt or excess.
Festivals, after all, aren’t just about food—they’re about joy, laughter, connection, and healing. For new moms, they can even be a source of comfort against stress or postpartum blues.
So if you’re a new mother this festival season, let yourself savor that laddoo or kheer. Enjoy mindfully, nourish yourself with balance, and remember—you deserve to celebrate both the festival and the extraordinary journey of motherhood.
