Sushi, Champagne, Fries—New Moms Are Sharing First Meals After Giving Birth

After carrying a baby for nine months and cutting out the food and drinks that you can't have while pregnant (basically all the good ones), it's no wonder why so many moms want to indulge after giving birth.

A new TikTok trend has shown the novel ways women are celebrating their baby's delivery in style, and unsurprisingly there isn't a plate of hospital food in sight. Instead, these women are marking the momentous day by enjoying the delicious foods they spent months avoiding—think sushi, fast food, or even popping a bottle of champagne in the hospital bed.

Among the new moms sharing their glorious post-birth meals on social media is Caitlyn Schollmeier from Nashville, Tennessee, who welcomed her daughter, Lorelei Elliot Schollmeier, on February 11, 2024. The next day, Schollmeier ordered $200 worth of sushi to her hospital room, telling Newsweek that "it's almost like a little celebration."

Sushi may be delicious, but the American Pregnancy Association suggests that pregnant women (and those who are breastfeeding) should avoid it, as raw fish is more susceptible to food-borne illnesses. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend avoiding fish that's high in mercury while pregnant because copious amounts can be toxic.

So, after holding out for so long, there's no wonder why Schollmeier couldn't wait to finally get her hands on some sushi.

"Obviously, I waited nine months to enjoy certain things that I was avoiding. I could have waited another day or week, but the reason for doing it right after having the baby is because it's a celebration of finally meeting your baby, and having put in the work to bring them into the world," Schollmeier said.

"It was always part of the plan to do this. I warned my husband in advance that he should expect me to spend a pretty penny on sushi after the baby arrives. I didn't eat all of it, but I took what I wanted, and my husband and doula helped me eat the rest."

Throughout her pregnancy, the mom-of-two craved spicy food and sugary snacks, but she said "the hardest thing to go without" was spicy tuna rolls. And she also missed the occasional margarita.

Schollmeier shared the wonderful moment when she finally got to tuck in to her $200 order of sushi, while cradling her new daughter, in a TikTok video (@themodernmidwife). The clip has amused and delighted many, with more than 4.1 million views and over 314,500 likes at the time of writing.

As a labor and delivery nurse herself, Schollmeier wanted to show other moms the importance of enjoying "the little things unapologetically," and not being ashamed of indulging during a special moment.

She continued: "I always encourage other women to celebrate themselves. In a time where women and moms receive so much judgment, and the expectations can sometimes be so high, I just think we need to invest back into ourselves."

What Should You Eat And Drink After Giving Birth?

After Rose Simard welcomed her daughter in January 2023, she waited just eight hours before enjoying a delicious takeaway dish with a side order of champagne. Simard, from Montreal, Canada, believes that "every woman deserves to be treated like a queen after the challenges of childbirth," so why not enjoy a special meal?

She told Newsweek: "I ate chicken tenders with a side of poutine (it's French fries and cheese curds, topped with gravy). I didn't want to eat just any chicken tenders, they had to be from St-Hubert, a famous family-friendly rotisserie. And I paired my delicious meal with a glass of champagne."

"You've just brought a new life into the world, it's an incredibly special and momentous occasion. I firmly believe that this is a time for celebration and self-indulgence. I had envisioned celebrating the moment with St-Hubert and Champagne for a long time."

Processed food isn't prohibited during pregnancy, however it is advised against as it's linked with an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, according to recent research.

Champagne also isn't something that's encouraged after giving birth, but that wasn't going to stop Simard. Whenever she's achieved a major milestone in life, she's honored the special moment by popping a champagne cork. Welcoming her daughter went right to the top of that list, so pouring the champagne was only natural and it "added a touch of celebration" to this new chapter in her life.

After posting the video on TikTok (@1ou2_rose), Simard received a mixed response online. Many people praised the new mom, but others disagreed with her drinking alcohol so soon after having her daughter.

She continued: "While I'm not advocating for getting drunk, I do think that allowing yourself a sip or two of something you genuinely desire is legitimate. This moment is unique and should be filled with joy."

Indeed, nutrition is an important consideration for any new mom, and WebMD recommends that postpartum women consume between 1,800 and 2,200 calories a day, and nursing women need up to 500 more. The key nutrients to factor in to your diet include lots of protein, calcium, and iron to help the body recover and to make new blood cells. WebMD also notes that women should keep hydrated at all times, having around 6-10 glasses of water every day.

Can You Drink Alcohol After Giving Birth?

This trend has thrilled many people, and there are undoubtedly other moms-to-be who are putting the champagne on ice or prepping their takeout order right now.

Dr. Christine Greves, an OBGYN at Drugwatch, told Newsweek that it's a fantastic way for people to "celebrate in different ways," and she's known many patients who looked forward to that first meal after a long labor.

While Greves has no problem with what women choose to eat, she urges them to remember that everything should be in moderation, and not to go overboard. A big, juicy burger might sound heavenly, but overindulging in fatty foods could make you feel lethargic, which isn't ideal with a newborn baby by your side. As for champagne, a little goes a long way.

She said: "As far as having an alcoholic beverage, keep in mind not to breastfeed for several hours after consuming it. As you haven't had alcohol in a while, your tolerance may be down, so just have a small amount first because your body may not be accustomed to it. Also, if you're on pain medication or any other medications at the time, you shouldn't mix those with alcohol."

Whether it's seafood, pizza, or a burger, many new moms are joining the #postbirthmeal trend on social media, just like Schollmeier and Simard. And as Simard put it, a "standard hospital meal doesn't do it justice."

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