“I could not stand the smell of garlic during pregnancy. Two weeks postpartum, I was spooning garlic chutney straight from the jar.”
If you have had similar food curveballs after giving birth, you are not alone. Postpartum food cravings and aversions are real, and not nearly talked about enough.

We often associate unpredictable eating habits with pregnancy, but the truth is, your body does not just “go back to normal” the minute you deliver your baby. Postpartum recovery is a complex dance of hormones, emotions, physical healing, and, for many, breastfeeding, all of which can deeply influence your appetite, preferences, and even your digestion.

Why do postpartum food aversions and cravings happen?

1. Hormonal rollercoaster

After childbirth, your estrogen and progesterone levels take a nosedive. If you are breastfeeding, prolactin and oxytocin levels surge. This shift can influence not only your mood but also how your brain processes hunger and satisfaction.

Some moms report an intense need for sugar or carbs, your brain might be chasing quick energy as you cope with sleep deprivation, healing, and round-the-clock care.

2. Breastfeeding and nutritional needs

Breastfeeding can burn an extra 300–500 calories per day. That is a significant demand on your body, and it makes sense if you are suddenly dreaming about midnight bowls of pasta or double scoops of ice cream. On the flip side, some moms find they cannot tolerate foods they once loved. Spicy dishes, rich meats, or even coffee may suddenly cause nausea or digestive upset.

3. Stress, sleep & emotional eating

Let us be honest—postpartum life is intense. When you are surviving on 3-hour sleep blocks and managing unpredictable emotions, food becomes more than just fuel. Cravings can be emotional outlets. Aversions may arise because your gut and nervous system are overwhelmed.

Common postpartum cravings

Sweet cravings like chocolate, dates, cookies, or creamy milk-based drinks (hello, warm turmeric latte)
Carb-heavy foods such as rice, bread, and potatoes
Spicy or tangy flavors,many new moms report craving pickles, chaat, or citrus
Protein,especially if you are breastfeeding, your body might want more lentils, eggs, nuts, or meat

"I couldn’t stop eating besan laddoos and jeera rice for the first month. That combo made me feel grounded."

Common postpartum aversions

Oily or deep-fried foods may feel too heavy on the stomach
Coffee or caffeine can cause jitters or increase anxiety, especially if you are sleep-deprived
Strong-smelling spices like hing (asafoetida), garlic, or mustard oil
Red meat or certain fish, particularly if you had food aversions during pregnancy that continue into postpartum

Is this normal?

Yes! Most food cravings or aversions in postpartum are normal responses to the body’s recovery and recalibration. But if you find yourself only eating one type of food for days or skipping meals due to repulsion, it might be time to check in with a nutritionist or postpartum care provider.

Important to watch out for:

Sudden loss of appetite
Cravings for non-food items (like chalk or clay, this could signal pica.
Extreme sugar or salt cravings that interfere with balanced eating

Tips to manage postpartum eating swings

Listen to your body, not just your habits
Your needs have changed, honor that.

Balance is key
If you crave something indulgent, pair it with something nourishing (e.g., chocolate with a handful of nuts).

Prep postpartum-friendly meals in advance
Think khichdi, stews, roasted root vegetables, soups with ghee, or Ayurvedic lactation laddoos.

Stay hydrated
Thirst often masks itself as hunger, especially when breastfeeding.

Do not guilt yourself
Your body just created life. Craving a paratha with extra butter? Go for it—just be mindful.

Postpartum is a sacred, messy, beautiful, and exhausting phase. And yes, sometimes it includes crying over cold pizza at 2 a.m. or wondering why your favorite dal now smells like drain water. You are not broken, you are evolving.

Embrace your changing tastes, nourish your body with love, and remind yourself: this too is part of the healing journey.