Protein supports tissue repair after birth. Iron needs to be replenished after blood loss. Calcium and vitamin D are critical for breastfeeding mothers because the body prioritises infant needs over its own stores. Breastfeeding requires approximately 500 additional calories per day beyond baseline needs.
Traditional postpartum foods in Indian culture such as ghee with khichdi, dry fruit ladoos, urad dal preparations, and warm spiced milk were developed with intuitive understanding of these needs and are genuinely nutritious.