Burger King Ad Reveals the Meal Many People Want After Giving Birth

It received backlash but many parents get it.

More than a decade later, I still remember how post-delivery with my first child, a baked potato from Wendy’s was literally the best thing I’d ever tasted. To be clear, this wasn’t my dream meal, but it was the middle of the night, and that was the only restaurant in the area that was open. I still loved every single, solitary bite of it.

It turns out I wasn't alone in wanting some hearty food right after giving birth. According to a new survey of 2,000 moms, the meal over a third of new moms desire most is a burger.

Perhaps the fact that Burger King U.K. commissioned the survey, along with Mumsnet , may be a factor in how this particular American staple was highlighted. But still, it makes sense. After all, pushing out a baby is harder than any CrossFit workout on Earth, and a burger is hearty and satisfying, especially when paired with fries.

Don’t believe me that a burger makes moms as happy as their new bundles of joy? Just watch the ad that the home of the Whopper released, showing famished women devouring a grilled beef patty while clutching their sweet newborns.

Backlash for Burger King’s Post-Birth Meal

Not everyone was happy with Burger King's new ad, saying it promotes unhealthy habits for new parents after giving birth.

"This is unsettling. After childbirth, moms need nutrients, not a burger loaded with calories and sodium. Promoting this right after such a major physical experience feels irresponsible," one commenter shared on Instagram.

Another shared, "Mothers need proper nourishment after going through birth! ...Ads glorifying junk should be banned the same way they banned smoking ads."

Others pointed out just how hard giving birth is and new parents should feel free to eat what they please.

"I think any woman can eat what she wants after birthing her own child! She deserves a medal not just her own choice of food," one said.

Another wrote, "I see where all these nutrition based comments are coming from (a good place) but give me a break! A break which is also the point of having burgers after long months of pregnancy and delivery. (ps: it is called labour for a reason)."

Should You Eat Whatever You Want After Giving Birth?

From a medical perspective, Jillian LoPiano, MD, OB-GYN, and Chief Health Officer at Wisp , says, “The metabolic demands of labor and pushing cannot be overstated.”

Moreover, most people do not eat during labor. Indeed, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG), laboring people are advised to stick with clear liquids and not eat solid foods.

Dr. LoPiano says that after birth, she tells new parents to eat anything they want—because they earned it! However, if you are nursing , it’s best to limit caffeine and alcohol, and ensure you’re hydrated.

"Protein, good fats, a wide range of fruits and vegetables, and adequate hydration are of course all good options for getting back on your feet, breastfeeding, and having energy for caring for your newborn ,” she says.

Unfortunately, according to the survey, 41% of new moms said they were dreaming of a delish meal while laboring, only to be disappointed by what they were able to get their hands—and mouths—on once they’d delivered. This also makes sense. Hospitals aren’t exactly known for their cuisine.

And, since birth can happen at any time, day or night, there aren’t always a ton of dining options open, no matter how much you beg your significant other or a family member or friend to please, please go out and get that certain something you’re craving now that the baby is here.

If you’re pregnant now, and you already know what you want to eat after delivery, perhaps it’s time not only to prepare your birth plan , but to think about a post-birth first meal plan, too!

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