Confinement Dos and Don’ts All Mothers Need to Know!

Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement for mothers-to-be. Yet, it is also a time when women must be more careful about their health and well-being.

One common practice in many cultures is confinement, which refers to a period of rest and recovery after childbirth.

With the immense amount of conflicting information regarding confinement practices, how can you identify what is true and what are myths?

Don’t worry, PEM is here to help!

This article will explore what confinement is and provide some essential confinement dos and don’ts that all mothers should know.

Confinement is an important period of rest and recovery for new mothers after childbirth.

It is also a time for mothers to bond with their newborns and for their bodies to heal from the physical and emotional strain of childbirth.

During confinement, new mothers are advised to get adequate rest and avoid physical activities, such as cleaning and exercising.

They are also encouraged to eat nutritious foods, stay hydrated, and keep warm.

In Chinese culture, certain ingredients are believed to be particularly beneficial for new mothers during confinement.

Eating dishes cooked with sesame oil or ginger is guaranteed to boost blood circulation and stay warm. Pork liver and intestines are often recommended too, as they are believed to help nourish the blood and promote healing.

Regardless, always ensure that the food, especially meat dishes, is fully cooked, as raw food can harm a healing body.

Drinking plain water is essential during confinement because it helps reduce water retention, aids in milk production and replenishment of milk supply, and prevents common postpartum issues like constipation.

If you don’t like to drink plain water, try these herbs and teas to get your fluid intake up and prevent future ill health:

• Red dates tea: Helps nourish the blood and promotes healing.
• Ginger tea: Aids in warming the body and promotes digestion.
• Herbal soups: Promotes healing and nourishes the body. Some commonly used herbs in confinement soups include Goji berries, Chinese yam, and Dang Gui.

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices, it is believed that cold foods and drinks can cause the body to contract, leading to health problems in the future.

Therefore, avoiding cold foods and drinks (even cold water) is recommended during confinement.

In Chinese culture, it is believed that the body needs to be kept warm during confinement to promote healing, prevent illness, and promote blood circulation.

Try to minimise air conditioning, but if you must, ensure the temperature is not too cold.

It is believed by Chinese tradition that strenuous activities can delay the recovery process and cause health problems in the future.

Therefore, new mothers are advised to avoid strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy objects or bending down. Postnatal fitness and yoga classes designed to help new mothers get back into shape safely and gradually are recommended instead.

It is also recommended to stay indoors during this crucial period, as this helps mothers in confinement avoid outdoor pollution

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all these confinement rules, you may want to consider hiring a confinement nanny to provide extra support.

A confinement nanny is a trained professional who can help with a wide range of tasks, from caring for your newborn to cooking nutritious meals and offering emotional support.

PEM is a trusted confinement nanny agency that can help you find the right nanny for your needs. With a confinement nanny on hand, you can focus on rest and recovery while ensuring that you and your baby receive the best possible care.

At PEM, we are dedicated to supporting new mothers during their confinement period.

We offer a range of personalised products and services, including newborn care, confinement meals, confinement herbs and supplements, and add-on post natal massage services.

Our team of professionals prioritises the health and well-being of new mothers, and we are committed to providing quality care and support.

Contact us today for the best possible postpartum experience!