Tips On Expelling Wind From Your Body After Baby Delivery

Giving birth is a life-changing experience, and while most of the focus is placed on caring for the newborn, mothers also need care and attention, especially during their recovery. One common but often unspoken issue after delivery is the buildup of gas or “wind” in the body, which can cause discomfort and embarrassment.

At the same time, some parents may also notice that their newborn experiences gas in the first few weeks after birth. Since both mum and baby can go through this discomfort during the postpartum period, it helps to understand what is normal and what simple steps may help.
In this article, we share practical tips on expelling wind from your body after baby delivery, along with simple ways to ease newborn gas.

1. Incorporate Garlic Into Your Meals

In traditional Chinese confinement practices, garlic is a staple ingredient in many postpartum meals. It aids digestion and helps expel wind from the body after baby delivery. You can easily add garlic to soups, stews, and rice dishes.

Other digestion-friendly spices like ginger, nutmeg, and coriander can also be included to further support gut health.

2. Drink Herbal Teas

Fennel seed tea is often used to soothe muscle cramps and relieve spasms, which are common after childbirth. It may also help improve appetite.

Red dates tea is another popular natural remedy during confinement. It is commonly taken to support blood circulation, boost energy, and help reduce abdominal swelling. Many mums are also encouraged to drink red dates tea instead of plain water during this period.

3. Avoid Cold and Refrigerated Foods

Traditional confinement wisdom emphasises the importance of avoiding cold foods, which are believed to introduce “wind” into the body. Mothers are encouraged to eat only freshly cooked, warm meals to promote digestion and minimise gas.

4. Use Carom Seeds

Carom seeds (also known as ajwain) are highly valued for their digestive benefits. They help relieve stomach pain, constipation, and bloating. Incorporating carom seeds into your diet can also support liver and kidney health postpartum.

5. Practice Healthy Eating Habits

Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly can prevent swallowing excess air. Plan your heaviest meal during midday, when digestion is strongest, and avoid overeating to prevent putting extra pressure on your stomach.

6. Gentle Exercise

Simple activities like lying on your stomach can encourage trapped gas to escape. Wearing a postpartum belt can also help compress the abdomen gently and aid in expelling gas.

Additionally, Kegel exercises which strengthen pelvic floor muscles, can improve bladder control and help release trapped gas.

Light exercises such as yoga, stretching, or brisk walking are great options for postpartum mothers (after getting medical clearance).

7. Consider Medication If Necessary

If natural remedies don’t provide relief, consult your doctor about safe medications that can help improve digestion and relieve gas. Always seek professional advice, especially while breastfeeding.

8. Avoid Using Straws and Chewing Gum

Using straws, chewing gum, and smoking can cause you to swallow excess air, leading to more gas. Avoid these habits during your postpartum recovery.

9. Limit Gas-Producing Foods

Certain foods like beans, dairy products, whole grains, and carbonated drinks are notorious for causing gas. Fried and fatty foods should also be limited.

Build a balanced confinement meal plan that promotes easy digestion and reduces constipation risks.

Newborn Gas Problems and Solutions

While this article focuses on expelling wind from your body after baby delivery, it is also common for newborns to experience gas in the first few weeks after birth.

Newborn Gas Problems

Newborn gas is common because your baby’s digestive system is still developing, and they may swallow air while feeding or crying. As a result, your baby may seem fussy, burp often, pass gas more than usual, pull up their legs, or have a bloated tummy.

In many cases, this is normal and tends to improve as your baby grows. However, it can still make your baby feel uncomfortable, especially after feeds.

Newborn Gas Solutions

There are a few simple ways to help ease newborn gas:

Burp your baby during and after feeds to help reduce trapped air.
If your baby is bottle-fed, keep them fairly upright during feeds.
Make sure the teat stays filled with milk to reduce air swallowing.
Try gentle bicycle leg movements to help ease discomfort.
Supervised tummy time when your baby is awake may also help.
Avoid overfeeding if your baby often seems gassy after feeds.
Feed in smaller amounts if advised by your doctor.
Hold your baby upright for a short while after feeding, especially if gas and spit-up happen together.

Although gas is common, it is important to speak to a doctor if your baby has persistent crying, vomiting, poor feeding, a hard swollen tummy, blood in the stool, or is not gaining weight well.

Final Thoughts

Postpartum gas is a natural and common occurrence, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your recovery. By making a few mindful adjustments to your diet and lifestyle, you can minimise discomfort and promote smoother healing.

If you’re following Indian or Chinese confinement practices in Singapore, many traditional foods and methods are already designed to help manage postpartum gas effectively.

At PEM Confinement Nanny Agency, our trained and experienced nannies not only care for your newborn but also support your postpartum journey, from preparing nourishing meals to offering daily guidance rooted in trusted confinement practices.

Let us help you focus on rest, healing, and bonding with your baby while we take care of the rest.

Explore our services today and find the right nanny to support you through confinement.

FAQs

Is it normal to have excessive gas after delivery?

Yes, hormonal changes, muscle relaxation during childbirth, and changes in diet can all lead to excessive gas postpartum. It usually improves over time with diet and lifestyle adjustments.

How long does postpartum gas last?

Postpartum gas can last a few days to several weeks, depending on individual health, diet, and activity levels. Most mothers see improvements by 6–8 weeks postpartum.

Can I drink herbal tea while breastfeeding?

Yes, many herbal teas like fennel tea and red dates tea are considered safe during breastfeeding and can even help boost milk supply. However, always check with your doctor for any specific herb concerns.

What foods should I avoid to prevent postpartum gas?

Avoid gas-producing foods like beans, broccoli, cabbage, dairy products, carbonated drinks, and greasy fried foods during the early postpartum period.

When should I seek medical help for postpartum gas?

If gas is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, or bloating that doesn’t improve with natural remedies, consult a doctor immediately.