Confinement Practises

Do you think confinement practices are good or detrimental to the mother? Or is it a waste of time?

One can not dismiss age old practices totally, even in the modern era with advances in medical care and evidence-based medicine. A lot of the confinement practices (more than 60%) are related to foods, and food directly contributes to nutrition, which is important to everyone, more so after a childbirth.

After childbirth, a woman may feel “weak”, and this is likely to be due to a sudden withdrawal of “feel good” hormones as well as anemia due to blood loss during labour. Also, the stomach and bowels which are initially compressed by the pregnant womb, now suddenly expands because of the sudden decrease in the size of the womb. These organs swell up with air and fluid, hence the sensation of bloatness or “wind”. If we can understand this, we can appreciate why the foods that are prepared (containing ginger or black pepper) for the mother in confinement appears to correct the problem.

However, like everything else, one should be selective about confinement practices. Practices that are outright irrational such as not taking shower for prolonged periods or avoidance of fruits or vegetables cannot possibly be beneficial to the woman.

What are some of the confinement practices that contradict modern science? 

 The most glaring is the prohibition of having a bath and washing the hair. It is illogical not to put hygiene as top priority. Keeping one’s body clean through regular shower is more likely to contribute to quick recovery.

The other one would be the avoidance of fruits or vegetables. These foods are a good source of vitamins and fibres which would help ensure good bowel habits and faster recovery.

Eating internal organs or seafoods are fine if well cooked. For that matter, foods that are raw should not be consumed during pregnancy and confinement for fear of contracting nasty bacteria such as listeriosis or salmonella (leading to food poisoning).

Traveling long distance in the car is fine, provided she takes plenty of breaks in between. In general, carrying heavy objects less than 10kg is acceptable.

Apart from this, carrying out any activities or taking any foods in moderation should not be an issue.